Commissioners Stress Safety Remains Priority
After a murder in one of Wolf Point’s more busy areas on the night of Sunday, Sept. 28, law enforcement officers announced a shelter in place designation for the community that night and early into the next morning.
The tragedy led to schools for both Wolf Point and Frontier to be closed due to safety concerns on Monday, Sept. 29.
Roosevelt County commissioners noted that they have done their best to control crime in the county during the past few years.
“It’s an ongoing concern for safety,” Commissioners Gordon Oelkers said.
Efforts have included updating the 911 system and installing dashboard cameras on all sheriff’s vehicles.
Cost for the efforts cost about $1.7 million last year.
“We’re really pretty updated,” Oelkers said.
Long rifles have also been recently updated in the sheriff’s office.
Commissioners Robert Toavs and Doug Marottek noted safety measures in county buildings have included having panic buttons in some buildings.
In August, commissioners approved a resolution to prohibit guns on the third floor of the courthouse, which includes the district courtroom. Commissioners agreed to have a post on the courthouse’s doors regarding no firearms and have increased security in the third floor during court days.
Marottek said the addition of bullet proof benches for judges have also been discussed.
Commissioners agreed that improving safety measures will be an on-going priority.
