Marion County Sheriff Andy Garden wants an extra deputy to assign to the courthouse rather than an expensive vestibule to better handle security for those entering the courthouse. He made the request to the Marion County Board Tuesday night.
“Don’t spend money on big fancy stuff, but give me a deputy. We utilize correctional officers over there. They are not trained in active shooter or any type of law enforcement, they are strictly for corrections. My worry is being prepared if something, God forbid, does happen I don’t want someone coming in and saying why didn’t you do this or that.”
Garden says the extra deputy would allow one person at the security point to search and another to watch, noting if you’re using proper security techniques one person cannot adequately do both jobs. He adds the correctional officer at the security desk must remain at the door and the third-floor courthouse security officer cannot leave his post if there are court hearings underway. As a result, if there is a problem in a county office they have to wait for a response from an outside deputy or Salem Police Officer.
The county board informally agreed they liked the idea. After law enforcement committee chair Steve Whritenour noted applications are now being taken for grants to pay the first three years of salary for new officers, Garden was instructed to talk to the South Central Illinois Regional Planning Commission to see what type of financial help may be available to add the position.
Garden says if the deputy is added, he thinks just minor improvements are needed at the security entrance.
“I just like to dress that up. We all see that when we come to the courthouse. It’s the first impression. I’d like to do a high desk where we can hide those computers and monitors and a nice stool where security is kind of standing up. For a couple of thousand dollars, we can do that.”
The board also reviewed plans for a renovation of the State’s Attorney’s office that would include moving one wall to allow for a bigger reception area, the addition of a slide through window to pass documents to allow better security for the office as well as need doors, paint, and carpeting. The estimated cost is $155,480. Other work was reviewed for improving the prisoner entry area from the sally port.
Building and Finance Committee Chair Dr. Creighton Engel says while they are already $331,000 over available money from American Rescue Plan Act funds, he feels money can be made available through the quarter-cent sales tax for public safety and the county’s regular building fund.
No action was taken on any of the proposals or the new deputy. Board Chair Debbie Smith suggested the board members think about them until the next board meeting on May 24th when action could be taken.
