« Ind. Courts - How to explain this slip-up? | Main | Ind. Decisions - 7th Circuit chambers opinion appoints counsel to assist in filing cert petition »

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Ind. Courts - Upgraded security at Howard Count Courthouse

On Aug. 31, 2006, The Kokomo Perspective published a story that began:

Just one year shy of the 20th anniversary of the Howard County Courthouse bombing, security at the building might be enhanced.

Counties across the Hoosier state can apply for a grant to purchase security equipment, thanks to Division of State Court Administration and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

That's just one catch: The grant doesn't cover the cost of hiring an employee to operate the equipment.

"I understand that's problematic," Howard Circuit Court Judge Lynn Murray told the county councilmen.

"If you don't' have somebody manning it, it's not any good," commissioner Brad Bagwell said.

On Oct. 4, 2006, an AP story began:
The Howard County Courthouse is getting metal detectors nearly 20 years after a man smuggled a bomb inside and detonated it, killing himself and injuring 15 others.

The county will receive $29,295 grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to buy an X-ray machine, tables and metal detector to increase security at the courthouse, Howard Circuit Court Judge Lynn Murray said Tuesday.

The equipment will be placed at public entrance at the east doorway of the downtown courthouse.

Today the Indianapolis Star has posted an AP story that begins:
Howard County employees will have to wear photo identification badges under new security rules passed two decades after a bomb exploded in the courthouse.

The badges are part of a system that also includes metal detectors and an X-ray machine, expected to be set up at the public entrance later this month.

County commissioners passed the new security rules Monday. The county decided last fall to use a $29,295 Indiana Department of Homeland Security grant to buy the equipment. Two security officers also are being trained, using money appropriated by the county council.

ID cards are also part of the plan. Workers will swipe their cards through a card reader at the employee entrance and won't have to go through the metal detectors.

"All employees should wear the badges at all times when working," Commissioner Dave Trine said.
Certain visitors also will be able to obtain a frequent visitor pass for $50 that allows them to bypass the metal detectors.

No weapons will be allowed inside the courthouse, except for police officers on duty. Off-duty officers must check their weapons at the security office.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on July 5, 2007 08:18 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts