Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Court Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City asks Natrona County to split cost of full‑time municipal court security/check‑in position
Summary
A city representative proposed converting a part‑time court security role into a full‑time, highly trained security and check‑in position for the Hall of Justice’s fifth floor, proposing a 50/50 cost split with the county (county share $34,000 of a $68,000 package); commissioners asked for more detail and suggested taking the request to the Hall of Justice Joint Powers Board.
The City of Casper asked Natrona County commissioners to consider sharing the cost of a reclassified full‑time municipal court security and check‑in position for the Hall of Justice fifth floor.
City staff described rising violent cases routed to municipal court and frequent volatile interactions at adjacent windows (child support and youth diversion), and said a full‑time, trained security officer who also performs visitor check‑in and wayfinding would reduce incidents and improve public safety for staff and visitors. "Safety for our community is paramount," the presenter said, describing training in de‑escalation and weapons awareness and proposing retention of a part‑time backfill role.
The proposal requested a 50/50 split with the county on a position budgeted at $68,000 annually (county share $34,000). City staff said the change is a reclassification of an existing part‑time employee to full time, not an additional headcount, and that training and backup would be maintained to prevent reliance on other law enforcement agencies.
Commissioners sought details before committing: whether the Hall of Justice Joint Powers Board had been consulted (it had not), whether child support and youth diversion offices had been included in planning (city staff said not in the initial ask but could be), and whether the role conflated wayfinding/information duties with a sworn security function. Some commissioners worried the role appeared tailored to an incumbent and that a heavily sworn training profile might be disproportionate for wayfinding duties. The sheriff noted municipal courts are a city function in Wyoming and said sheriffs typically do not staff municipal courts, though his office has provided targeted assistance when needed.
Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to present the proposal to the Hall of Justice Joint Powers Board, clarify cost‑sharing mechanics and seek input from child support and youth diversion offices before any county commitment.
