Bingham County beefs up courthouse security

The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office installed its new security system Friday.

Bingham County Courthouse patrons are now required to step through a metal detector and empty all metal items and purses through a screening process. Sheriff Craig Rowland said this new system is long overdue for the county.
“We’ve had a portable detector that we’ve used in the courtrooms, if there is a big trial. But this is just to make sure everyone in the courthouse is safe,” said Rowland.

Authorities said although the feature was recently installed, they have had to confiscate a lot of pocketknives. Although they aren’t illegal within the county, they are not permitted inside the courthouse.

Authorities said it will take some time for citizens to get used to, but Blackfoot resident Jason Fowles said he doesn’t mind the inconvenience, if it means better safety for the community.

“I was a little surprised at the new security system, but I’m definitely not against it,” said Fowles. “You never know who’s going to walk through the door with an vendetta.”

Officials said the new system comes at no charge to the county or taxpayers. Homeland Security funded the $28,000 project.