Courthouse security beefed up

Deputy Steve Waller mans the courthouse X-ray machine and metal detector.

Posted by

Zach Mitcham

in Top Stories

Wednesday, April 22. 2009

Comments (26)

The recent episodes of public gun violence in the United States have led local leaders to rethink courthouse security.

Now, anyone entering the Madison County Courthouse must pass through a metal detector at the front door. There is also an X-ray machine for purses and other carry items. The outside doors to the courthouse, except for the front entrance, are locked during business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The incidents over the past few years, and here recently, in the country have led to the tightening of security,” said Madison County Sheriff Kip Thomas. “…This change was made with the sole purpose of protecting the employees in the courthouse. It is better to have a deterrent in place than to second guess ourselves if anything ever happens at the courthouse.”

Thomas said that in the first day of metal detections, 110 knives and one pistol were barred from the courthouse.

“Even my deputies who are not in uniform and do not have their county ID card will go through the metal detector,” said Thomas.

The sheriff said a second metal detector will soon be installed at the back door so citizens can enter from the other side of the building.

“We are working to get another metal detector and X-ray for the backdoor so eventually there will be two entrances to the courthouse,” said Thomas.

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#1 Thomas on 04/22/09 at 11:52 AM [Reply]

Didn't the former Sheriff add security equipment/cameras prior to his departure? I believe he did all of this within his budget too! I mean it's great that you are trying to impress people but this county don't have the money that you have already spent in the first 4 months of your term. Well, I quess the tax payers will be the ones that pay.

#1.1 Did not vote for them on 04/22/09 at 02:07 PM [Reply]

I agree. I think the added security has came into play
since so many people in the county now know what a mistake
they made putting these folks into office and they have
to watch their backs due to some of the things they have
done. Its a sad thing to be "locked" inside your work
place and have leaders that have so much to fear!

#1.2 my thoughts on 04/23/09 at 08:39 AM [Reply]

I think the former sheriff was in budget on every thing for 12 years.

#2 common_sense on 04/22/09 at 01:59 PM [Reply]

Why put one in the back door? Pay ANOTHER deputy to sit around all day and pay for ANOTHER metal detector just so lazy county employees can walk fewer steps before they plop down on their butts?

Try this - have ONE ENTRANCE, with ONE DEPUTY and ONE METAL DETECTOR. Not only is it much, much less expensive, it's MORE SECURE. Convert all other entrances in the building to emergency exits so people can still get out in case of a fire.

#3 ANON on 04/22/09 at 02:28 PM [Reply]

The funds came from the ceased property auction that Clayton Lowe held in Dec. This was all set in place by Lowe to bring our government complex on line as he tried to do many times but faced resistance from some at the government complex.
Thankfully those funds went to good use, unlike some current spending. MC Taxpayers beware. Public appearances are just that "appearances". There's more than meets the eye.

#3.1 WRONG on 04/23/09 at 05:07 PM [Reply]

WRONG ~ not sure where you get your information from but that is not the case.

#3.1.1 ON2U on 04/23/09 at 11:48 PM [Reply]

YES, YOU ARE WRONG--Are you getting paid to say that? #3 has it right. Unfulfilled campaign promises, power trip decisions, poor spending to name a few "minor" things. Certainly talked the talk as a POLITICIAN or his daddy's did. Waiting for Kip Thomas to walk the walk.

#4 JAMES on 04/22/09 at 02:48 PM [Reply]

Sounds like Thomas is just trying to make a good safe place for him to hide.

#4.1 Madison County Tax Payer on 04/24/09 at 07:49 AM [Reply]

And Pethel to hide as well.

#4.2 Anonymous on 04/24/09 at 09:51 AM [Reply]

Have they done anything to secure the parking lot?

#5 Madison County Resident on 04/22/09 at 09:35 PM [Reply]

I think the tighter security is a good ideal to you people who think Kip was just trying to impress people. Just SHUT UP I would rather go through metal detectors and be held up a few minutes than have something happen here like what happened in Atlanta.I don't want to get shot or have my family shot because someone in the court house starts shooting.
Ok lets say Kip didn't beef up security and one of your family members was at the court house lets say at the tag office and someone started shooting and hurt or killed them?You would be wanting Kip fired and sent to jail for not having tight enough security at the court house

#6 THunter on 04/23/09 at 08:01 AM [Reply]

I've always enjoyed visiting the Madison County courthouse and not having to bother with security to see the tax assessor or the Chairman. I guess small town things are just going by the wayside everywhere. Sad to see this have to be done and add one more inconvience to our lives.

#7 MCParent on 04/23/09 at 10:09 AM [Reply]

Glad to see that once again everyone will have to go through the security screening to get in the building - not just the courtroom like it has been. I'm not sure why it was changed to that in the first place, I would feel more secure with everyone having to be screened, even though I'm sure there are plenty who will complain about it.

#8 Madison County Resident on 04/24/09 at 10:42 AM [Reply]

To all you people who think this new screening is an inconvience.What would you rather have happen?You be dead or have to go through this screening process?And to you that think the small town things have gone by the wayside? It's just a sign of the times,it isn't going to get no better.Yes it is an inconvience but you have to look at the bigger picture?I would rather know I won't get shot at the court house than have to worry about getting shot.
Also how much trouble is it to empty your pockets and walk through a metal dector then put the stuff back in your pockets?It's not like they are doing strip searches.If you ain't got nothing to hide you wouldn't care.
But I will agree with some of you that they shouldn't put a metal dector at the back door.They should have one way in and one way out.That would make it safer place to visit.No need to pay someone to just sit there all day.

#9 Madison County Resident on 04/24/09 at 10:42 AM [Reply]

#10 James on 04/24/09 at 01:58 PM [Reply]

To all of you who are worried about getting shot up, like they did in Atlanta, remember the deputies will still have guns. All one has to do is take Barney's, LIKE THEY DID IN ATLANTA. And, it is people who think like you and vote like you that are causing us to lose our small town ways.

#10.1 Madison County Resident on 04/24/09 at 09:36 PM [Reply]

Is that all your worried about that you lose your small town ways? WHA WHA WHA cry me a handful.Some of you think it's so bad,try to go in a Goverment building in Atlanta and see what kinds of screening you have to go through to get in? You don't even have to go to Atlanta try going to Athens or Gainesville?
You say it's people like me who think like me and vote like me that are making you lose your small town ways.SO WHAT if it keeps me safe I could care less about your small town ways.Yes they could take the Deputies gun and start shooting but they won't have a machine gun in the court house.

#10.1.1 Annoyed on 04/26/09 at 04:00 PM [Reply]

Madison County resident, if you will take Hwy 98 west to 441 North to I85 South you will find all the Court house security you need. Why should Madison Counties property owners have to pay for three deputies for Court House security. How about secure our homes while we work Sheriff Thomas, burglaries and thefts are rampant and all you seem to be worried about is writing speeding tickets for people going ten miles an hour over the speed limit on their way to and from work.This is not and I hope will not soon become Fulton County. For those of you who want to move to the country and then tell us "how they done it in Lawrenceville" please feel free to GO HOME.

#11 Resident on 04/27/09 at 06:47 PM [Reply]

I think that all the people that are upset about Kip being in office, are the ones that ae upset because there is no longer the buddy system. I think that it is smart that you check eveyone that comes into the goverment complex. What if a innocent family was there and someone decided they wanted to come and shoot everyone there. Would you not want that security there? People need to think about the big picture not just about themselves. That is the difference between our new Sheriff and the Old. The old was about what worked fo him. Sitting back and not doing anything until election time. Go Kip, keep up the good work.

#12 Annoyed on 04/27/09 at 08:35 PM [Reply]

I dont guess this comment will be posted as my comments usually aren't.I dont believe that Madison County property owners should have to pay for three Deputies to try and secure a building that was not designed to be secured. I think the money would be better spent securing our homes while we work. Burglaries and thefts are rampant, and Sheriff Thomas seems to be more concerned with writing speeding tickets to people going ten MPH over the limit on their way to work.I guess us tax payers will continue to surrender our pocket knives while the thieves steel us blind.

#13 watchfuleye on 04/28/09 at 08:19 AM [Reply]

I don't usually make any comments on these remarks, but I live and vote in Madison County and I decided to sit back and take a look at what happened after the election. What I have seen is the county going back 12 years. Everything that was worked for and well thought out has been removed. Either for lack of knowledge or as revenge. I have visited the Sheriffs Office and the Jail and I have learned that they have no "CLUE" as how to use the paragon system or other tools that were left with. I am extremely embarrased by the lack of professionalism that some of the office personel exhibit. I was always welcomed and greeted with well mannered/professional people whenever I visited that office under previous administration. I commend you Sheriff Lowe for your leadership and knowledge. I don't know whether you will run again, but I hope to see you again and I wish you well in your endeavors. I'm not upset *(resident on 4/27/09) I believe that alot of people just did'nt vote on election day and now they suffer the consequenses along with the rest of us that wait for 3 1/2 years to pass.

#13.1 T.O.B.S. on 04/28/09 at 10:40 PM [Reply]

I absolutely agree w/ you! I have experienced the same unprofessional & rude, I don't have time attitudes with superior egos. Thomas seems to not be in a lot & doesn't return phone calls. Who won the election isn't in question. If you hold the position then DO YOUR JOB! IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW, FIGURE IT OUT. FAST. Thomas was quoted in this paper as saying it would take six months to get things on track. FYI: You have derailed & your running out of time. Don't waste my tax dollars which includes the ELECTED Sheriffs $67,000.00 annual salary.

#14 Anonymous on 04/28/09 at 08:20 AM [Reply]

Courthouse security needed. Look at Athens and recent shooting there. Good old boy buddy system needed fixing from a MC taxpayer who feels concerns fell on deaf ears at times. Maybe people from Hull should go back to Hull or people from Comer should only stay in Comer. "Annoyed on 04/26/09, 05:00 PM" that is your implied view as once outsiders identified persons often may "outsiders" circle are even smaller. Maybe last election did not go your way huh ? I think new chief is doing OK.

#15 coach on 04/28/09 at 08:02 PM [Reply]

I'm sorry anonymous #14 I've read your comment twice and I dont get it,try writing post before happy hour. I thought republicans were for less government?

#16 Waiting2See on 04/29/09 at 11:29 PM [Reply]

#14 Anon - is the sheriffs title now the "new chief" like the captain is the "new major"? Can you say EGOS?
If you sincerely think the "new chief is doing OK" then you obviously have very low expectations! I can't figure out what else you're trying say. BUT....
If you're really as involved as you say and as informed as you think you are, you should have figured out that the "Good old boy buddy system" is alive & well. New faces w/a very self-servant agenda.
#11 Resident - I agree with securing the court house. If it's an inconvenience to some they should experience going to the SS office at the Athens Federal building or neighboring government offices w/ one way in/out. I think it's a waste of taxpayers money to have a rear entrance set up, payroll, etc. Walk to the front door-bad weather, buy an umbrella, late for work, leave earlier-problem solve but don't waste my money.
Yes, I agree there were problems before but it was Lowe that got the security on line when some court house people lost their jobs. Like the grant applications too. Kip announced (News, Top Stories...discuss new policies...
Wednesday, February 18. 2009) receiving grant money from the state for body armor. Do you have any idea how long the grant process takes? He takes office in Jan., snapped his fingers in Feb. & grant money rolled in. I'm not a mathematician but it doesn't add up.
There are many more incidences just like this. Please listen close in the future, don't be so quick to take the word of the chief/major without engaging your gut first. Be prepared to put your boots on when it gets to soundin' too good and as YOU SAID, "People need to think about the big picture not just about themselves."

#17 Anon Taxpayer on 05/11/09 at 10:26 PM [Reply]

Can anyone name one instance of court house security stopping a shooting before it occurs?

If a criminal other than a complete idiot intends on committing a violent act,one deputy is unlikely to prevent a violent crime from occurring in the courthouse or county building.

It is a waste of taxpayer money and the taxpayers homes and businesses in the county are less secure because there is one less deputy that can respond to criminal activity and write a report and occasionally catch a criminal.

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Courthouse security beefed up

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