Italy: New county security measures not for Rome sites

Rome: Oneida County officials will continue to monitor security at its Rome facilities, however, visitors there will not be subject to the same security measures which were put in place for the County Office Building, 800 Park Ave., in Utica, on Thursday.

Beginning Thursday, all visitors to the county building in Utica are required to pass through a security checkpoint upon entry, according to a joint statement from Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Sheriff Robert M. Maciol.

Sheriff’s deputies will screen all visitors at the building’s main entrance using a magnetometer wand to prohibit weapons, firearms, explosives, chemical sprays, knives and unauthorized packages from entering the building. Storage lockers will be provided for property that is not illegal, but considered unauthorized.

“Yesterday’s announcement is just for the County Office Building in Utica,” Oneida County officials said in response to a question asking about potential security measures at its Rome facilities. “…We are constantly evaluating security at our facilities and more measures are likely coming in the future,” the statement added.

The county has several offices in Rome — such as its Department of Social Services and Working Solutions offices at 300 W. Dominick St., and the county’s Department of Motor Vehicles across the street at 301 W. Dominick St.