The Clinton County Courthouse was built in 1897 and hasn't had a secure entrance since. For years, anyone could walk through the doors with just about anything until now.
Workers are installing a new security system in the courthouse. They already have cameras, two full time security staff, and other measures in place, but anyone walking through the doors isn't screened for weapons or other devices you shouldn't bring to the courthouse.
That's the way it's been since anyone can remember, but many at the Clinton County Courthouse are glad they're making a change.
"This is Clinton, Iowa, it's not New York City, but there are people all over this world that are doing crazy things," Clerk of Courts Marilyn Huff says.
Huff has worked in the Clinton County Courthouse for almost 40 years. In that time, she says there have been some security measures, but mostly anyone is allowed to come into the courthouse without being screened for dangerous items or weapons.
"We were warned one time that a gentleman had a gun with him, and he came into the office, and I knew that so I cleared that office," she says.
Huff says incidents like that are rare, but they do happen. Other staff tells TV6 criminals who've bonded out of jail and return for a court date come right up to their desk, and they could have anything or anyone with them. There's only a sign posted to warn people of what they can't bring in.
"It's just the world's so different anymore, you never used to think about this," Huff says.
Now that's all about to change. The county has been working for over a year and a half to get a new security system installed, and they're finally seeing some results, with crews installing a $31,000 metal detector and X-ray machine.
"There's a certain fee that inmates pay, room and board fees, that were used [for this]," Clinton County Justice Commission Coordinator Brian McKenrick says, "It didn't come at additional county taxpayer expense."
But it might be awhile before these machines will be put to use.
"There isn't a date certain right now, we're going through a process of developing policies and procedures," McKenrick says.
Officials hope to have everything set to go within the year so everyone can feel safe.
"They're taking steps to protect us and make sure we are safe," Huff says.
The new security system will also require more staff to help courthouse visitors through the screening process. The county board chairman says about four part time workers will be hired through the sheriff's department for that.
