JONESBORO, Ark. – Officials have approved using a grant just shy of $15,000 to upgrade security at courthouses in Craighead County.
The Craighead County quorum court members approved an ordinance to add the grant money to the 2015 budget on June 22, KAIT 8 reports.
The Administrative Office of the Courts has awarded three grants to the county within the past four years. Officials have used the funds to install security cameras and access control systems at the courthouses throughout the county.
The security systems have helped deter individuals from committing crimes, and have aided police in arresting criminals, according to court workers.
For example, in one incident, a surveillance camera captures a man stealing a box of money intended for a non-profit organization. Court employees were able to use the footage to locate the suspect and then report him to authorities.
The courthouses will use some of the access control systems to limit who is able to enter certain areas of the buildings, providing better protection to judges and courthouse personnel.
