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Bay County approves new courthouse court/jail liaison position after judge urges added security
Summary
Following testimony from a judge that courthouse tensions and isolated security posts leave staff exposed, the Bay County Board approved adding a court officer/deputy liaison position intended to improve security and transport coverage.
The Bay County Board on Oct. 7 approved the addition of a court officer/deputy position to provide a court/jail liaison and added security coverage for the county courthouse. The item drew extended testimony from a judge and court representatives who described security limitations inside the courthouse and urged the board to approve additional staff.
A judge told commissioners that longtime fixed security posts and a changing public environment in courtrooms create safety concerns for judges, court staff and employees. The judge said the court complex had not substantially updated security staffing for many years and described incidents and staff worries, urging the board to support an additional court liaison position.
Court representatives explained the position's function: a court/jail liaison who would provide additional security, assist with prisoner transports and allow some deputies to perform random patrols inside the building. They said the sheriff's new federal contract to house certain federal prisoners and related transport work has freed some funding capacity, enabling the county to pursue a lower-cost option (one position rather than two) compared with earlier plans.
Commissioners acknowledged past discussion about adding two positions and said the requested single position is a step toward improved safety. After questions and discussion, the board approved the position by voice vote.
The board did not provide detailed salary or classification information in the discussion beyond noting it was a civil-service deputy/court officer classification; final personnel details and funding sources will be handled through human resources and the budget process.
