Growing concern over courthouse security in Iowa
Updated: 10:00 PM CST Jan 22, 2015
Amanda Crawford
State leaders are demanding tighter security at courthouses across the state of Iowa. Last week, Iowa's Chief Justice announced it's a top priority this year.Video: Growing concern over courthouse security in IowaIn Harlan, at the Shelby County courthouse, there's hardly any security."I have a deputy here every Monday morning in the courtroom," Sheriff Mark Hervey said.That's the only day Hervey has security there and there aren't metal detectors at any of the buildings' five entrances, either.Hervey said he knows providing tighter security means eliminating some access to the building."The question is how far do you go? And what measures do you take to limit access to a public building?" Hervey said.He knows something must be done because of what happened last year in Iowa. A man pulled out a gun inside Madison County's courthouse, west of Des Moines, in March. Then, in September, a man was shot and killed in eastern Iowa's Jackson County after he fired a weapon inside the courthouse."Those incidents are not too far from here and they could happen here, so you have to prepare for that," Hervey said.Iowa's Chief Justice is now promising more security training for courthouse employees and more safety guidelines by this summer. He's also proposing a five percent increase in the courts' budget, which needs legislative approval.Hervey said he hopes there's a conversation at the state level about each county's individual needs."If they mandate things and tell us exactly what needs to happen, then cost comes into effect, manpower comes into effect," Hervey said.Hervey said he'd need at least two more deputies to secure the building, which could cost $200,000 a year. If he has the right resources, it's a price he's willing to pay to make sure everyone who comes through the door is safe."Do you ever think it's going to happen in your county? You try to prepare for it," Hervey said.
SHELBY COUNTY, Iowa —
State leaders are demanding tighter security at courthouses across the state of Iowa. Last week, Iowa's Chief Justice announced it's a top priority this year.
Video: Growing concern over courthouse security in Iowa
In Harlan, at the Shelby County courthouse, there's hardly any security.
"I have a deputy here every Monday morning in the courtroom," Sheriff Mark Hervey said.
That's the only day Hervey has security there and there aren't metal detectors at any of the buildings' five entrances, either.
Hervey said he knows providing tighter security means eliminating some access to the building.
"The question is how far do you go? And what measures do you take to limit access to a public building?" Hervey said.
He knows something must be done because of what happened last year in Iowa. A man pulled out a gun inside Madison County's courthouse, west of Des Moines, in March. Then, in September, a man was shot and killed in eastern Iowa's Jackson County after he fired a weapon inside the courthouse.
"Those incidents are not too far from here and they could happen here, so you have to prepare for that," Hervey said.
Iowa's Chief Justice is now promising more security training for courthouse employees and more safety guidelines by this summer. He's also proposing a five percent increase in the courts' budget, which needs legislative approval.
Hervey said he hopes there's a conversation at the state level about each county's individual needs.
"If they mandate things and tell us exactly what needs to happen, then cost comes into effect, manpower comes into effect," Hervey said.
Hervey said he'd need at least two more deputies to secure the building, which could cost $200,000 a year. If he has the right resources, it's a price he's willing to pay to make sure everyone who comes through the door is safe.
"Do you ever think it's going to happen in your county? You try to prepare for it," Hervey said.