You see interesting things on your way to interviews — especially in lobbies.

Earlier this year, the Ellensburg Police Department installed a metal detection system in the lobby of the building. The purpose is to screen people before coming into the back where officers, and some of the public, are located.

In light of the Lakewood police shooting, a desire for added security is understandable.

The need for a full down search is questionable.

As I was waiting in the lobby, chatting with one of the receptionists, I noticed a woman sitting on the bench inside the police department.

She was waiting, just like me. When the officer came back to get her, though, she would have to wait longer — in a more invasive manner.

The officer brought out a wand and did the “airport search” while asking the woman if she had a gun or any knives on her. He asked her to walk through the metal detector, which went off because of metal parts of her clothing.

The whole process took a couple of minutes — not long in the overall scheme of things, but I’m wondering, could that not add more trauma to someone, depending on what they are coming into the police department for?
Who knows.

What I know is I hate going through it at airports — especially since all the added security. With the world the way it is today, we won’t even be able to go into a church, bank, grocery store, school or even an espresso stand without being searched in some way or form.

What is the world coming to?