Ava, MO. – Those who stop into the Courthouse of Douglas County may notice that there is an increase in the amount of security measures that are in place.
This is due in no small part to the various events that have happened at the courthouse within the past two years. There have been multiple instances of individuals stating they would light the courthouse on fire or harm the staff; and even a case where an employee was stalked repeatedly.
Douglas County Sheriff Chris Degase has his own comments on the series of events. “…In light of all of that, we’ve gotten a metal detector there, we’ve got an armed officer there… we’ve put some stipulations in place such as no firearms, no weapons, no bags, no purses, no cellphones…” Degase went on to say some people are upset by the changes but knows that increased security is a necessary component of the Court House going forward.
Sheriff Degase also stated that they are working to find the best medium for being non-intrusive in their security, while also ensuring staff and citizens are safe in their visits.
