Shootings Prompt City Hall Measures

Reacting to recent government building shootings, the city will install a panic button and telephone in the City Council chambers, take an inventory of keys to City Hall and train city employees to deal with workplace violence.

The measures were recommended by City Administrator John Ornelas, who along with Police Chief Dominick Rivetti reviewed security in the wake of shootings at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and at Riverside City Hall. Mayor Raul Godinez II had requested the report.

The City Council unanimously approved the measures Monday. They also agreed that more extreme measures such as metal detectors, video cameras and armed police officers at city meetings are not necessary.

“There are extreme security measures you can take, but I wouldn’t recommend them,” Ornelas told the council. “I don’t believe we come close to that kind of danger.”