Security at Linn courthouse is too much

Is anyone else as angry about the oppressive security measures at the Linn County Courthouse as I am? It was bad enough before, but in the last few weeks the electronic scanner has been calibrated at such a level that one almost has to undress to get through.

There is a sign as you approach the scanner that says you must remove everything that might be metal and it specifically mentions belts. Is a belt a dangerous weapon?

I have seen women who have been stopped at the scanner because of wire in a bra or a metal button on a pair of pants. That resulted in the sheriff's deputies' running a hand-held scanner across a woman's breasts or abdomen.

Persons using the courthouse should not have to endure that kind of harassment and humiliation.

I have been in many courthouses and public buildings in Iowa and elsewhere. I have never seen the sort of oppressive, demeaning and harassing tactics that exist at the Linn County Courthouse. If you believe that this is unnecessary and should be stopped, please contact Sheriff Brian Gardner at (319) 892-6100 or sheriff@linncounty.org

Wallace L. Taylor

Cedar Rapids