HomeMy WebLinkAbout022023 TESTIMONY (part 1): Hearing re Courthouse Security Standards
jeffbocc
From:Tom Thiersch <tprosys@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, February 20, 2023 2:47 PM
To:jeffbocc
Subject:TESTIMONY (part 1): Hearing re Courthouse Security Standards
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Commissioners,
Here are some general comments about the proposed “Courthouse Security” ordinance; detailed
recommendations will follow in another email.
FIRST: Jefferson County employs over 300 people. The proposed ordinance only attempts to address some of
the security needs of a fraction of those, not to mention the needs of the large number of volunteers who serve
our community.
What about the hundreds of county employees who are not covered, those who work in the several other
offices housing county government? Why are you totally ignoring their right to equal protection in the
workplace?
SECOND: The “no weapons” rule as written would likely be unconstitutional if applied to any county office
other than the “courthouse” \[See United States Supreme Court, “New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc.
v. Bruen” -- June 23, 2022\]. Unfortunately, and for the foreseeable future, the right to concealed carry
anywhere other than “sensitive places \[such as\] legislative assemblies, polling places and courthouses” is now
constitutionally protected. So, again, what about the county employees of Public Health, Public Works, … ?
THIRD: It is well known that some in the Prosecutor’s Office have guns. The ordinance as it currently exists,
along with GR 36, is routinely violated, and there is no reason to believe that those who are willing to violate
the current law would not continue to do so.
FINALLY: The proposed ordinance seems to be merely a court-mandated figleaf, just about as meaningless as
the Kabuki theater that is the TSA at airports, where tests have proven that 95% of violations go undetected at
TSA screening. Yes, GR 36 requires that measures be put in place. BUT …
At our courthouse, almost no effort would be required for a person intent on harming someone to gain entrance
to the building. The numerous glass windows at the ground floor certainly offer no protection.
Tom Thiersch
Jefferson County, WA
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