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Sheriff urges more courthouse security staffing as court caseloads and jail population rise
Summary
Sheriff Chad Hawkins asked commissioners to address long-standing staff shortages at the Gaston County Courthouse, citing increased caseloads, a larger county population and operational strain on deputies who manage inmate movement, courtroom security and courthouse operations.
GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Gaston County Sheriff Chad Hawkins told commissioners Tuesday the courthouse is under-staffed for current operations and again requested additional positions to cover courtroom security, inmate movements and other courthouse duties.
Hawkins presented a summary of an earlier courthouse assessment and data showing rising court caseloads and a higher jail population. “Gaston County Sheriff's Office and detention officers are responsible for processing approximately 1,900 individuals through the main entry of the courthouse on a daily basis,” he said in the presentation packet. He noted the courthouse houses 12 courtrooms used daily and that court security needs vary by courtroom: district court typically needs one deputy per courtroom under “perfect circumstances” and superior court typically needs two deputies per courtroom, with more deputies required for high-profile proceedings.
Hawkins told the board the…
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