State grant beefing up courtroom security

State grant beefing up courtroom security

If you’ve been to the Lawrence County Courthouse in the past two years, you and your belongings were scanned as you walked through a metal detector at the door.
We installed that system because we want to protect the hundreds of people who work and conduct business there every day. Since some of that business is extremely volatile, it makes sense to pay close attention to safety.

Now, thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, we are making three significant additions to our security system. I’m thrilled to tell you about these measures and the fact that Lawrence County taxpayers will not pay one cent of the total cost, approximately $27,000.

1. Wireless Alarm System – This includes panic buttons placed out of sight in every office and judges’ bench in the Lawrence County Courthouse and Administrative Building. Computer keystroke-operated versions are in several other county buildings. When the button is pushed, courtroom security officers, other law enforcement, my office and others receive immediate notification by phone, radio, and email.

This new system replaces a similar one that has been in place several years, but is now obsolete. Replacement parts, including new/additional panic buttons, were no longer available.

2. X-ray machine repair – Through another nice grant we received several years ago, Lawrence County was able to purchase two x-ray machines to scan Courthouse visitors’ belongings. Unfortunately, both were in disrepair when we put our current system in place at the entrance.

3. Video Arraignment System – This will allow our judges to conduct arraignments (where suspects are informed of the charges against them) and set bonds without being physically face-to-face with the accused. Judges will be able to see and talk to defendants in real time through the webcam and software installed their new laptops and a system of cameras, monitors and headsets in the jail. The system is equipped to handle one person’s case at a time or mass arraignments/bond hearings if a case involves multiple suspects.

Video arraignment will “virtually” eliminate the safety issues surrounding the transfer of inmates from the jail to a courtroom. Courtroom Security director Lt. Anthony Washburn tells me that inmates could once sit in a courtroom’s jury box as they waited for their turn in front of a judge.

Now the group can number 50, 60, or more, and dealing with the overflow is a real challenge for the security team. He says it will reduce the need for manpower the number of inmate appearances in our courtrooms by about 30%.

The system will also allow judges to work wherever their laptops are. We don’t like to bother them while they’re on vacation, but this will provide the immediate connection that’s called for occasionally.

Thanks so much to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts and the improvements this grant is allowing us to make in our security system. Thanks to all who worked to apply for and administer the grant, and to our Courtroom Security team who will make it all work.