Otero County adopts facility-access rules effective Jan. 1

The Otero County Board of County Commissioners adopted facility-access and physical-security rules Oct. 26. They take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and apply to county-owned or leased buildings, grounds, parking areas and vehicles, under the resolution and attached policy.

The policy establishes four security zones: Public Access, Employee Access, Restricted and High-Security. Departments and elected officials will designate zones in the areas they oversee. Facilities may set their own hours and procedures, and public-facing locations are expected to define public hours.

Visitors to Public Access Areas generally will not have to sign in, unless local procedures, security requirements or operational needs require it. Visitors entering employee, restricted or high-security areas may be asked to show identification, sign in and out, wear temporary identification and remain with an escort. Contractors and vendors are to be limited to the areas and times needed for their authorized work.

After-hours entry is limited to credentialed personnel with a legitimate business, operational or emergency need. Others must be approved by the responsible department, elected official or designee and generally supervised unless specifically authorized to enter unescorted. Departments may require additional approvals, check-ins, escorts or entry logs.

Employees and other authorized personnel must use and safeguard their own credentials and display their badges in county facilities, with exceptions for specified operational, safety, security, law-enforcement and judicial needs. Lost or compromised credentials must be reported immediately. During operating hours, people without credentials must use the public entrance and screening; after hours, they must follow identity-verification and authorization procedures.

The policy allows screening at designated entrances, including metal detectors, wands, X-ray equipment and bag or visual inspections. Refusal may result in denial of entry or removal. The Sheriff’s Office will coordinate courthouse security with judicial officers and court administration, and reasonable alternatives must be provided for medical or accessibility needs.

The County Administrator is responsible for implementation and may establish administrative procedures. Preparations may begin before Jan. 1, including policy communications, acknowledgements and badge issuance.