Safety and security inside Alabama's 67 county courthouses is under review.By Chris Newbold, Alabama Public Radio
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Security at Alabama's Courthouses
Mobile, AL – Safety and security inside Alabama's 67 county courthouses is under review. The state chief justice ordered the statewide review following a deadly shooting inside an Atlanta courthouse. Chris Newbold looks at courthouse security in both urban and rural Alabama.
Government plaza in downtown Mobile not only houses city and county government - the so called north tower houses several floors containing courtrooms, judges chambers and the district attorney's office. The 13th judicial circuit based in Mobile has its own police force complete with a police chief and over 30 certified officers. Circuit Judge Rusty Johnston has been reviewing courthouse security inside government plaza following the March 11th shooting in downtown Atlanta. Judge Johnston believes Mobile has one of the best courthouse security programs in the state.
Rusty Johnston quote
Not only is everyone who enters government plaza screened for weapons, law enforcement officers who are scheduled to appear in court are required to keep their service revolvers under lock and key.
Rusty Johnston quote
But every courthouse in Alabama is different. Some do not have the high tech metal detectors at some Alabama courthouses. Judge Johnston says security is the bare minimum.
Rusty Johnston quote
Security here at the Escambia County courthouse in Brewton is more advanced than many other rural courthouses. In fact, the sheriff describes it as excellent.
Grover Smith quote
Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith also makes sure two deputies are on patrol inside the courthouse at all times. Sheriff Smith says the deputies' main assignment is to protect courthouse staff and the general public.
Grover Smith quote
Everyone who enters the top floor of the Escambia County courthouse has to pass through a metal detector. The X-ray machine has helped Escambia County deputies seize weapons and items that can be used as weapons. But courthouses in Brewton and Mobile have had some trouble - even deadly gunfire - regardless of security measures. Back in September of 1996, a court police officer in Mobile was killed in the atrium of Government Plaza before another officer fatally shot the gunman. But court police maintain the system worked because the shooter never made it into a courtroom with a weapon. Back in Brewton, fights have broken out inside courtrooms. The courthouse has also been the scene of prisoner escapes. Sheriff Smith says the best deputies can do is to take preventative steps to keep courthouse crimes from happening.
Grover Smith quote
County officials in both Escambia and Mobile counties say they are fortunate judges and county commissioners support extra measures to keep courthouses safe.
For Alabama Public Radio, I'm Chris Newbold.