High-tech security system delays courthouse debut

Highlights
* Security officers will train for two days to familiarize themselves with the security system.
* The courthouse will require three more officers than previously employed when running at full capacity.
* Construction has gone smoothly, with only one significant delay to get through rock when the parking deck was excavated..

by JASON BACAJ

The Rockbridge County Courthouse will open in February.
(JASON BACAJ/The Rockbridge Report)

The high-tech security system for the new Rockbridge County Courthouse is behind the latest delay in the facility’s opening.

The courthouse was scheduled to open Jan. 26, but County Engineer Tom Higgins said the security system was not finished in time to provide court security officers the two four-hour training sessions that the system requires.

“The security subcontractor didn’t have everything ready to do a hands-on training,” said Higgins. The courthouse is now scheduled to open Feb. 10.

Construction on the $30 million brick and stone building at the corner of Nelson and Randolph streets has been mostly on schedule since work started in March 2007.  There has  been only one other major delay, a six-week extension workers needed to get through rock underneath the parking deck.

The unearthing of the remains of a 19th century woman while workers were excavating the parking deck also delayed construction for a short time last January.  But Higgins said he was satisfied with the work of the contractor, Branch & Associates Inc. As far as Higgins is concerned, the contractor’s deadline was met.

Rockbridge Country Courthouse (JASON BACAJ/The RockbridgeReport)

Among the numerous high-tech security measures in the new courthouse are AK47-resistant judges’ benches, separate elevators and staircases for prisoners, and 122 security cameras throughout the building. Subcontractor for much of the security work was Hudson Payne Electronics Corp.

Rockbridge County Sheriff Bob Day said he’s glad to have the modern equipment in the new building despite the challenges it presents.  Day said that when the courthouse is fully operational
it might take two to three more officers to provide proper security. 

The Sheriff’s Department currently has only enough money in its budget for one additional position. Day said the starting pay for a full-time court security officer is about $35,000 including benefits and uniform costs.  And, he added, hiring a new court officer not only requires more money but also takes time. Certification training for court security officers lasts eight weeks.
To save time and money, Day hopes to use jail workers as part-time security employees.  While jail personnel are not part of the sheriff’s department, they are certified to do court security and bailiff work.

Other employees of the court won’t have to worry about learning a new security procedure, Higgins said.  They will be issued pass cards, which are already used in a limited fashion in the old courthouse.

SECURITY SYSTEM FEATURES
  • 122 security cameras
  • High-security area for prisoners
  • Numerous alarms
  • Bulletproof benches for judges
  • Pass-card employee access 
  • Private judge’s parking lot


Rockbridge County Courthouse

 

 

 

W&LProduced by
Washington and Lee
journalism students.

Lead Supervisors:
Prof. Brian Richardson
Prof. Indira Somani

Editing supervisor:
Prof. Lisa Tracy

Technical supervisor: Michael Todd