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Judicial administrative order spurs county review of courthouse security, single‑point entry and contractor training
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Summary
Judges and county administrators discussed a recent judicial administrative order calling for single‑point courthouse entry and a review of the county’s policies. The meeting focused on aligning county policy with the order, educating employees about RCW language on weapons and clarifying contract requirements and training for Security Northwest.
Clallam County judges and administrators used the budget hearing to press for a coordinated approach to implementing a judicial administrative order requiring single‑point entry at the courthouse and to ask the county to align internal policies and communications with that order.
Judicial leaders said the administrative order cites state statutory language (RCWs) that lists items classified as weapons and that county policies contain carve‑outs for employees, contractors and secure break rooms. Judges and administrators said those carve‑outs are appropriate in many work contexts but create confusion when the public reads the order; they asked the county to prepare clearer explanatory materials so employees and department heads can apply the order sensibly.
The bench also urged the county to consider whether to take any legislative or policy action to better define the scope and enforcement of the order. Commissioners and staff said the county will review current policies, consider amendments to reconcile any conflicts with the order and plan an education campaign for affected employees and departments. The county indicated it will align the timing of policy changes with single‑point entry implementation to avoid unnecessary delays.
Court leadership expressed concern that the county’s contracted security provider, Security Northwest, may not have consistent courtroom‑specific training and that the contract’s indemnification language and training standards needed clarification. Commissioners asked facilities and purchasing staff to examine contract terms, confirm required training standards (including firearms training equivalency approved by the sheriff), and ensure the contractor can meet courtroom expectations rather than only event security requirements.
What happens next: county staff will review and propose policy language to align county policies with the judicial order, pursue a communication/education plan for county employees, and audit the security contractor’s training and scope of duties to ensure courtroom coverage is matched by contract terms and staff training.
