Celebrating 30 years of Wake County security
Wake County in 1996 had fewer people, fewer buildings and almost no security infrastructure. There were no cameras, no electronic locks and no County security staff. But with rapid growth underway and 526,599 residents calling the county home, Wake County adopted formal security measures, laying the foundation for the security systems in place today. Thirty years later, Wake County now serves more than a million residents supported by a strong, proven security system.
“Safety is something we build every day and never stop improving,” said Ryan Davidson, director of General Services Administration.
“The Safety, Security and Loss Prevention Policy explains how Wake County supports keeping people and buildings safe. It sets clear rules, supports the workplace violence prevention plan and guides how visitors are handled.”
After adopting formal security measures, Wake County quickly took a major step forward by establishing a 24/7 security center. The county installed surveillance cameras, added electronic security systems, started security screening at the Courthouse, and stationed security staff and officers in county buildings, providing round-the-clock monitoring and faster response when issues arise.
Timothy Mullally, Safety and Security director with the General Services Administration, has worked with Wake County for more than 20 years and helped build the county’s security system from the ground up. He began his career in security in 1992 and joined Wake County first as a contractor before becoming a full-time employee.
“My job is to make sure the right parameters are in place, that we have the right tools and continue to improve what’s already there,” Mullally said.
“Behind the scenes, we oversee contract security, coordinate company police posts, manage ID cards and building access, maintain security records and track security incidents.”
Visitors to Wake County buildings often see security personnel on site. Security officers contracted through a security vendor work alongside sworn company police officers. Today, the county’s security operation includes about 75 security officers and 60 sworn company police officers, all working together to provide a high level of protection.
Peter Bailey is a security supervisor in the Safety and Security Division of the General Services Administration, responsible for keeping county staff and the public safe across Wake County facilities.
He and his team worked for more than a month to design and assign access to the new public health building.
“Assigning access is not one-size-fits-all; we must ensure individuals only get what they need. Designing and assigning new access levels is complicated and a major effort,” he said.
But security isn’t just about systems, it starts with people. Every employee plays a role in keeping workplaces safe.
The 30-year milestone is a reminder that safety isn’t accidental, it’s planned, practiced and cared for every day by the people who make Wake County work.
