Federal bill would improve courthouse security

By: Associated Press//February 8, 2012//

Listen to this article

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sen. Al Franken is introducing legislation to make courthouses more secure.

Franken, D-Minn., says the Local Courthouse Safety Act would provide courts with access to security training and give states authority to use existing grant money to improve security.

The legislation comes in the wake of a shooting in northern Minnesota’s Cook County courthouse. That shooting left two people injured with multiple gunshot wounds.

The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.
Boozman’s state also experienced a courthouse shooting in recent months. He said eliminating red tape will give local courts access to equipment like metal detectors.

Jim Franklin, executive director of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, estimates most rural courthouses in Minnesota have no metal detectors. At least one judge has also voiced safety concerns.

Select Region or Brand

Upcoming Event