An amendment to the security policy at the Hamlet Police Department was explained to council members at Tuesday’s Hamlet City Council meeting.
Updated visitor access and security regulations have been implemented at the police department, which will limit the amount of traffic flow within the building.
Acting Hamlet Police Chief Amery Griffin told the council on Tuesday that the policy changes will prevent public access beyond the lobby unless appropriate clearance has been granted.
In addition, access to the back entrance will also be forbidden without signing in and being escorted by an officer.
The FBI-mandated changes were effective as of Oct. 1, Griffin said.
Griffin was appointed acting chief on Sept. 11 after the Sept. 7 termination of former police chief John Haywood.
In other action Tuesday, the board:
• Approved a resolution to direct the city clerk to investigate a petition received under G.S. 160A-31. The petition requested a contiguous annexation from Bland, Inc., referring to the annexation of more than 32 acres located on Highway 177. The clerk will investigate the petition and will report to council during the November meeting and offer a Certificate of Sufficiency of the petition. This request comes in addition to an earlier petition from Norman Bland, of Bland Inc., which requested the annexation of 10 lots on Freeman Mill Road for subdivision construction.
• Heard a proclamation from Hamlet Mayor Jeff Smart recognizing the month of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
• Adopted a resolution urging residents to observe a safe and courteous Halloween.
• Recognized the observation of Veteran’s Day, which will take place on Nov. 11. City offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 12.




















