Lewis and Clark County seeks grant to replace cameras, increase courthouse security

Lewis and Clark County commissioners have approved applying for federal funds to improve security at the county courthouse, and replace its current closed-circuit TV system from a Chinese state-owned company.

Jenny Chambers, Lewis and Clark County public works director, told the commissioners at their March 12 meeting the county is pursuing a Montana Disaster and Emergency Services State Homeland Security Grant to replace and expand the courthouse closed-circuit TV camera system, add contact alarms to first floor windows, glass break alarms and installation of an emergency backup power source for the camera system.

She said in early 2022 the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency did a risk assessment of the courthouse and recommended improvements. They included interior intruder-detection devices.

The Lewis and Clark County Courthouse

Thom Bridge, Independent Record

They also found the current camera system, manufactured by Hikvision, is not compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act, she said.

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Officials later said Hikvision is a Chinese state-owned manufacturer and is susceptible to cybersecurity attacks. The

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