Drug Strike Force installing fencing at building

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A local law enforcement agency is working on facility updates to gain more privacy and deter loitering. 

Buchanan County Drug Strike Force Captain Shawn Collie said a fence around his agency's facility will help ensure people and vehicles visiting the property remain safe.  

“We're seeing more and more over time, issues with people who are not here for lawful reasons,” Collie said. “Whether it's issues with drug strike force or with law enforcement or the government in general.” 

Collie said having an open parking lot where anyone can sit or park on the property is becoming more of a concern since the Drug Strike Force works with sensitive information and cases. 

“We want to still make everybody available for the public if they have business with the Drug Strike Force," he said. “But what we're trying to keep out is individuals who have no business here but are on the property for whatever reason, whether it's trying to identify different investigators' vehicles or different issues that may come up.” 

Collie visited the Buchanan County Commissioners' Office to discuss what the proposed fence would look like. The county will look at estimates for an 8- and 10-foot-tall fence. 

“Whether we have other vehicles parked here or other specialized equipment, trailers or such, we want to make sure that it's protected while it's being parked on our property,” he said. 

The preliminary discussions with the Buchanan County Commission were to ensure both groups are on the same page as planning for the project continues.  

“This is about safety and safety concerns for us within our facility,” Collie said. “And we still want to remain open to individuals who need to come talk to us or meet with us.”