Courthouse Security

04/05/22

Recently a video emerged on the internet that did not depict Macon County in the most favorable light. While the video brings up a number of training and leadership issues, it most importantly points out the lack of courthouse security.

The video depicts an individual conducting a “first amendment audit” at our courthouse. This is a recent phenomenon where individuals travel around the country with a video camera taking videos of government workers at work in government buildings. Their only purpose is to elicit a response that they can then use in a lawsuit alleging a violation of their civil rights. This individual had approached our Clerk of the Court window for the purpose of asking for a passport application. He was treated fairly and professionally. However, the clerk did not wish to be videotaped and made that known. This began a series of reactions.

When the Macon County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived, he was deliberately antagonistic towards them. He referred to them in derogatory terms. They were polite and professional in their interactions with him. While they did not interfere with his actions as he was hoping they would, there were a few things that could have been done better. That is a training issue.

The most important part of the video that is currently now on display on YouTube, are the comments made in the first few minutes of the video. As he entered our courthouse, he is clearly surprised that there is “no security” present. He is heard saying “wow” and “there ain’t nobody around.” He shows the magnetometers standing empty at the entrance. Additionally, no supervisor(s) showed up to deal with this individual’s questions.

Here is the takeaway from the video:

First: There is no security in our courthouse. We have a candidate for the top job who has responsibility over this specific area and yet, our lack of security was one of the first things mentioned by the person filming. Additionally, it appears that there was no supervisors in the building when this individual asked for one.

Second: There is a need for training of the deputies in reference to what is required to be provided when requested. As a government employee, the names of our employees are public record and should be provided when asked.

Third: It points out the reactive nature of the MCSO leadership. As I have said a number of times, I will be a proactive Sheriff.

Fourth: It points out a lack of clear policies for our courthouse operations. If there is an order from the Chief Judge restricting the use of recording equipment within the courthouse, and not just in the courtrooms, it needs to be prominently displayed to preclude this from happening in the future.

I have spoken with a number of employees within the courthouse. They have expressed a concern to me of what would happen when (not if) something happens at our courthouse? This video clearly shows how easy it would be.

03/12/22

This is the second in the series of candidate comparison. I am highlighting the issues and which of your candidates have commented or made a plan to address. This particular issue, courthouse security is important as it is one of the few things that is mandated by law for a Sheriff to accomplish. One thing I will note is who hasn’t made any recommendations on courthouse security. My opponent is actually responsible for it but have no plans. Nothing will change.

Election Issue: Courthouse Security

Candidate: Bryson

Date/General idea of posting

10/24/21: Sheriff is working on it.

Manpower shortage.

Got the positions. Don’t have the manpower to fill.

Election Issue: Courthouse Security

Candidate: Cook

Date/General idea of posting

01/03/22: Responsible for security.

Magnetometers not used at entrances. (Courthouse manning was specifically set to perform that task.)

Only used on 4th floor.

In November 2019, MCSO Put up sally port which was after an inmate escaped.

Will meet with Chief Judge to discuss requirements.

Review Policies and procedures.

11/29/21: Review courthouse security with Judge. No magnetometers in use on 2nd and 3rd floor entrance.

12/30/21: Responsible for courthouse security. No one manned two entrances magnetometers. Reactive response to November 2019 escaped inmate. Only then was a secure area installed to prevent escapes. Plan on how to secure courthouse.

See Insights

Boost post

3 Comments

6 Shares

Comment

Undated

This week I will discuss courthouse security. As you know, the Sheriff is responsible for not only the courtroom security, but the courthouse security. For years I have entered the courthouse to have to walk through or around the magnetometers at both the Church Street entrance and the Iotla Street entrance. There has never been a time when I have entered that I have seen these expensive pieces of equipment manned. There is one more on the courtroom floor which is manned by a sworn deputy.

Currently the Macon County Sheriff’s Office has seven sworn officers at the courthouse. One Captain, One Lieutenant and five deputies. The Lieutenant has spent virtually all of his career there and is now seeking to be the next Sheriff.

On November 19, 2019, an inmate escaped from the courthouse. Fortunately no one was injured as a result of this escape. However, it could have been prevented in the first place. This is where leadership comes in. Only after the inmate escaped did they feel it important enough to fence in an inmate transfer area. That is reactive management. There are many examples of reactive management.

The first thing I will do once elected is to meet with the chief judge and discuss his requirements. I would strongly recommend that doors other than the two that currently have magnetometers are only accessible by courthouse personnel and with a security card. Then the magnetometers would be manned by either volunteers or paid civilian employees, either part or full time for the duration the courthouse is open.

I would like to research putting the third magnetometer at the entrance to the jail so that any visitor is searched prior to entering for visitation.

I was having a conversation with an employee recently who has worked there for several years. I was told they had never seen the magnetometers manned at the entrances. I have also spoken to a different citizen who related a story of an elderly lady taking a firearm into the courthouse.

n closing, we need new leadership. Leadership that is proactive rather than reactive. Leadership that has been tested through proven experience. That person is me. I hope to have your vote in May. Please share this post with your friends to ensure our message is getting out!

11/29/21

This week I want to address another efficiency issue. I have posted a number of times my vision to reorganize the Office to ensure a more transparent, efficient and effective Office.

One of those areas I will take a look at is Courthouse security. I am still conducting my research into how I can make the operation of that branch more effective but I do have some ideas.

Once elected and before I am sworn in, I will meet with the Chief Judge to discuss his requirements in the courtrooms. I will then meet with those currently in charge of the security of the courthouse and review their policies and procedures (if there are any). We will discuss any issues they have and any changes they believe need to be made.

Over the past few years, whenever I have entered the courthouse, I see the magnetometers. The only one I ever see being utilized is the one directly outside the courtrooms. It is manned by a sworn deputy when in use.

My proposal will be to implement a program utilizing law enforcement retirees to man the magnetometers. I will initially look at the level of volunteers we have, but may need to have a cadre of part time employees to man them. Another area will be a part time bailiff position. These will be from any qualified North Carolina law enforcement officer who would like a part time position in the courtrooms to supplement their income. I have spoken to a number of them and have received positive feedback. If properly implemented, this will save the citizens of Macon County valuable tax resources and enable me to add deputies to the road patrol coverage.

This is forward thinking from a leader who is leadership tested and experience proven.

11/29/21

This week I want to address another efficiency issue. I have posted a number of times my vision to reorganize the Office to ensure a more transparent, efficient and effective Office.

One of those areas I will take a look at is Courthouse security. I am still conducting my research into how I can make the operation of that branch more effective but I do have some ideas.

This is forward thinking from a leader who is leadership tested and experience proven.

Get Updates