The Neptune Beach Police Department will increase  security at city facilities – including blocking one public access to City Hall during council meetings.

The stepped up measures will use  federal grant funds.

The department has installed security cameras,  most of which are already operational, in several locations throughout the city in an effort to protect the city’s infrastructures.

Approximately 15 cameras have been installed at the city yard, water department, public works building, at well heads, city hall and the police station, according to Police Chief David Sembach.

All of the security cameras are monitored through the dispatch unit so that dispatchers can notify an officer or anyone else in the city of a problem, Sembach said.

“We have a lot of irate people entering city hall,” Sembach said as an example of why the cameras are needed.

Staff will also have to use coded cards to enter city buildings.

Citizens will soon no longer be able to enter through the side door of city hall to attend council meetings.  Instead, only the front entrance will remain open during the meeting.

“It’s just to make things safer for everyone involved,” Sembach said.   

The system costs $140,000.