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Treasure County hears security recommendations: locked courtroom, cameras, ballistic panels suggested
Summary
Following an assessment, staff briefed commissioners on recommended courthouse security upgrades — locking the courtroom during nonuse, keypad access, handheld wands, vault chains and ballistic panels behind staff seats — and discussed privacy and funding options, including possible opioid settlement funds.
A statewide reviewer who visited all 56 counties praised Treasure County’s hardwired security but suggested several upgrades to reduce risks, county staff told the board on Feb. 20. Recommendations included locking the courtroom when it is not in use, installing keypad access, using handheld metal wands for screenings instead of permanent detectors, fitting vaults with inexpensive chains and installing ballistic paneling behind staff seating.
Staff noted the county already has cameras connected to in-court computers but said upgrades will need to meet state network requirements; commissioners raised privacy concerns about cameras in courtrooms and said they would check with the judge on what is permissible for cases that are closed to the public. The board discussed bundling security upgrades with other planned work and using available grants, including opioid-settlement funds, to pay for upgrades.
Commissioners agreed the primary near-term step was adding locks to secure the courtroom when unoccupied and investigating funding sources and the technical camera requirements. Staff were directed to explore quotes and coordinate with law enforcement about keypad access and ballistic panels that meet recommended protection levels.
