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St. Clair County commissioners debate courthouse screening after judge criticizes inconsistent searches
Summary
Retired Probate Judge Wallace White Jr. pressed the commission to change courthouse screening practices, saying searches are inconsistently applied; the circuit clerk defended screening as necessary for public safety and cited multiple incidents where weapons or violent behavior were discovered, and commissioners agreed to continue monitoring the issue.
Retired Probate Judge Wallace White Jr. told the commission that inconsistent security screening at the Pel City courthouse offends residents and suggested a uniform approach: either screen everyone or allow everyone to enter without searches.
"If we're going to search one, search them all," White said, arguing that exemptions and inconsistent application undermine public confidence in the system.
A circuit clerk who spoke in defense of current screening practices said the county has not seen shootings of judges but that deputies and screening personnel have found knives, guns and other dangerous items in the courthouse hallway. The clerk argued screening reduces risks to staff and patrons and noted deputies have been able to intervene in volatile situations after identifying threats on screening monitors.
"I attribute that to the fact that we do have security," the clerk said, adding that deputies have recovered weapons and once assisted an employee threatened by a mentally challenged visitor.
Commissioners acknowledged the tension between convenience for citizens who come to pay taxes or obtain tags and the need to protect courthouse staff and the public. They noted an existing directive from the Alabama Supreme Court regarding court security that affects the county's obligations.
The commission did not adopt a new policy at this meeting but agreed to keep the topic under review and to try to minimize inconvenience while meeting court-security requirements. Chair and staff said decisions about the level of screening involve the sheriff's office, the courts and the county commission working together and that specifics about who is screened and how are operational matters for that collaboration.
Quote: "People don't like it. It's an insult to the dignity of the people of St. Clair County," White said, calling for reconsideration of current practices. The circuit clerk responded that screening has prevented dangerous incidents and helps staff feel safe.
Ending: No formal policy change was made; commissioners instructed staff to continue studying the issue and to seek measures that balance safety and public access.
