A good part of the county meeting Tuesday was spent discussing a request for bullet proof glass in the justice of the peace building at West Hidalgo Ave. & South 4th St.

Judge George Solis proposal was to spend $2,015 to install so-called bullet proof glass in the front office of the J.P. office building.

"We get some irate customers," said the judge.

"This will provide some security for all the judges and we need protection for our staff of mostly females."

There are five justices of the peace in the county and they share office space in the same building. Pct. 2 County Commissioner Erasmo "Eddie" Chapa wanted to know, "is there a concern that somebody is going to shoot a staff member?"

Solis responded, "It's happened in other places, we don't want to take any chances. We aren't exactly dealing with the pillars of the community."

The judge said most people pay fines by mail but some come into the office and may not be happy.

He described an encounter Tuesday morning with a family who were fuming because they believe a certain DPS office has it in for them.

The other judge Solis, Pct 1 Justice of the Peace Richard Solis didn't seem to be supportive of the idea.

Bullet proof glass is too expensive and it really isn't bulletproof," he said.

He suggested that the cost of the glass isn't the only cost involved.

"You've got to think about air condiditioner, and the the return air flow. We had the same problem at the police dept., with people getting sick. You need to install return louvers."

Judge George Solis said the office now has a sliding window and that the doors to the inner offices are locked from the inside. However, you can reach your hand in through the window and unlock the door, he said.

Interim County Judge Aurelio "Keeter" Guerra was not enthused about the idea of the expenditure for new glass in the offices.

"We also have other offices that handle cash, we need to look at all our security needs. What about a buzzer that someone would have to press to open the dooir."

He suggested survel1ance cameras at a central location to monitor activity in the office, plus a solid shatterproof window, with a more comprehensive discussion at budget time.

Judge George Solis explained to Judge Guerra that he isn't worried about the prospect of theft as much as he is about possible disgruntled customers.

He concluded by saying, "Whatever you decide is okay, I am just concerned about the safety of my staff."

The matter was tabled pending future discusssion.