New security measures begin at courthouse

Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Elmore County is about to join nearly 80 percent of the state's counties in stepping up security procedures and when the courthouse opens for business on Jan. 21, the public may notice a few changes.

Access to the county offices will be allowed only through the main entrance and all persons entering will be asked to step through the metal detector. For individuals with a disability that might prevent them from using the stairs, a signal button at the handicapped access will alert security personnel of the need for the hand-held magnometer.

Signs have already been posted. No weapons will be allowed in the court house. That includes the pocket knife or the Leatherman tool you may always carry in your pocket; the nail file, or even the small pair of sewing scissors in the bottom of your purse. Anyone carrying an item that could be considered a weapon will be asked to lock it in their vehicle while they conduct business at the courthouse.

Closed circuit cameras now monitor each door to the outside, as well as the hallways and the public reception areas of offices. Monitors will be under the watchful eyes of the county's security team.

Tom Gibbon heads up the newly formed team. The security supervisor brings 28 years of experience with military security police, a number of those years served at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Gibbon said he looks forward to his new duties. He noted it would be a customer-oriented service, one that would allow him to work, talk, listen and visit with people.

He will be joined by two other security officers -- Jay Tiumalu and Glenn Parsons Jr., both with a background focused on security.

The three men were selected from nearly 60 job applicants and will serve jointly under the sheriff's office and the clerk of the court. The sheriff's department set the guidelines and provided the necessary training, while the clerk's office will handle the day-to-day administrative duties for the team.

Courthouse security has been a high priority issue for county employees for more than three years. A number of incidents had led to uneasy feelings among the county workers, fearing for their safety. But their first request was denied.

Several measures were taken to help step up the level of security, but most were designed for quick response after an incident, not to prevent one. Evacuation procedures were outlined and a number of drills allowed them to practice a quick escape from the building.

It may have been the tragic events of 9-11 that brought the security issue to the forefront once more.

As the county began its budget process for the following year, funds were designated especially for courthouse security. Then began the efforts to overcome a mountain of details. Special equipment had to be purchased and a security team had to be hired and trained.

Even the smallest of details were given consideration. County Clerk Gail Best explained the committee working on security wanted it to be customer service oriented. We did not want a uniform that might be intimidating, she said. "We did not want it to look like a uniform. We wanted something that would look user friendly, but authoritative."

The security team can be identified in their navy blue blazers, grey slacks, with white shirts and tie. The team will be on duty whenever the courthouse is open; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and whenever an evening meeting is scheduled for the building. The side doors may only be used for emergency exit.

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