Courthouse safety: Who should take charge?

Published 11:09 pm Sunday, November 18, 2007

EVERETT — A simmering debate over how to improve security at the Snohomish County government campus might reach conclusion today, settling a disagreement between the County Council and County Executive Aaron Reardon.

Both sides agree that campus marshals and hired security forces should be centralized under one command.

They differ over who should be in charge: the county sheriff or a new director of a whole new department.

The County Council is scheduled to vote as soon as today as part of the proposed 2008 budget.

Both proposals, one from Reardon and one from the council, cost about the same: $1.2 million a year, an increase of about $340,000 over this year’s budget. More than $500,000 would continue to be spent on contract security forces.

The choice boils down to whether to spend the new money on creating a new department or putting more security marshals on the job under Sheriff-elect John Lovick.

National experts said last year that court security needed improvement, including a more modern building and better security checks. For about a year, a committee of department officials and court officials carefully mulled what to do next.

Based on recommendations, Reardon in August proposed creating an Office of Security, a new department under his control.

The bulk of Reardon’s proposed spending includes $126,000 for salary and benefits for a new department director, $105,000 for a security commander and $55,000 for an administrative coordinator.

Such a move would bring security expertise into county government, said Brian Parry, Reardon’s executive office administrator.

“There’s a difference between security and law enforcement,” Parry said. “Bringing in someone with specific security experience was important.”

The executive’s office appeared to be distancing itself from the recommendation to create a new Office of Security. Parry said officials only signed the paperwork forwarded by the Court and Campus Security Committee.

The committee was co-chaired by presiding Superior Court Judge Thomas Wynne and county Executive Director Deanna Dawson, who advises Reardon on law and justice issues.

Reardon’s influence goes beyond pushing paper. Wynne said Reardon’s office was firm on wanting control over the proposed Office of Security and access to county buildings.

“The executive wanted to maintain control within the executive branch of access to county facilities,” Wynne said. “We tried to work with the executive on that.”

County Council chairman Dave Gossett and Sheriff Rick Bart argue Reardon’s plan is “too top-heavy” with administrators. Instead, they are proposing to put the marshals under the separately elected county sheriff’s office and steer more money to increasing patrols.

The council proposes spending $85,590 to hire a sergeant, $59,000 for a law enforcement secretary and additional funds to add 1½ marshal positions for patrols.

“With the need for heightened security, it makes sense to make it as lean and efficient as possible and that’s what we’ve tried to do,” Gossett said.

Both plans have strengths and weaknesses, Wynne said.

Creating a new department with an independent security director would give additional authority over the different branches of government, such as the auditor, treasurer and assessor offices, which all have their own elected officials, Wynne said.

Also, the county might be able to hire someone skilled at security planning, Wynne said.

Then again, the sheriff’s office is stepping into the debate for the first time, Wynne said, with pledges of being able to offer security planning.

“They’ve never experienced any interest in campus security before,” Wynne said. “During bomb threats, they stand on the street corners like everyone else.”

The courts will work with whatever plan is adopted by the council, Wynne said.

“The court wants the council to adopt a plan and put something in place,” he said. “After talking to council members, delaying will not serve any purpose. I think the council has made up its mind.”

Debate is expected, County Councilman John Koster said.

“I’m not sure how that’s all going to shake out,” he said. “Maybe we’ll put the money aside. There’s no reason we can’t continue that into next year.”

Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.