By Betsy Finklea
The new Dillon County Justice Center features a high level of security and a state-of-the-art courtroom which made its debut with the first General Sessions court trial held there recently.
A number of technological advancements are part of the new courtroom that do not exist at the historic courthouse.
One of the most noticeable advancements is the state-of-the-art sound system. The sound can be turned up and down in various parts of the courtroom such as the jury zone, the zone for the gallery, the zone for the litigants, etc. The sound system for the court reporter allows the court reporter to digitally record and eliminates the need to run microphones to various locations as in the historic courtroom. According to Assistant Solicitor Shipp Daniel, this is very convenient for the court reporter.
Another noticeable advancement is the video system. Monitors are at the tables for both litigants, in the court reporter area, on the witness stand, and the judge’s bench. The monitors are controlled by a 70-inch smart board that the jury can view. It eliminates the need for the old type projector screen. The attorneys can write on the board and mark the screen, show a video of a statement, etc. One button can switch the board from the state side to the defense side, Daniel explained. County Administrator Clay Young said they chose the large smart screen to provide better vision of the evidence presented there and so that all jurors are looking at the same picture at the same time.
The audio and video advancements help the attorneys in the presentation of their cases. The courtroom is soundproof to help prevent distractions.
The security of the building is also advanced when compared to the historic courthouse which is why criminal court is being held at the new building. The security is there to protect everyone, Young said, the attorneys, judge, court staff, victims, and defendants. Cameras monitor the outside and inside of the new building. Upon entering the new Justice Center, one must go through a metal detector. The front area is manned by law enforcement who have a monitor where they can track activity at the building. Throughout the building, there are secure areas that require key card access; however, offices are secure from each other and one office cannot access another. The Justice Center currently houses the Solicitor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Magistrates Office, and soon the Family Court Judge. There is an office available for the Clerk of Court and two suites for the visiting judge. There are also two jury rooms, a smaller magistrate’s courtroom, and two holding cells. There is a magistrates hearing room, rooms for the attorneys to meet with clients outside the courtroom where they can meet with clients, and a waiting room area in the front of the building near the security desk. Panic buttons are located in various locations in the building which immediately notify the Sheriff’s office, Detention Center, and eventually 9-1-1 which also enhances security.
One feature that many may not be aware of is the corridor that leads from the Justice Center to the detention center. This is monitored by video throughout the corridor. This greatly reduces the costs and danger associated with prisoner transport, said Young. Daniel said it also greatly aids the Solicitor’s Office which is also aided by having all of the offices there in the same place. Daniel said it makes daily operations more efficient. The connection of the Justice Center and the Detention Center also cuts down on the number of staff needed, Young said.
A recently completed paving project has greatly expanded the parking, and over 120 parking places will be available.
The new Justice Center is a metal structure. It is built with the flexibility to move walls and with the idea of future expansion. The cost of the project which includes the building, retrofitting, furniture and equipment, totals more than $5 million.
Both Young and Daniel agree that the historic courthouse is one of the greatest and prettiest in the state, and the historic courthouse will continue to be used for everything but criminal court. Family court, civil court, and non-jury matters will continue to be handled at the historic courthouse.
Daniel said the county looked at the feasibility of adding to the historic courthouse, but the cost was exorbitant. Young said it could have also affected the historic character of the building. Also they are limited on what they can do to the building due to historic preservation officials, who can restrict the improvements being made.
Young and Daniel said that the new Justice Center is in no way trying to take the place of the historic courthouse, but Young says the new center addresses the needs for the future and the increased security necessary for criminal court. Young said the historic courthouse still plays an important role and is truly the symbol of Dillon County.
