Wisconsin Officials Consider Arming Courthouse Guards

Image: Global Security Services

Wisconsin Officials Consider Arming Courthouse Guards

Brent Sutherland, director of facilities management for Rock Co., said that the idea of arming the guards was proposed by Global Security Services, which supplies guards for the courthouse.

Security guards at the Rock County Courthouse could be armed soon, as officials consider allowing them to carry guns.

Brent Sutherland, director of facilities management for Rock Co., told NBC-15 that the idea of arming the guards was proposed by Global Security Services, which supplies guards for the courthouse.

Sutherland said arming the security guards would tie into efforts to improve safety in the courthouse. They’ve previously updated the cameras in the building and added card access to the doors, and Sutherland said construction is underway to move security screenings to the front entrance.

“I tried to gather feedback from all the different entities in their position on us upgrading to armed officers. So, the first part was the General Services Committee to make a resolution,” he said.

Cmdr. Craig Strouse of the Rock Co. Sheriff’s Office helped review Global Security Service’s proposal.

“We reviewed their policies and we reviewed the company in general, met with them, and we found that what they have appears reasonable,” Strouse said.

Rock Co. Administrator Josh Smith said he had reservations and stressed the importance of balancing security and a welcoming environment. Smith said armed security guards could negatively impact people coming to the courthouse for county services.

Arming the security guards would cost the county $13,000. Strouse said the county board was the one to make the decision.

“In a perfect world, we would man it. But, it’s a funding issue. If the county government decides to have security guards go armed at the front, great, we are fine with it and are comfortable with the decision. If they decide to not, that is fine too,” Strouse said.

Sutherland supports the proposal and said he will draft a resolution for it in case the General Services Committee approves it on Feb. 19. If approved, it would then go to the County Board for approval.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.