MINOT (AP) - Ward County's sheriff and commission chairman are at odds over the back door to the courthouse.

Sheriff Vern Erck says unauthorized people using the back door to avoid security screening at the main door includes county department heads and county commissioners. They have keys but aren't on the sheriff's approved list.

Commission Chairman Bruce Christianson says he's one who uses the back door, because he has a key. He says county employees are not threats to courthouse security.

Erck has been directed to study the situation another three months and tell county department heads that enforcement of the existing policy will be forthcoming.