LIBERTY – The Union County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance Monday prohibiting the public from bringing weapons into the county courthouse.
Included in the list of prohibited devices are firearms, stun guns and other stun weapons, Tasers, knives, explosives, clubs and any other object that could cause serious bodily injury. The ordinance will go into effect on May 28, after being advertised twice in the local newspaper.
The weapons ordinance was created by the Union County Courthouse Security Committee, which is working to improve security in the building as required by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Union Circuit Court Judge Matthew Cox, a member of the security committee, said the weapon ordinance carries a $1,500 fine for violators.
Commissioner David Woeste asked if pocket knives are included in the list of prohibited items.
“If I’ve got my pants on, buddy, I’ve got my knife with me,” Woeste said.
County attorney James Williams said the county prosecutor would have discretion on criminal charges if a pocket knife was found.