Back

News

News

Washington County

Posted: Aug 19, 2019 1:08 PMUpdated: Aug 19, 2019 1:13 PM

Courthouse Security Improvements Discussed Monday

Share on RSS

 

Garrett Giles

Lieutenant Jonathan Robertson from the Washington County Sheriff's Office presented noticeable security deficiencies at the Courthouse on Monday.

The presentation included recommendations to the Commissioners on how those deficiencies could be improved.

As you can in from the front doors of the courthouse and take a left through the facilities metal detector system, you can see the security desk where deputies usually sit. To the left of the desk is an opening, and they are looking to enclose that to the desk.

As for the desk itself, they hope to elevate it by 14 inches with an improved bullet resistant front. It gives the deputies a vantage point if a situation where to escalate on the first floor of the building. This is aimed at giving deputies a better overview of that area of the courthouse. Currently, the desk is low to the ground and officers can be hidden from sight.

A temporary holding facility will also be put into place. Lt. Robertson said this would help them handle issues surrounding juvenile suspects, witnesses, petitioners for restraining orders, or random civilian incidents that are deemed dangerous.

Phase 2 of the project would include a turn style used in Federal Courthouses as a direct exit and not an entrance. Right now, people can enter the front entrance and dart to the right without going through the metal detector. Deputies would also be trailing behind the individual if they chose to run for the stair case to the south that leads to the court rooms. This would force people entering the building to go to the left towards security without the temptation of avoiding it all together.

With Lt. Robertson adding security detail to his duties and with heightened threats, Commissioner Antle said it makes sense to solidify security in the first floor of the courthouse as much as possible.

On top of security improvements, Lt. Robertson confirmed with the Commissioners that deputies make the rounds in each government building in Downtown Bartlesville. Before the day kicks off, all officers report to the courthouse to go over the day's expectations before they part ways.

A total of $6,500 was requested for the projects, but the Commissioners awarded $10,000 for additional security features if they are deemed necessary. The funds would come from the sales tax or building maintenance fund. The Commissioners will discuss the matter a little bit further in their Budget Board Meeting next Monday.


« Back to News