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Courthouse security Monday was a routine docket call day for Clarke County Circuit Court. Judges Tom Baxter and Stuart DuBose heard cases in their new courtrooms of the new courthouse annex. For the first time ever, three Clarke County judges were able to hold court in separate courtrooms at the same time. While the circuit judges heard cases in the new annex, District Judge Bill Kimbrough was on the bench in the main courtroom of the existing courthouse. A table outside of Judge DuBose's courtroom was loaded with cell phones. A sign nearby explained that cell phones, recording devices, laptop computers and other electronic devices were prohibited in that courtroom by order of Judge DuBose. Judge DuBose earlier reported that his new office on the secured first floor of the annex has been twice burglarized, not long after he moved into it. Last week, Judge DuBose told county commissioners he needed a security guard for his court. "There is a substantial need," he said, adding that cell phones and other electronic devices would not be allowed in the courtroom because they can be used "to make and denoate bombs and I don't intend for that to happen in my courtroom." Deputy Donald Jackson is assigned to security for the courts and has a desk down the hall from the new annex in the existing courthouse. Judge DuBose charged that Jackson did not make an incident report of the first burglary (although he didn't call him by name) and said he is "best suited" to remain as security for the district court. There seems to be a rift of sorts between Judge DuBose and others over the matter with some saying there were no burglaries but only a scratched door. In addition to the court security person, one or two security personnel monitor the front entrance of the courthouse where there is a metal detector and a baggage scanner. This setup doesn't appear to be as effective (or as cost efficient) as it should be but at least it is a stop gap of sorts for suspicious individuals and weapons that might be entering the courthouse. Given the fact that there are usually three security officers on duty in the courthouse at most times and that other law enforcement officers are in and out of the building frequently (at least during court activities), adding a new security person doesn't seem warranted, right now at least. Judge DuBose has the right to set the rules for his court. If he wants to make people leave their cell phones outside, he can do so. There have been tragedies in America's courthouses, true enough and we certainly hope Clarke County never sees one.
Judge DuBose says he is concerned about safety in the courthouse and doesn't want anyone to be harmed while there. On that point, we couldn't agree more.
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