VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A plan is in the works to improve security and emergency preparedness at the Vigo County Annex.

Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer said discussion has been underway for about a year on how to improve the building’s security and how to be better prepared for emergencies.

On Tuesday, local commissioners met with department heads to go over an emergency preparedness and increased security plan. Switzer noted the plans were well-received and the hope is to implement the projects on May 16.

“We’ve been meeting as a committee, a security committee, within this building to try to secure the building a little bit while also coming up with plans for active shooters, tornadoes, earthquakes, any natural disaster, fire, or anything like that,” said Switzer.

Switzer described the process, explaining that a request will go before the Vigo County Council on Tuesday evening for a security scanner and walk-through x-ray machine to be added to the annex.

While discussing safety, Switzer wanted to remind residents that graffiti is considered a criminal offense after a recent uptick of graffiti was seen throughout the community.

Vandals recently spray-painted graffiti on the West Terre Haute walkway, while other homes and businesses in North Terre Haute were vandalized as well.

The graffiti has since been covered by the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department.