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Daniels County reviews courthouse security plan, seeks small grants for locks and cameras
Summary
After a state inspection, Daniels County commissioners discussed forming a court security committee, adopting active‑shooter and evacuation procedures, locking unused courtrooms, and applying for modest grants to buy ballistic panels, duress alarms and cameras.
Daniels County commissioners reviewed a state courthouse security assessment on May 19 that recommended a formal court security committee, new access controls and targeted equipment purchases to improve safety at the courthouse.
Tammy Flatterigger, a county commissioner, said a regional coordinator who visited the building urged the county to form a court security committee so the county could apply for grants. "We have to set up a security committee," Flatterigger said, noting Judge Bosland organized an initial meeting with county staff and local court personnel. The group discussed evacuation plans and training, a no‑weapons policy tied to a district judge's order, and minimizing public access points to the building.
Commissioners discussed low‑cost lock upgrades — including keypad, fob and fingerprint options — and basic camera coverage for stairwells and entry points. "You can even access it from your phone by thumb prints or all these other ways," Flatterigger said when describing modern lock options; the board also discussed privacy concerns raised by some department staff about camera retention and footage.
The county also reviewed a previously allocated $10,000 court security grant and other small grant opportunities administered through the court administrator's office. Logistical recommendations included locking courtrooms when not in use, relocating or securing basement access doors and considering a ballistic panel at the judge's bench funded through grant dollars.
The board agreed to pursue the committee structure and follow up with staff to get a clean copy of the coordinator's recommendations and cost estimates, and to work with the courts and sheriff's office on next steps. No formal appropriation was made at the meeting; commissioners requested staff return with specific cost estimates and grant application timelines.
The item will return to a future agenda for potential grant applications and for approval of any contract purchases.
