Montgomery County officials outline courthouse security upgrades and sheriff staffing shortfalls

Montgomery County judges, court managers and the sheriff’s office briefed the County Council’s Public Safety Work Session on Oct. 27 about progress and gaps in courthouse security and sheriff staffing.

The circuit court is in the middle of a multi‑phase project to secure judicial elevators and perimeter access, Tim Sheridan, Montgomery County Circuit Court administrator, told the committee. "The secure elevator is now secured from top to bottom via card and we've built 2 security doors at the Terrace Level and Third Floor Level and that seems to be working," Sheridan said, and added the court is "waiting the design phase for phase 2" to extend security to the remaining floors. He said the project is working from the original capital improvement request but that updated designs and electronic controls have increased costs and that final estimates are not yet complete.

The administrative judge for the circuit court described situations that make the upgrades urgent. The judge said on multiple occasions…