Enterprise Courthouse gets upgraded security

The safety of the public while conducting business at the Enterprise Courthouse is presiding Circuit Judge Jeff Kelley’s focus as an upgraded security system for the facility begins Monday, March 1.
“Ensuring the safety and security of all people who utilize the courthouse is a top priority,” said Kelley, as he outlined the measures that will bring the Enterprise Courthouse into compliance with a 1998 Alabama Supreme Court order.
Upgraded security measures are already in place in the Troy Courthouse, one of three in the 12th Judicial Circuit. Upgrades to security at the Elba Courthouse are still a work in progress.
The security upgrades are a combined effort of the Coffee County Commission, law enforcement, bar association and the judiciary, said Kelley. “The presiding circuit judge is responsible for developing a courthouse security plan, while the sheriff is responsible for providing courtroom security.”
The Enterprise Courthouse currently has a security system consisting of metal detectors on the second floor and security cameras, Kelley said. The upgraded security measures in Enterprise are to bring the building into compliance with the Alabama Supreme Court seeking to upgrade security at courthouses statewide.
“At a minimum. each courthouse is mandated to be equipped with a metal detecting device and currently one is located on the second floor of the building,” said Kelley. “However we have offices on the first floor, and people working and conducting business in those offices deserve the same security measures.”
A Coffee County Courthouse Security Committee that included elected officials, courthouse department heads and Coffee County Bar Association officers has met to formulate the upgraded security procedures, Kelley said. “Input from these meetings was used to develop a security plan that would be efficient, effective and workable without jeopardizing the safety and security of the courthouse complex or having a negative impact on daily operations to any one county department or office,” the judge said.
All public access to the building will be through the main entrance on Edwards Street. A metal detector will be placed at the front door area. People with items that would otherwise be legal to carry, such as a pocketknives more than three inches in total folded length, or pepper spray will be advised that they must take the items back to their vehicles, Kely said. “The security officers will not store items for people nor accept them as discarded property,” he said.
Prohibited items include knives and guns, even if the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit. “All members of the public entering the courthouse will walk through a metal detector for security screening,” Kelly said.
Courthouse employees have been briefed on the upgraded security procedures and employee identification badges have been issued. “We are committed to providing a safe and secure workplace for all employees,” Kelley said. “The goal of court security is to prevent or control problems that might arise such as verbal abuse, disorderly conduct, physical violence, stalking or hostage situations.”
“In today’s environment, ensuring the safety and security of all people who use the courthouse is a top priority,” said Kelley. “This is all about protecting the integrity of the courthouse by providing a more secure work environment for the citizens and employees who work and transact business in their courthouse.”
_________________________________
This list of items not allowed in the courthouse is not all inclusive and is a guideline
Pocket knives more than 3” in total folded length
Alcohol Co2Canisters Letter openers
Ammunition Corkscrews Lock picks
Baseball bats Daggers Mace
Batons Darts Motorcycle Chains
Bicycle chains Firearms Razor blades
Brass Knuckles Fireworks Stun guns
Black Jacks Flammable liquid Tear gas
Bolts Glass containers Toy guns
Box cutters Gun containers
Bullets Gun-shaped lighters
Bullet clips Handcuffs
Butterfly knives Horseshoes
Chains Ice Picks
Clubs Laser pointers