COURTHOUSE SECURITY

• Prohibited items and Courthouse Security Screening Procedures
• Employee Identification Badge Access
• Policy and Procedures for Law Enforcement
• Information for Attorneys
• Attorney Identification Card Procedures
• Attorney Identification Card Application
• Security Policy for Contractors

The Jefferson County Commissioners Court appointed a Courthouse Security Committee in July, 2007. The committee worked for 14 months to prepare the security policy and procedures for the Jefferson County Courthouse security system, which will go into effect on December 3rd, 2008, for the Historical Courthouse and connecting Courthouse annex.

The Jefferson County Courthouse Security Committee held meetings with elected officials, department heads, officers of the Jefferson County Bar Association, and other interested parties regarding courthouse security. Input from these meetings was used to develop a security plan that would be efficient, effective, and workable without jeopardizing the safety and security of the courthouse complex or having a negative impact on daily operations to any one county department or office.

As a result of these meetings, the following procedures will be instituted at the Jefferson County Courthouse on December 3rd, 2008:

1. One public entrance will be located at the main entrance of the Courthouse Annex, 1001 Pearl Street. All members of the public entering the courthouse will enter through this security area
2. All members of the public and all items carried on or about their person are subject to search and/or security screening. All items carried on or about their person will be placed in a tray for X-Ray security viewing by Courthouse Security personnel.
3. All members of the public entering the courthouse will walk through a metal detector for security screening and/or be screened by other security device.
4. Signs will be posted regarding the carrying of prohibited items such as guns and knives even if the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit.
5. Signs in different languages will be posted to inform the public of the above information as well as other security instructions and information.

Please direct any questions regarding these procedures to Jefferson County Courthouse Security at (409) 784-5867.

Ensuring the safety and security of all people who utilize the Jefferson County Courthouse facilities is a top priority of the Jefferson County Courthouse Security Committee and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.