New security procedures at the Racine County courthouse

RACINE COUNTY -- New security measures are in place at the Racine County courthouse.

Starting today, visitors should enter the courthouse through the east plaza and go through a staffed checkpoint. Bags and personal belongings will be checked by a scanner and visitors will need to pass through a metal detector. 

Public access is only allowed through the east plaza. 

Items not allowed into the courthouse include box cutters, letter openers, bottle openers, scissors, firearms, and glass objects.

Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling says the enhancements were added to protect visitors and employees. 

CBS 58's Marshanna Hester has more.