Should deputies or private security guards secure courthouse?

Private security guards are cheaper than sheriff's deputies, but private guards alone probably couldn't secure Linn County's courthouse and its new juvenile justice center. And Sheriff Brian Gardner isn't interested in backing up private guards.

“It's your decision, not mine,” Gardner told county supervisors at this morning's meeting. “But if you're going to hire private security, we're out.”

The supervisors' first extended discussion on the issue came as they reviewed specifications drawn up by Darrin Gage, the county's director of policy and administration, to seek private contractors' bids for guards to staff the public entrances at the juvenile justice center, set to open late next summer, and the courthouse on May's Island.

In  initial budget discussions, supervisors had penciled in an additional $240,000 next year for three sheriff's deputies to staff the new juvenile justice center.

Both the supevisors and Gardner agree they'd need two guards at each public entrance: one each on the X-ray machine for briefcases and handbags and the walk-through metal detector. But it's also assumed a deputy would be stationed at each building to back up the private guards.

Gardner figures the deputies would spend all their time at the entrance checkpoints “babysitting” the hired guards.

If a private guard tries to order a would-be visitor to disarm, “they have no lawful authority,” Gardner said. “I have all the liability in the world, and no control.”

Supervisor Brent Oleson asked Gardner to at least keep an open mind as Gage seeks bids.

“We haven't had a discussion about that, and you're announcing you're out,” Oleson said. “I don't think that's a fair discussion.”

Gardner said he's had the discussion with past county boards – this is Oleson's second year on the board – and hasn't been able to devise a less expensive working arrangement.

Gardner said the situation at the building entrances could grow more complicated after Jan. 1, when more liberal state laws take effect regarding civilians' ability to carry guns in public.

“That's another conversation we need to have here soon,” he said, recommending the courthouse be posted as a weapons-free zone.

The supervisors instructed Gage to get contractors' quotes for three guards at each building.