NORMAN, OK -- Folks passing through the Cleveland County Courthouse doors will soon find their route altered. Just last week, a man slit his throat in a courtroom after a judge sent him back to prison. A deputy was cut with a knife the parolee brought through courthouse doors; an incident that pushed the Sheriff's Department into action.
Undersheriff Rhett Burnett said, "Although my deputy did a great job, people are still concerned with security, so we're implementing changes now."
All public access will be through the west side doors. They'll go through the metal detectors.
Any handheld items will go through the x-ray machine; another layer to ease fears and increase safety.
These changes came quickly, but they aren't cheap.
The County is spending money allocated for other things to make it happen.
They plan to put a more permanent solution in the budget next year.
The new security measures start next week.
Undersheriff Rhett Burnett said, "Although my deputy did a great job, people are still concerned with security, so we're implementing changes now."
All public access will be through the west side doors. They'll go through the metal detectors.
Any handheld items will go through the x-ray machine; another layer to ease fears and increase safety.
These changes came quickly, but they aren't cheap.
The County is spending money allocated for other things to make it happen.
They plan to put a more permanent solution in the budget next year.
The new security measures start next week.
