Courthouse Security
By: Lisa Carr
Updated: April 13, 2009
A Lubbock teen is accused of such a violent crime, extra security will be needed for his trial this week. This concerns the case of 19-year-old Cody Ramirez who's accused of aggravated robbery. Police say he and another teenager held up a local games store in December, 2006, and Ramirez is suspected of shooting at a police officer as he ran away from the store. Court officials say, until they have permanent metal detectors and x-ray machines at the courthouse entrances, they'll set up temporary ones outside specific courtrooms during high-profile cases.
Major Don Carter says, "Predominantly, it's a request of the presiding judge. That decision is usually made pursuant to a case that is either high profile or they seem to think, we might need a little extra security. Typically, there is some conversation between the judge and our staff to come up with a means of security that's appropriate for that particular court."
Officials say the new security system at the courthouse entrances should be up and running by early 2011.
