Munster officials are taking steps to improve public safety, including banning gun-shaped cellphone cases.
The Munster Town Council on Monday made it illegal to sell, purchase or carry such a device within town limits.
The ordinance originated with Munster’s Choice Community Council, whose members were concerned the cases could be mistaken for a real gun and thereby put citizens and police officers in danger.
“I’m shocked that these are even out there,” councilwoman Lee Ann Mellon said. “I can see a reason to ban these. Our police officer could think it’s a gun.”
Councilman Dave Nellans said he would hope police officers would know the difference, but that they’re required to make split-second decisions.
Although he voted in favor of the ordinance, council President Joe Simonetto had reservations.
“I’m not sure I’m convinced it will be effective,” he said. “We have a lot of toy pistols and rifles out there too.”
To further enhance public safety, the town is considering an ordinance requiring keyed access to all commercial and industrial buildings, as well as multi-unit dwellings, by police officers and firefighters. This will require owners to purchase a device known as Knox Box.
A Knox Box is rapid entry system that contains a key to the building in case a public safety worker requires access in the event of an emergency. The Munster police and fire departments would store the codes needed to open the Knox Box, which would be installed on the exterior of a building, and contain the key for entry.
Approximately 70 percent of buildings in Munster already have this type of device, say town officials. It will be up building owner to purchase the $200 Knox Box and pay for its installation.
Police Chief Steve Scheckel vouched for the effectiveness of the device.
“We haven’t had an incident where someone broke into a Knox Box and burglarized a business,” he said.
However, councilman John Reed said he was inclined to call local businesses for their opinion on the matter, which was tabled until the council’s next meeting on March 20.
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Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.