Visitors to the Cobb County government building on Marietta Square now have to go through new security measures including a metal detector and bag check.

County Chairman Mike Boyce called the measures a “sad commentary on our times,” but said they were necessary for public safety.

The check point is being manned by the police department and sheriff’s office.

Due to the joint staffing, the county was not able to immediately provide a cost estimate for the new security.