Alabama Courthouse Installs Metal Detectors, Video Surveillance
“If we’re going to do courthouse security, then we need to be serious about it. We need to take a look at what is lacking,” Sheriff Rick Singleton said.
- By Jessica Davis
- Nov 02, 2018
The Lauderdale County Courthouse in Alabama has added new, enhanced security measures to better protect citizens and employees.
According to Sheriff Rick Singleton, the courthouse security needed the upgrades.
“If we’re going to do courthouse security, then we need to be serious about it. We need to take a look at what is lacking,” Singleton said.
The main entrance to the courthouse is now an exit. A new entrance to the courthouse will usher visitors straight into a security checkpoint, which will be manned by full-time sheriff’s deputies and include two walkthrough scanners and a new X-ray machine.
“This way if someone comes in and they are belligerent or something, then we have someone there who can take law enforcement action if it’s necessary,” Singleton said.
Singleton said there have also been cameras installed throughout the courthouse building. The video surveillance is monitored from a central location by deputies.
These security measures are designed to help protect the public from potential dangers.
“It’s not to inconvenience anyone, but we want them to know when they come to the Lauderdale County Courthouse that hopefully they won’t have to worry about something like that,” Singleton said.
Singleton said he and his team will continue to evaluate security measures and make changes as needed.
Their biggest visitor issue, according to deputies manning the security checkpoint, is the possession of pocket knives. No weapons of any kind are allowed in the courthouse, they said.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.