Court Services & Courthouse Security

ROAD TO REFORM

SECURE COURTS. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. ONE STANDARD.

Court Services is a core responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office. Protecting judges, jurors, employees, victims, defendants, and the public requires strong staffing, modern security, professional training, and clear accountability.

THE PROBLEM

Court security is more than screening people at the door. It includes courtroom safety, prisoner movement, civil process, protective orders, threat assessment, emergency response, and coordination with the courts.

These responsibilities must be treated as a priority not an afterthought.

THE PLAN

As Sheriff, I will:

1. Review courthouse staffing, security, equipment, and emergency procedures.
2. Strengthen training in courtroom security, de-escalation, threat recognition, and emergency response.
3. Improve coordination for high-risk hearings and credible threats.
4. Review civil-process backlogs and improve service tracking.
5. Strengthen prisoner transportation and courtroom movement procedures.
6. Maintain modern screening, access-control, camera, and communication systems.
7. Measure performance while protecting confidential security information.

WHAT CHANGES ON DAY ONE

Day One begins with a 30-Day Court Services Readiness Assessment.

We will immediately review:

Staffing. Training. Equipment. Civil Process. Prisoner Movement. Security Procedures. Overtime. Technology.

I will also meet with judicial leadership and court stakeholders to identify immediate needs and strengthen coordination.

THE RAMOS STANDARD

Court Services should reflect the same standard expected throughout the Sheriff’s Office:

1. Professionalism. Preparedness. Fairness. Accountability.

The courthouse should be one of the safest and most professionally operated public buildings in Hall County.