Local Courthouses Aren Not The Only Level Boosting Their Security
By Kristen Thomas
While security measures in the county court house are being increased, security at the Federal courthouse remains strict.
Robert Campbel has been a security guard at the federal building for more than six years. He said at any given time during the day there are six guards on duty. They walk each floor of the building to make sure everything is in order.
Security guards at the federal building monitor who come in and out of the courthouse by manning a metal detector and x-ray machine at the entrance.
Movement inside the courthouse is monitored by cameras. One of the six guards on duty is responsible for maintaining the monitor room. Each floor of the courthouse has more than two cameras that track the movement on that floor, while a guard watches from the monitor room on the first floor.
Lubbock Courthouse
Photo by Kristen Thomas
"Our most important job is to protect the people and the judge in the courtroom," Campbel said.
Campbel said he really enjoys this aspect of his job because it allows him to sit in on trials and listen to cases.
C.B. Baiza has been a guard at the federal courthouse for almost five years. He said he loves meeting the interesting people who come and go during the day. He also said that from January to about the end of May the Federal building is busy with people going to the tax office on the fourth floor.