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Constables and judges push for metal detector and screening at JP courthouse
Summary
Constables and a judge requested a metal detector and additional security at a JP courthouse after officials said there is currently no screening for people entering the courtroom. Commissioners agreed to buy a detector from JP special-revenue funds but debated adding a deputy to staff it.
Constables and courthouse staff told the commissioners that the JP facility lacks any screening for people entering courtrooms and urged the court to install a metal detector. Constable Dennis Green said, “I'm waiting for a bombshell to go off out there,” describing the absence of screening and the safety risk for judges, staff and participants.
County staff explained the metal detector could be bought from the JP special-revenue fund rather than the general fund. Commissioners discussed staffing the detector: several suggested using an existing constable when possible while others argued the workload or frequency of hearings could justify adding a deputy—one commissioner noted an added deputy could cost in the range of typical deputy compensation.
The court agreed to include purchase of the metal detector in the proposed budget and to continue evaluating options for staffing or temporary coverage. The judge and staff said they would revisit whether an employee assignment or a CAD-funded position makes better fiscal sense before the final budget is filed.
The purchase was characterized as a near-term safety upgrade with staffing solutions to be clarified later.
