Hall said court officials talked with bailiffs and judges about what would be an effective response to various incidents that could occur in court. The standard we settled on was they should respond in a nonlethal manner to nonlethal threats or incidents. These are the last resorts in subduing somebody. Hall said bailiffs also have been given handcuffs and radios. The radios can be used to call for help from the jail if needed.
Judges also have panic buttons.
Last year, Benton County commissioners asked court staff to come up with cost estimates for airport-type security at the Benton County Justice Center, the Benton County Juvenile Justice Center and the courthouse in Prosser. Melina Wenner, Benton County risk manager, said it will happen this year. Franklin County has contracted with a private firm to provide armed security. And high winds caused havoc throughout the Pacific Northwest. A few power lines needed fixing, part of south Richland was blacked out for 90 minutes in the morning and house-shaking gusts set off burglar alarms around town.