March 19

King cosponsors bill to improve small-courthouse security

STAFF REPORT

U.S. Sen. Angus S. King Jr. is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to improve security at smaller courthouses.

Angus King
click image to enlarge

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine

AP file photo by Robert F. Bukaty

The Local Courthouse Safety Act, introduced by Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, both Democrats from Minnesota, and John Boozman, Republican from Arkansas, provides access to security training, allows states to use existing grant money to improve courthouse security and streamlines the process to give local courts access to existing federal security equipment, such as metal detectors not being used.

In Maine, staff members from the office of Judicial Marshals provide security in 12 counties. The county sheriff's departments provide court security in Kennebec, Lincoln, Penobscot and Somerset counties.

"Maine has over 30 courthouses located all over the state," King said in a news release. "The dedicated men and women who work to protect them every day deserve access to the appropriate resources and equipment to keep them safe, which is exactly what this vital piece of legislation does at no additional cost to the taxpayers."

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors




Further Discussion

Here at OnlineSentinel.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most…