Security of the Pulaski County Courthouse was the topic of conversation during a joint session between the council and commissioners Monday evening.

Council, commissioners discuss courthouse security

A joint session with the county council and commissioners may have locked down the need for more security at the Pulaski County Courthouse. 
During the joint session, Monday evening, the two groups listened to sheriff Jeff Richwine, county clerk Christi Hoffa and Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Michael Shurn regarding what could happen when an angry individual enters the courthouse and what measures may be taken to stop them. 
Hoffa informed the council members about what she said during the commissioners’ meeting on Aug. 1 in regards to courthouse security. Hoffa said the same people that deal with the courts also interact with her office. She said the justice center offices have security that the courthouse lacks such as being buzzed in at a door and glass windows. Hoffa said she has worked in the courthouse for 11 years and seen the angry individuals. 
Richwine said he agrees with Hoffa that the courthouse security needs to be addressed. He suggested that a single-point entry may be the best option. A metal detector could be purchased and used later if the county expands the courthouse. If the single-point entry was approved two officers would need to man it. 
Richwine thinks that if the circuit court could be moved to the justice center that would help with some of the security. Inmates would not be moved out of the building. Part of the issue is transporting the inmates from across the street. 
Shurn said in 2013, he approached the council about creating a court issued security plan. He created a security commission but the plan was never created because he was told there would be a new plan created that would create security. 
Shurn thinks a committee of about 10 people would work well including one council member and one commissioner. Shurn said one of the plans he saw in regards to courthouse renovation did not take into account inmate transportation. 
Councilman Roger Querry made a recommendation that a subcommittee be created to form a courthouse security committee. It was suggested that the subcommittee be formed of Shurn, a commissioner and a councilman. Councilman Doug Roth volunteered his service as did commissioner Larry Brady.
Hoffa said creating a committee is a step in the right direction. 

See the full story in the Pulaski County Journal, available in print and e-edition.

Pulaski County Journal

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