Courtroom concerns — Courts submit security order to commissioners

Weston County judges have circulated a draft court-security order that would formalize screening at the courthouse and spell out how the Sheriff’s Office enforces bans on weapons and recording in judicial areas — changes the bench says are aimed at safety and clarity, not new staffing mandates. The draft was presented by Judge James M. Causey on Sept. 2 during the regular Board of Weston County Commissioners meeting.

According to Causey, the rules for the courtrooms have existed but were not formally written.

“The Weston County Courthouse has long maintained certain security procedures under the oral direction of the District and Circuit Courts formed in consultation with the Weston County Court Security Committee, the Weston County Sheriff, and the Weston County Commissioners,” the order says. “Both Courts now find that a more formal Court Security Order should be entered to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to provide for the orderly administration of justice and to ensure the safety of court personnel, litigants, and the public.”

Causey said that the order was crafted following several discussions with other Sixth Judicial District  judges and that it “really addresses the question of what exactly is it that we’re doing and how exactly is it that we should be doing it.”

Under the proposal, everyone entering spaces under direct court control — the courtrooms, adjacent areas and all of the basement and third floor — would be subject to screening. Bags and other personal items could be searched before entry. The order also defines “secured areas” to include locked basement and third-floor spaces and nonpublic parts of the circuit and district clerks’ offices. Anyone appearing intoxicated or under the influence could be detained and tested until brought before a judge. Violations could be punished as contempt of court.

The draft reiterates long-standing bans on “dangerous weapons” in those spaces — listing firearms, knives, stun devices, pepper spray and similar items — and authorizes deputies serving as court security officers to require visitors to relinquish prohibited items for safekeeping or deny access if they refuse. Peace officers on official business remain permitted to carry, but must coordinate with court security when entering secured areas.

It also tightens rules on devices in the courtroom: Phones, cameras and recording equipment would be prohibited without a judge’s permission, with limited exceptions for court staff, lawyers and law enforcement using devices for court business. Deputies could secure those items or deny entry if visitors won’t comply.

Causey told the board that the move to clarify the security measures for these areas follows a rising courthouse-security concern statewide and nationally. He noted  Wyoming’s judiciary has held conferences to align local policies with state standards and the Court Security Act.

Causey stressed that the intent is to clearly mark judicial spaces and back deputies’ authority — not to require counties to hire more guards. He noted that the order does not increase obligation but simply states what can happen in and immediately outside of the courtroom.

“As Judge Causey explained rather clearly, the purpose of this proposed order is to give law enforcement better enforcement abilities when necessary,” County Attorney Michael Stulken said in an email to the News Letter Journal when he provided the draft document.

Despite an explanation that Stulken said was clear, Commissioner Marty Ertman questioned the necessity of the order. Chairman Nathan Todd asked if the order was the courts’ way of combating recent legislation eliminating gun-free zones.

According to Causey, the order is needed to give written authority for officers to enforce circumstances such as contempt of court. He noted that the order does, in part, control the ability to carry concealed weapons in these areas.

Another concern raised by Ertman was the space included in the order.

She said that despite the money spent on the third floor for security updates years ago, she can see this order being implemented there. The basement, on the other hand, would not be an appropriate place to include in the order because there are other public spaces down there, including vaults, restrooms and other county offices.

The board also raised concerns of liability if portions of the order aren’t enforced due to limited staffing and the reality of one part-time security position being able to cover multiple floors. They also discussed installing a controlled door to separate public and sensitive areas and asked for language tweaks so the order doesn’t overreach court-related spaces.

No official decisions were made on the order as presented, due to the county’s concerns. Causey indicated that the courts would be open to narrowing or clarifying language after continued discussion with county officials, the Weston County Sheriff’s Office and the court security committee.

It was noted that the plan for the order includes refining boundaries, considering cost-effective physical controls and finalizing an order that formalizes existing practices while keeping the public access straightforward.

Funding options were mentioned but appear limited; projects must be scoped and approved before outside dollars can be sought, and the courthouse’s historic status can add red tape.

Commission Clips 

Notes from the Sept. 2 Board of Weston County Commissioners meeting

The board authorized the chairman’s signature on a second memorandum for the National Opioid Settlement for a different manufacturer than the previous agreement. Commissioner Marty Ertman voted against the motion. 

The board passed a resolution amending the budget by adding $10,169.51 to the line item for general miscellaneous insurance due to unanticipated revenue in the form of a final insurance payment. 

The board approved a resolution formally establishing Barton Road/Weston County Road 75 as a public county road. According to Chairman Nathan Todd, all landowners' consents from 2004 to 2007 were on file, but no formal resolution was passed. The status of the county road is retroactive to April 23, 2007. 

The board appointed Lindsay Gooden to the Weston County Fair Board. Commissioner Marty Ertman voted against the motion. 

The board approved a resolution creating an EMS district for Weston County. According to the resolution, the borders of the district will be the same as the county lines and a board will be created that meets statutory requirements.