Benton County courts to restrict bags

The Benton County Sheriff's Office will begin prohibiting bags from being brought into the Courthouse. Some signs are up about the policy.
The Benton County Sheriff's Office will begin prohibiting bags from being brought into the Courthouse. Some signs are up about the policy.

BENTONVILLE -- Katie Ransom carried a large purse last week as she entered the Benton County Courthouse.

Sheriff's deputies searched the purse and allowed her to keep it, but in a week it will be different.

Backpacks, camera cases, printed plastic bags, computer bags, seat cushions and diaper bags will not be allowed inside county court buildings. Purses must be 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or smaller.

The Benton County sheriff's office will begin enforcing the new policy April 30.

The no-bags policy is a way the sheriff's office can limit people from bringing nonessential personal property into the buildings. The policy does not cover district or city courts within the county.

"I don't think it's a bad idea to have restrictions on what's brought into the courthouse," Ransom said.

Ransom said it's important to publicize the policy for people to take precautions before arriving at the courthouse. She said she would be concerned about leaving her purse in her vehicle and risk it being stolen.

"You don't want to have those unintended things to happen because of a policy meant for safety reasons," Ransom said.

Sgt. Shannon Jenkins said the policy was written to be proactive with the safety and security of the judicial buildings, employees, the public and elected officials. Jenkins said the policy was a joint effort between Sheriff Shawn Holloway and County Judge Barry Moehring.

Jenkins said no specific incident provoked the change.

"We simply wanted to line up with Homeland Security's 'See Something, Say Something' [policy] and provide better safety and security to all judicial buildings," she said.

Circuit Judge Doug Schrantz said the sheriff's office recommended the policy. It was discussed and approved by the judges and other elected officials, Schrantz said.

"It's a good policy to have in this day and age," Schrantz said.

The policy applies to the following buildings:

• The courthouse at 100 A St. (entrance at 203 E. Central Ave.)

• The annex (old post office) at 201 N.E. Second St.

• The annex (Old Tucker Coroner Building) at 202 E. Central Ave.

• The Juvenile Justice Center at 1301 Melissa Drive.

Kelly Cantrell, a spokesman for the Washington County sheriff's office, said bags are not allowed at the juvenile court where there is no X-ray machine. Cantrell said bags are allowed at the county's other three court buildings but are scanned or searched if necessary before being allowed inside.

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Metro on 04/23/2018

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