Council to tighten security at King County Courthouse for safety of citizens and employees

Long-range Security Master Plan to examine County public facilities

In response to citizen concerns about personal safety when visiting the King County Courthouse as well as threats to County employees working there, the Metropolitan King County Council today took action to improve safety and security at the Courthouse and other County public facilities.

“The Courthouse must always remain the ‘People’s Building’ where citizens, jurors, employees and members of the courts can conduct daily County business without concern for their personal safety,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, chair of the Operating Budget Committee. “We must remain vigilant and continually improve safety measures in the Courthouse and all other public County buildings.”

“We are fortunate to have dedicated staff at the Courthouse, but they need support and assistance to ensure our government functions can continue unimpeded by safety concerns,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, chair of the Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “This investment in added security equipment and action planning will help King County respond proactively and effectively to any threats and prevent any future tragedies.”

The Council today appropriated $200,000 for security upgrades to the King County Courthouse that will be developed in consultation with King County Superior Court, King County District Court, and the Sheriff. Top-priority facility improvements could include enhanced key card access controls throughout the Courthouse, bulletproof glass built into strategic areas, and added cameras for enhanced monitoring.

“Courthouse security is a nationwide concern. Any person visiting a King County court facility, whether voluntarily or otherwise, as a litigant, juror, judge, bailiff or bride, has a right to personal safety,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine. “This package will fund immediate security improvements, while providing guidance for how we can better protect the public in the future.”

“We cannot take threats to county officials lightly, and our citizens must feel safe when coming to the courthouse for official county business,” said Councilmember Jane Hague.

The Council also appropriated $307,000 for development of a long-range Security Master Plan that will make a comprehensive review of security requirements at all County facilities, and provide a prioritized list of any additional security improvements that are needed to protect employees and the public. A briefing on the Security Master Plan will be provided to the Council by June 30, 2008, with a final plan delivered by Dec. 31, 2008.

“The public and King County employees deserve to feel safe in our buildings,” said King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. “I applaud the Council and Executive for taking steps to address public safety in our county facilities.”

“The Superior Court is encouraged by the actions being taken to make it safer for all who use King County courthouses,” said Superior Court Presiding Judge Michael Trickey.

The Council first approved the installation of metal detectors and security officers at the King County Courthouse in 1995, following a triple murder committed by a man who smuggled a gun into court. In June 2005, police shot and killed a man who brought a hand grenade into the Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle.

More recent threats have been brought to the attention of the Council in testimony at committee meetings and public hearings on the annual budget. Prosecutors, defenders, judges and jurors in particular expressed specific concerns over their safety while in the Courthouse.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system. Type in “2007-0504”