21 counties to upgrade security

Grants awarded to buy cameras, metal detectors, locks

PINE BLUFF -- The Arkansas Supreme Court's Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness has awarded $250,000 this year to 21 counties for security upgrades.

Jefferson County Judge Dutch King said his county's portion of the funds -- $11,060 -- will be used to upgrade the closed-circuit camera system in the courthouse and to purchase a new walk-through metal detector.

In Bradley County, Judge Keith Neely said his courthouse will now have security cameras in place for the first time, thanks to $15,000 in grant funds.

The courthouse already features panic buttons, which signal the dispatch center. But the cameras "will be a lot better for our security, especially after hours. The presence of cameras makes a difference, because if people know they are being watched, their behavior will likely be a lot better."

Other counties awarded the grants were:

• Benton County, which received $8,285 to purchase a portable radio, hand-held metal detector, closed-circuit television cameras and bulletproof glass.

• Boone County, which received $9,000 to purchase security door locks, a walk-through metal detector, a hand-held metal detector and a window with an intercom system.

• Faulkner County, which received $15,000 for bullet-resistant vests, portable radios, stun guns and ballistic material.

• Franklin County, which received $14,600 to upgrade a closed-circuit television system and a panic alarm system.

• Fulton County, which received $2,800 to add a panic alarm system, emergency lighting/signage and to purchase a hand-held metal detector.

• Grant County, which received $14,600 for a closed-circuit television, keyless entry, a stun gun, 10 inmate-restraint systems and keying of a holding cell.

• Independence County, which received $15,000 for a bullet-resistant transaction window system.

• Izard County, which received $14,930 for a walk-through metal detector, six hand-held metal detectors and two closed-circuit television cameras.

• Marion County, which received $14,995 for an electronic access control system.

• Mississippi County, which received $11,300 for an intrusion-alarm system, an upgrade to the closed-circuit television system and ballistic materials for benches.

• Monroe County, which received $15,000 to add security doors and a secured hallway.

• Newton County, which received $9,220 to purchase security doors, an upgraded closed-circuit television system, crowd control rope and a panic alarm button.

• Phillips County, which received $13,470 for a closed-circuit television system and two stun guns.

• Poinsett County, which received $9,800 for security doors, a prisoner bench and two stun guns.

• Pulaski County, which received $14,550 for a walk-through metal detector, seven stun guns and two hand-held metal detectors.

• Randolph County, which received $14,750 for a wireless panic-alarm system and security shutters.

• Saline County, which received $9,730 for an upgraded closed-circuit television system and eight bullet-resistant panels.

• Van Buren County, which received $8,360 for a closed-circuit television system, including 24 cameras.

• White County, which received $8,550 for security magnetic door locks, a closed-circuit television system and a panic alarm system.

On Friday, courthouse security made national news as a Forsyth County, Ga., deputy was shot in the leg in Cumming.

The suspect was shot and killed after the event, and no other injuries were reported.

Izard County Judge David Sherrell said the money for his county's district court jail will mean better peace of mind for his deputies and the general public.

"Anything can happen at any time," Sherrell said, referencing the Georgia courthouse shooting.

In Pine Bluff, Redfield resident Cody Wright walked out of the Jefferson County Courthouse after conducting business inside the circuit clerk's office on Friday afternoon.

He said he feels safer inside the building knowing there are cameras and metal detectors.

And now that the equipment will be upgraded, "it's just that much better. I am glad to see the state gives out money for such an important issue."

State Desk on 06/09/2014

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