Commissioners press staff for details on proposed Allied Universal expansion for courthouse security

Cumberland County staff asked the Board of Commissioners April 20 for approval in principle to expand a contract with Allied Universal to provide additional security staffing—ten full-time, two part-time guards and a supervisor—at the courthouse and periodically at other county facilities. Staff said the base cost estimate was approximately $588,000 annually but noted outstanding procurement and state-level questions.

Commissioners focused on operational details. Commissioner Tyson asked whether guards would be sworn or nonsworn and how evidence gathered by nonsworn personnel would be treated in court; staff said the proposal envisions nonsworn personnel but argued that adequate documentation and proper procedures would preserve evidence admissibility. Commissioners also pressed staff to consult the sheriff’s office about whether deputies could be redeployed if contracted guards staffed entry posts and to provide cost comparisons if sworn officers were used instead.

Commissioner Adams raised concerns about supervision, the number of doors/posts to be staffed and whether unarmed nonsworn guards would create a false sense of security. Staff said the base proposal calls for unarmed nonsworn guards (with an option to pay more for armed guards) and said guards would have a radio link to summon the sheriff’s office if incidents occur. The board did not vote on the item and directed staff to invite Allied and a sheriff’s representative to the next meeting and to return with a fuller plan, including sworn vs. nonsworn cost comparisons and a clear post deployment outline.