Security Check Point Added to Oneida County Office Building

All Visitors Will Be Wanded Upon Entry Beginning Feb. 24

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Sheriff Robert M. Maciol announced today that beginning Feb. 24, all visitors to the County Office Building in Utica will be required to pass through a security check point upon entry.

“It is my duty to ensure the safety of anyone visiting or working in an Oneida County facility,” Picente said. “We are constantly evaluating the security of each one, and we believe it is necessary to add this new measure to the County Office Building. We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience in this matter, knowing that it is for the greater good.”

Sheriff’s Deputies will be screening all visitors at the main entrance of the 800 Park Avenue facility using a magnetometer wand to prohibit weapons, firearms, explosives, chemical sprays, knives and unauthorized packages from entering the building.

Storage lockers will be provided for property that is not illegal, but considered unauthorized.

“Unfortunately, we have had incidents in which potentially dangerous items and weapons have made their way into the County Office Building,” Maciol said. “As a result, the County Executive and I have a clear and pressing need to make sure the rights of the public and the employees are kept safe and that we all look out for each other’s safety.”