Security Check

[June 8th, 2005] From the "just-wondering" department: In light of violence against judges elsewhere, WW set out recently to check out security in five government buildings around town. The same staffer entered buildings with a 10-inch pair of scissors concealed in a small-soft-sided bag.

Responses in trying to balance public access with security ranged from free rein at city buildings to getting turned away in federal buildings after setting off their metal detectors. Here's a report card, with the highest grades given for tight security:

REPORT CARD

A Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building

Be prepared to show ID, and please leave the metal at home.

A Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse

Same as above (the last safe place for judges?).

B Multnomah County Courthouse

A lawyer's ID with nary a glance at the picture lets you step around the metal detector.

D Portland City Hall Come on in, but stand around for a couple of minutes and a security guard asks what's up.

F Portland Building Walk in and make yourself at home without any questions.

The county Sheriff's Office says the need to admit up to 5,000 people each day into the antiquated county courthouse is why lawyers get easier access.

The city says a plan is in the works to give access cards to employees and to require visitors to sign in.