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February 14, 2012

Security Study: Commissioners recognize committee members

Tom Fink Staff Reporter

CLAREMORE — Rogers County judges, a local attorney and others were cited as being members of the newly formed Rogers County Courthouse Security Committee, as reported by Undersheriff John Sappington Monday during the Rogers County Commissioners meeting.

“As of right now, we’ve got (Rogers County) Judges Erin O’quin, Dwayne Steidley and Dynda Post, David Harper with the Rogers County Clerk’s office, Rogers County District Attorney Janice Steidley, attorney Bill Higgins, county commissioner Dan DeLozier, and myself on board as committee members,” Sappington told commissioners. “We have others whom we’re still attempting to get involved, if their schedules permit, Rogers County Emergency Management Director Bob Anderson is among them.”

Although not cited but chief among committee members, Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton also was present, and told commissioners he was “pleased” with those who had agreed to be involved in the security committee.

“I feel we’ve got a strong group put together,” Walton said, “and I expect once we get our schedules lined out, we’ll be meeting, hopefully later this week. That’s our goal.”

Formation of the Rogers County Courthouse Security Committee followed last week’s commissioners meeting, at which, Post expressed her concerns about security or what she perceived to be lack thereof in the Rogers County Courthouse.

Among Post’s concerns were the number of deputies assigned to the courthouse as security officers, only one in officer Tom Howse, and no metal detectors or other forms of “screening” at the entries of the “open” courthouse.

“Pretty much anyone can just walk in here, and there’s really nothing to keep them out.

We experienced this only weeks ago with the Garth (Brooks) trial, when we saw scores of people coming into the courthouse,” Post said. “Fortunately, none of them were here with malicious intent, but if any of them had been, it could have gotten very ugly. The courthouse is one of the most emotionally-charged places there is, and I feel strongly that ours (courthouse) is insufficient in its security.”

Walton also was at last week’s meeting and concurred with Post’s desire for improved security at the courthouse, but he like Rogers County Commissioner Mike Helm, said additional deputies and security measures were dependent upon funding.

Both Helm and Walton felt the formation of the (courthouse security) committee could allow a “hard look” to be taken at matters at the courthouse and possible means to improve and fund improved security.

Commissioners took no formal action regarding the committee, but recognized its formation and encouraged Walton to keep them advised of its activities.

In other actions, commissioners approved the appointment of David Merriman to replace M. B. “Buddy” Robertson for the unexpired term as trustee to Rogers County Public Facilities Authority, to expire Dec. 31, 2012.

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