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GREENSBORO — Weapons have long been banned from city buildings.

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But starting this week, security officers began searching for them.

The city rolled out tougher security measures for Greensboro's public buildings, including inspecting personal items such as handbags before residents are allowed to enter public meetings. Soon security officers also will use handheld metal-detecting wands.

The changes come a few weeks after police arrested a Guilford County man at the Melvin Municipal Office Building and charged him with threatening to kill City Council members. But officials say they've been working to increase security measures citywide for several months.

"As the world changes, we are fools not to change with it," said Michael Speedling, Greensboro's security manager.

When Speedling started the job nine months ago, he became the first city employee whose sole responsibility is to oversee building security.

A former Maryland police officer and federal agent, Speedling completed security assessments of city buildings. The city then added more security cameras to places such as branch libraries and restricted access to areas around the Melvin building on West Washington Street.

The new security measures took effect Tuesday night.

The city's contract security officers inspected purses, laptop cases and other bags before people were allowed to enter City Council chambers. The same security measures will be used at other high-profile meetings.

"They can say they don't want us to inspect their bag, but they won't be able to go through chambers," Speedling said.

City staff said they had no complaints from residents Tuesday night.

The contract security officers also will be trained to use handheld metal detector wands like those used at airport security checkpoints.

"These buildings are owned by the citizens. They need to feel safe when they come into these buildings," said Walter "Butch" Simmons, director of engineering and inspections. "There's an understanding that we will keep them safe."

The Guilford County Courthouse, located across the plaza from City Hall, uses metal detectors at its entrances.

Greensboro's new security measures come at an ideal time, as far as council members and city workers are concerned.

Earlier this month, police charged William Marshburn, 57, with disorderly conduct and communicating threats against City Council members.

Marshburn opposed the city's annexation of his property, according to city staff and legal documents.

Through an organized effort of the contracted security officers and Greensboro police, Marshburn was searched and arrested without any disruption to the ongoing council meeting.

"Marshburn just proved that ... we weren't overdoing it," said City Manager Mitchell Johnson.

Violence against public officials in the United States is rare.

But high-profile cases, like a shooting at a Missouri council meeting in February that left two council members and three city employees dead, can be unnerving.

"I frankly don't want to be shot," Mayor Yvonne Johnson said. "All we can do is make it as secure as possible. It's a sad thing that we have to even think about it, but it is the world we live in."

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or amanda.lehmert@news-record.com