2006 News
September 25 , 2006
Bucks County Commissioners' Chairman Serves As Courthouse Security Screener
Continuing his hands-on look at the government's inner workings, Jim Cawley joins public safety employees for a three-hour shift
Commissioners’ Chairman Jim Cawley today continued his whirlwind glimpse of the many facets of Bucks County government at a most-conspicuous location - the main entrance to the county courthouse in Doylestown.
After completing a one-hour familiarization session about the job requirements of serving as a security screener, Cawley spent three hours checking visitors for weapons and other contraband.
“It was extremely enlightening to take part in this aspect of our security force, particularly because September is Emergency Preparedness Month,” Cawley said after working through the lunch hour by keeping a close eye on the x-ray video image screen. “I have a fresh appreciation for the responsibilities that accompany the security-screening arm of our public safety operation. They are truly the first line of protection.”
Some essential duties of the security screener position Cawley experienced were:
- Monitoring the x-ray machine while packages, briefcases and purses are checked;
- Monitoring the walk-through metal detectors adjacent to the x-ray machine;
- When necessary, using a handheld wand to do additional checks;
- Assisting visitors with questions and specific courthouse directions;
- Reporting unusual or suspicious activity to a supervisor.
Since joining the commissioners’ board in January, 2005, Cawley has diligently pursued opportunities to experience county jobs from a first-person perspective. Other recent stints have included weights and measurements official, adult probation officer, fire marshal and board of elections volunteer.
Cawley has pledged to continue his insider’s project at various other departments, including a visit next month to the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works.