After several violent incidents outside the Multnomah County Central Library, officials are considering whether to install a weapons detection system at the downtown Portland branch. Library director Annie Lewis decided not to install the system, citing concerns about deterring patrons and affecting the library’s environment, according to KATU.
After a fatal shooting in July and a stabbing in August near the downtown Multnomah County Library, the branch added security guards, increased exterior patrols, and temporarily removed outside benches, The Oregonian reports. A survey found 76% of library employees are against using metal detectors. The detectors could cost about $44,000 a year to lease, with total security costs possibly reaching $1 million annually, as reported by Oregon Live.
The Multnomah County Library is reviewing security upgrades, including metal detectors, but their effectiveness is not yet clear. Library officials say citywide issues like homelessness, mental health, and addiction also affect safety. "The presence of weapons detection systems can also lead to the perception of immigration enforcement or other type of law enforcement officers – which is not the case – but could be the fear," Lewis said, as mentioned by KOIN. The county board has not made a decision on metal detectors, and further briefings are planned.
