Sheriff submits security plan to commission
Sheriff Vince Shambaugh submitted a written plan for security at the new courthouse to Morgan County Commissioners on Thursday, July 15.
The plan calls for everyone entering the main entrance to empty their pockets of items that might set off an alarm and pass through a magnetometer.
If an alarm sounds, the person will be given a chance to locate the item causing the alarm and pass through the magnetometer again.
If an alarm is still generated, the Court Security Officer may use a handheld detector to find the cause. As a last resort, the individual may be subjected to a pat-down.
Pat-down searches will be conducted in a private area by a Security Officer of the same sex as the individual.
Anyone refusing to pass through the magnetometer, or submit to a search by a handheld detector or pat-down will not be allowed to enter the courthouse.
All parcels entering the building are subject to inspection. This includes mail, briefcases, purses, bags, food deliveries, umbrellas and other objects.
Weapons
Weapons or items perceived as weapons are not permitted on the premises. These include firearms, knives with a 3 1/2 inch blade or longer, razors, chemical agents, tasers and stun guns.
Unauthorized items will be confiscated and a deputy will be called.
Persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed in the building. A deputy will be summoned to determine if arrest is warranted.
Cell phones & laptops
Cell phones and laptop computers will only be allowed on the first floor of the courthouse complex.
No one shall take an electronic device onto the judicial floors unless it is required for court proceedings and approval has been given by the bailiff.
Electronic devices include cameras, CD players, cell phones, flashlights, laptops, laser pointers, pagers, radios and recording devices.
All parcels will be placed on a conveyor belt and run through an x-ray machine.
Courtroom decorum
Those in the courtroom during trials and legal proceedings must be appropriately attired.
Tank tops, muscle shirts, halter tops, clothing with inappropriate words or pictures, shorts, micro-mini skirts, flip-flops, visible thongs, tattered or soiled clothing and clothing revealing bare midriffs are among items not considered appropriate attire. No hats, caps, bandanas or sunglasses shall be worn in the courtroom.
No bottles, beverage containers, paper cups, chewing gum or edibles are permitted in the courtroom.
No one can carry a sign or display materials designed to communicate a message to others while court is in session.
Children are not permitted in the courtroom unless approval has been given by the court.
For more information about security rules, contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.
