WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — From Your Local Election Headquarters: A visible sign that security measures are being increased in Luzerne County.
This comes in the wake of the Luzerne County Manager's decision not to deploy ballot drop boxes for the November election, citing safety and security concerns.
These large boulders were placed around the county-owned Penn Place Office Building on Tuesday and more are on the way.
County Manager Romilda Crocamo says it's all in an effort to keep county employees and the public safe during this election.
"Unfortunately we live in a very dangerous world, and my job for the election is to produce a fair and free election and I'm committed to do that," Crocamo said.
The placement of these boulders around Penn Place is part of the effort, so says Crocamo.
The Luzerne County Election Bureau is located on the second floor of the building. Crocamo had a risk assessment conducted by the Department of Homeland Security.
"One of the options they had recommended they gave to us is to fortifying the perimeter of Penn Place and instead of putting up something that's really hostile, we decided to just put boulders in that area. It's a bit more aesthetically pleasing," Crocamo explained.
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"People might see these and ask if 'I need to know something as a citizen?'" 28/22 News I-Team Reporter Andy Mehalshick asked.
"There were no threats to me. I do have staff that have been threatened in the past I have staff in Penn Place that reached out to me and want safety measures," Crocamo stated.
Voters 28/22 News spoke with say they have no problems with the placement of these boulders.
"I think it's pretty cool. We definitely need security here. Stuff's gotten crazy here in the last few years. I think it's a good measure," said Wilkes-Barre resident Jessica Shotwell.
"I think it's cool, safety, the way the world, it's good to have now," said Juan Herndandez from Wilkes-Barre.
Crocamo says other security measures are being taken. Some of them will be seen, other measures will not be so obvious.
