Cameras to provide security at courthouse

A contract between AirWave Com-munications of Nevada and Vernon County for the purchase and installation of 12 high tech security cameras was signed by the Vernon County Commission and Sheriff Jason Mosher on Wednesday.

Workers will begin the job of installing armored or vandal resistant security cameras in the courthouse next week, according to Cindy Cutler of AirWave Communications, who said the work should be completed by the end of the week.

Total cost of the cameras and installation is a little more than $4,478, excluding the cost of putting one camera in the building's elevator. That camera must be installed by Thussen Krupp Elevators.

The security camera idea is not new. Presiding Commissioner Bonnie McCord and the Domestic Violence Task Force has been wanting the cameras for some time. McCord said the price of the technology has gone down since the idea was first explored and the contract gives the county the most bang for its buck.

The task force is made up of county officials, such as judges, law enforcement officials, juvenile officers and others who deal with or are concerned about domestic or sexual violence in the community.

"It's really exciting," Task force member Martha Sander said concerning the prospect of having security cameras in the courthouse.

The task force first approached the commission with a plan in 2008 which had security cameras as part of the overall plan.

Sander said task force members spoke with office holders and workers in the courthouse who had concerns that went beyond the safety of people in "highly charged" situations" that characterize domestic or sexual violence.

"It's not just going to benefit (them)," she said. "It will mean a safer courthouse for officials ... and everyone else.

For now, cameras will be located inside the building. The system is expandable and McCord said cameras will be added to the exterior of the courthouse next year. The new system "is something we can do to be proactive and keep everyone safe" while they are in the courthouse.

Another recent change -- one Sheriff Jason Mosher made soon after taking office in January -- was having a deputy assigned as a full-time bailiff. Sgt. Greg Prough of the Vernon County Sheriff's Office will play an integral role in the video security system, Mosher said.

Prough will have a monitor at his desk with multi screen capabilities that will let him monitor all of the cameras scattered throughout the courthouse

After the system is up and running properly, Prough will also have a laptop or iPod which he can use to monitor the building while he is in the courtroom. It will increase the bailiff's abilities Mosher said, and "make the courthouse even safer."