DECATUR, Ala. — The Decatur City Council approved a new ordinance Monday evening that makes it illegal to bypass or circumvent security checkpoints at city properties and other facilities, voting 4-1 with Councilman Hunter Pepper casting the sole dissenting vote.
The ordinance, introduced by Assistant City Attorney Chip Alexander at a June work session, was requested by the police department to provide clearer enforcement tools beyond existing trespassing charges. Violations carry penalties up to $500 in fines and 180 days in jail.
The measure prohibits avoiding security checkpoints, ignoring security personnel, using alternate entrances with inside assistance, finding alternate entry points, and exploiting security vulnerabilities. The ordinance applies to city properties, schools, businesses, stadiums and other facilities with security checkpoints…