County approves expanded court security

WORLAND – During the first meeting of the Washakie County Commission for September, the county agreed to provide matching funds to a grant to purchase enhanced security devices for the Fifth Judicial District Circuit Court facility.

As presented by Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness and Circuit Court Judge Tom Harrington, the county stands to receive $23,106 for added security from the Department of Homeland Security, and have outlined purchases totaling $24,000 to meet requirements outlined by the state.

The Sheriff’s Office proposes the purchase of expanded closed-circuit camera systems in specified areas of the court and hallways, to be monitored within the court clerk’s office, along with controlled access door locks for both the clerk and court areas, including the judge’s access from the courtroom.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office recommended the purchase of ballistic blankets for the judge’s personal use, in and out of the courtroom, in the case of a firearm-related incident.

The sheriff also notified the commission that signs prohibiting firearms have been installed on the court level of the county courthouse.

The commission approved the recommendations, and agreed to add matching funds for the purchases.

“We really appreciate the decision,” said Judge Harrington, “it will really enhance our security.”

Sheriff Rakness mentioned the difficulty in physically changing the court and office layout to enhance security concerns, due to the building’s historical significance.

The Sheriff’s Office has until Sept. 11 to file paperwork for the grant.