COLUMBUS, Ind. — Two new efforts have been approved to improve security at the Bartholomew County Courthouse.
An ankle bracelet capable of delivering an electric shock will be purchased for $4,904 from Compliant Technologies of Lexington, Kentucky. The decision was unanimously made Monday by the Bartholomew County commissioners.
These bracelets, which operate somewhat like a Taser, are usually used during trials, Bartholomew County Jail Commander Maj. John Martoccia said.
It delivers what Martoccia describes as a “compliant shock” to inmates if they try to commit acts of violence or attempt escape. The manufacturer says the bracelet is also good for prison transport, inmate medical visits or hospital stays.
When asked about the need, Martoccia said there are frequent reports about violent outbreaks at U.S. courthouses. This is especially true during jury trials where state law requires that the defendant not be handcuffed or shackled during the proceedings.
Martoccia recalled when Jermaine Ford began breaking more than 100-year-old glass after his sentencing hearing in Bartholomew Superior Court 1 on Jan. 8, 2020. Another example was on Feb. 9, 2017, when Jordan Rhoades was videotaped hurling chairs at courtroom staff during a hearing in Bartholomew Superior Court 2.
“The last thing we want is for an offender to attack somebody while they aren’t handcuffed while in the courthouse,” Martoccia said. “It’s always best if we have something that can give us compliance immediately.”
The other security upgrade approved by the commissioners Monday is a new magnetometer, known better as a walk-through metal detector. Manufactured by Laurus Systems, Inc. of Ellicott City, a suburb of Baltimore, Maryland, the new metal detector will cost $4,350.
It will replace the current magnetometer and provide much better technology than the current device, Martoccia said.
For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
