FAIRHOPE, Ala. - Audience members who attended Monday’s City Council meeting had to pass through a metal detector for the first time in what will be a regular occurrence at some Fairhope public meetings, according to the Fairhope Police Department.

Police officers also used a hand-held metal detector wand for some people entering council chambers.

Recent e-mails and communications, which have been interpreted by police as potential threats to the safety of some local public officials and government staff, prompted Monday’s new security procedures, Chief of Police Bill Press said.

“I’m not going to sit idly by,” said Press, regarding the e-mail communications. “Where we believe there is a potential for violence, we will increase security.”

Press refused to comment on the specific communications, or who they were directed to, but said the information was being taken seriously.

“We’re pulling a whole package together, and we’re taking it to the district attorney,” he said.

Other places where metal detectors could be expected were at Planning Commission meetings, council workshops and committee meetings, Press said.

“I think unfortunately it’s going to a regular course of business now,” City Administrator Gregg Mims said Tuesday about the new security measures. “In addition to (the recent communications), it’s probably in light of other events that have gone on at public meetings in the country and in the area. Recently, the Gulf Shores City Council moved their council meetings across the street in the room they use for municipal court.”

Mims said some recent communications have raised concern at the police department, which is handling the issue.

“As far as the information that’s been sent, I think the police department has sent that to state and federal (law enforcement authorities) and they’re looking at it,” Mims said. “I’m not really in a position to comment on it further.”