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Judge implements standing order barring firearms from courthouse courtroom upper level; commissioners endorse enforcement
Summary
District Judge Ben Fosland requested and the commissioners approved a standing order prohibiting firearms on the upper (third) floor of the courthouse where the courtroom is located; enforcement options discussed included wanding by law enforcement on court days or metal detectors for the entire building.
District Judge Ben Fosland presented a proposal to implement a standing order that would bar firearms from the upper level of the courthouse (the floor containing the courtroom) at the July 29 meeting. The judge said the request responds to new legislation allowing firearms in courtrooms and described enforcement options ranging from metal detectors with staff to wanding by law enforcement on court days.
Commissioners discussed the practical implications. Commissioner Toavs raised the possibility of a single, county-wide approach for all county buildings, while Judge Fosland noted that some justice offices could implement similar standing orders. Media attendee Bill Juve commented that in some incidents armed citizens had intervened, and commissioners acknowledged that perspective while proceeding with a safety-focused policy for the courtroom.
Commissioner Toavs moved to call for the question and asked for a vote to implement the standing order for the third floor courtroom and to have law enforcement perform wand checks on court days; the minutes record the motion as passing with all three commissioners voting in favor. The judge will place signs on courthouse doors to notify the public of the order.
