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.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Feb 08, 2019

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

  • Progressing in Capabilities

    Progressing in Capabilities

    Hazardous areas within industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture and the like, have long-sought reliable video surveillance cameras and equipment that can operate safely in these harsh and unpredictable environments. Read Now

  • A Comprehensive Nationwide Solution

    A Comprehensive Nationwide Solution

    Across the United States, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, truck yards, parking lots and car dealerships all have a common concern. They are targets for catalytic converters. In nearly every region, cases of catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed. Read Now

  • Planning for Your Perimeter

    Planning for Your Perimeter

    The perimeter is an organization’s first line of defense and a critical element of any security and surveillance program. Even if a building’s interior or exterior security is strong, without a solid perimeter surveillance approach any company or business is vulnerable. Read Now

  • The Key Issue

    The Key Issue

    It is February 2014. A woman is getting ready in her room on a cruise ship when she hears a knock on the door; it is a crewmember delivering breakfast. She is not presentable so she tells him to leave it by the door. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Genetec Security Center

    Genetec Security Center

    This major new release allows more system components to run in the cloud, reducing the gap between cloud and on-premises security systems. It also makes it easier to connect external systems and tap external data for use in dashboards, maps and investigations without relying on complex, specialized integrations. 3

  • VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder

    VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder

    Johnson Controls announces a powerful recording solution to meet demanding requirements with its VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder. This solution combines the powerful capabilities of victor with the intelligence of VideoEdge NVRs, fueled by Tyco Artificial Intelligence, for video management that provides actionable insights to save time, money and lives. 3

  • 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. 3