Municipal court to get scanner

At the Monday, Aug. 26, meeting of the Navasota City Council, councilmen approved the purchase of a Garrett Super Scanner V in the amount of $146.74 for Navasota’s Municipal Court.

Municipal Judge Pat Gruner said, “The Judge Julie Kocurek Judicial and Courthouse Security Act of 2017 says the presiding judge shall establish a court security committee in the city to establish policies and procedures necessary to provide adequate court security. It also allows courts to require a $3 security fee from anyone convicted of a misdemeanor offense in municipal court. Navasota has been collecting this fee and according to Finance Director Lance Hall, there is approximately $28,000 in the fund.”

According to Gruner, the Court Security Committee held its first meeting July 31 and the duties of the committee are to establish policies and procedures and recommend use of court security funds.

Gruner said of the scanner, “It can be used not only for the courtroom but possibly for other events. We’re going to meet and come up with a comprehensive plan…to have plans in place for this building but not only for city employees but customers as well.”

The Act allows for the purchase of the following items: X-ray machines, handheld metal detectors, walk through metal detectors, identification cards and systems, electronic locking and surveillance equipment, court security services provided by bailiffs, deputy sheriffs and constables, signage, confiscated weapon inventory and tracking systems, locks, chains, alarms and other security devices, bullet proof glass and continuing education on security issues for court staff and warrant officers.

The Court Security Committee is comprised of Judge Pat Gruner, court clerk Rochelle Jessie, bailiff Lt. Michael Mize, NPD Chief Shawn Myatt, City Manager Brad Staff, Mayor Bert Miller, Mayor Pro-Tem Grant Holt and NFD Chief Jason Katkoski.