By Meghan McCormick
Cleveland County Sheriff Joe Lester has announced extra security measures that take effect at the Cleveland County Courthouse beginning next week.
Lester said the public will enter the courthouse through the building's west doors. An X-ray machine will scan hand carried items and metal detectors will be in use.
"In light of recent incidents that have occurred in the courthouse, I have pulled my deputies from other duties to man these stations. I have been assured that the budget board of the county will review this process and put a more permanent solution in place during the next budget year," Lester said.
So far, courthouse employees and those who conduct business in the building are in favor of taking the extra precautions to ensure safety.
Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn said he's thankful the county is going to the put security system in place.
"Once we get all the kinks worked out, it will be good for both the employees and public who visit the courthouse," he said. "It will eventually be a really good thing and keep people safe."
Mashburn said it's necessary to use an X-ray machine and metal detectors in the building. He doesn't mind standing in line waiting to be checked.
"I'm willing to do that if it means my employees are kept safe," he said.
Cleveland County Court Clerk Tammy Howard said she supports the extra security measures.
"I think it's much needed, especially with the last episodes that have happened," she said. "It's also needed for the employees so they feel safe coming to work."
Howard said county officials have tried different security measures in the past. The solution is to try to find the best system to secure the building.
"I trust the sheriff and the commissioners to come up with the best solution for that," she said.
Howard said she worries about citizens with physical disabilities who are used to entering the courthouse through either the east or north entrance.
"We may have to put up extra signs on the grounds to direct them," she said.
Howard said she believes more security equals a safer courthouse.
"I'm feeling safe in this building," she said.
Cleveland County Assessor David Tinsley said if the X-ray machine and a metal detector were already in place, that could have prevented the stabbing that happened in District Judge William Hetherington Jr.'s courtroom Nov. 12.
"That knife would have been detected at the door," Tinsley said.
He said the additional security measures mean a safer courthouse for employees and visitors.
"I think they're necessary," Tinsley said.
He said the equipment will detect any weapons and could prevent further attacks.
Norman attorney Steve Stice said he understands the need to set up security checkpoints, but he doesn't think it will eliminate dangerous situations
"So many emotionally charged events happen at the courthouse from criminal cases to divorces and child custody hearings," Stice said. "Hopefully it will prevent the bringing of weapons into the courthouse, but we all need to be aware of our surroundings whenever we step foot over there."
Stice said the security measures have been a long time coming.
"It is a shame that it took the incident of last week to set the ball in motion, but I appreciate the efforts of Sheriff Lester and Rhett Burnett in trying to tackle a tough problem," he said.
Stice said he hopes courthouse security becomes a higher priority for the sheriff's department.
"Many of the changes and restrictions in access are a direct result of budgetary issues and allocation of funds," Stice said. "Lester states he doesn't have the funds necessary to provide the manpower to guard every door. Maybe if he spent less on the new pink and yellow outfits for prisoners he might be able to hire a couple more deputies."
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
