Your Public Trustee

Q. I recently visited the courthouse, couldn’t get in the front door, and had to be checked by security. What is going on?

A. I know it can be inconvenient, but it’s another sign of the times we’re in. Security measures were actually begun back in 2004 prior to my taking office as your Clerk. The Chief Judge of our Circuit entered Administrative Order 2004-15 which dealt with security in all six counties within our Circuit. He ordered security measures be put in place including that all visitors at court events be screened prior to entering. He also ordered that all judges, general magistrates, and hearing officers have an additional bailiff in personal attendance at all times while conducting court. In addition, he ordered that courthouse floors housing these officers be designated secure facilities.

At the time the order became effective, the county commission had already adopted its budget for that year and no funds were available. The county put in the bare minimum requirements. If you’ve appeared for jury duty or court, then you’ve experienced the security screening that’s been in place since the filing of the Administrative Order of 2004. With the help of the Office of Court Administration, the county applied for and received a grant for security. The Trial Court Marshal had the responsibility to oversee the grant and the installation of the security equipment for compliance. Our sheriff’s office also applied for and received a grant which was used to install security cameras.

In order to have effective security, we are required to have only one public entrance and exit. The back door was chosen because of the accessibility of the elevator. Currently, most local citizens utilize the back door anyway. This is the same process being put in place in the other counties within our circuit. To make it more accessible, the county has had sidewalks installed around the building and signs placed at the bottom of the outside stairs directing the public to the back door.

I need to point out that since the security measures have been put in place, our officers have seen an individual who tried to enter the building with a gun in his possession. There have also been several incidents in the recent past that could have escalated to violence had security not been present.

Please be patient, and hopefully, all the kinks will be worked out soon and the new system will operate effectively and efficiently. I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

If you have any questions or comments about this column, please forward them to: Marcia Johnson, Clerk of the Court, 33 Market Street, Ste. 203, Apalachicola, Florida, 32320, or by email to: mmjohnson@franklinclerk.com.