In order to increase courtroom security and prevent individuals from bringing firearms, knives, and narcotics inside, the Oregon Judicial Department will request approximately $8.4 million from the Legislature this session.
According to the Oregon Judicial Department, the funding would support 31 new positions over the next two years to assist in screening individuals entering courthouses in the counties of Coos, Curry, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Polk, Clatsop, and Linn.
State court authorities say those courthouses are among 17 that do not regularly screen anyone entering the building.
According to Judicial Department officials, entrance screens don’t necessitate major renovations or design adjustments to the first set of courthouses.
According to Phillip Lemman, deputy state court administrator for the Judicial Department, agency officials intend to eventually extend entrance screening to all courthouses. However, considering the age and design of some of the buildings, this is a more complex and possibly more expensive idea.
According to state records, people regularly try to enter Oregon courthouses with forbidden objects, such as illegal substances, weapons, guns, and razor blades.
For example, between January and October of last year, security personnel in Clackamas County reported almost 6,000 instances of persons attempting to smuggle in contraband. More than 660 knives and other sharp weapons were found by security, along with three firearms.
Security at the Crook County courtroom discovered two firearms and numerous knives during a recent two-week period.
More than a dozen firearms and 229 knives were discovered during a pilot screening conducted in October at the Coos County courthouse, which is set to receive one of the enhancements.
Next month, the idea will be presented to the Public Safety Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
Criminal justice is the area of expertise for enterprise reporter Noelle Crombie. You can reach her at [email protected] or 503-276-7184.
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