Lorain County, Ohio — A shooting at the Cuyahoga County Fair last weekend has prompted law enforcement officials throughout Northeast Ohio to review and strengthen their security protocols.
The Lorain County Fair begins Sunday, August 17, and runs through August 24. This year, the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office will take over as the event’s official security partner, replacing the private security used in previous years.
Sheriff Jack Hall stated that they pay attention to incidents at other fairs and take steps to mitigate potential risks. He declined to reveal specific tactics, but stated that the changes are intended to prevent trouble before it occurs.
“The plan is well over 150 pages long. Sheriff Hall explained that they had considered every possible scenario. “Everything is divided into zones this year. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that deputies are working in the appropriate areas and that we have adequate coverage.
In previous years, the Lorain County Fair has used private security for the event. This year, however, the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office will take over as the official security partner.
Other countries are also implementing changes. The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement to Fox 8:
“We have continued to monitor other fairs and any issues they may have had. In addition, we met with the prosecutor and the fair board to discuss safety. We have installed additional cameras and license plate readers for the fair, as well as additional checkpoints at the gates. We always have a noticeable presence at the fair and other events. There are some restrictions on what you can wear (no masks), and bags can be searched. Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees and their families.
The Geauga County Fair begins on August 28th and runs through September 1st.
