The Saint Martin Parish Sheriff's Office employs five (5) full-time deputies and two (2) part-time deputies to meet the security needs of the Saint Martin Parish Courthouse, 16th Judicial Courthouse (Temporarily at 307 Church Street) The Courthouse Security Officers and Bailiffs currently assigned to the court security detail are under the direct supervision of the Courthouse Security Section Supervisor. The Courthouse Security Supervisor reports to the Deputy Chief of Civil Process/Court Security/Correctional Services Department.
The crier of a court shall attend all sessions. The Saint Martin Parish Sheriff's Office provides Court Security personnel on court dates, which are set up by a Court Administrator. This court schedule is set up on a yearly calendar.
In the daily operations of court security, and in the event of an emergency, to provide the proper response necessary to minimize loss or damage suffered as a result of courtroom disturbance, demonstration, riot, escape attempt, hostage situation, medical emergency, suicide attempt, fire, bomb, or tornado.
The Security duties and responsibilities of Courtroom and Courthouse Security personnel currently entail screening individuals entering the courtroom areas. They are required to walk through the metal detection equipment (x-ray equipment) and hand-held metal detection equipment to intercept and remove individuals and items that may represent a threat to the peace, order, and integrity of the court. Deputies are performing with X-ray screening and monitoring of walk-through metal detection equipment, detecting and detaining any person(s) attempting to gain unauthorized access to the courtroom attempting to commit an unlawful act against the safety and security of the courtroom and/or courthouse; prepare reports concerning accidents, fires, bomb threats, unusual occurrences, seizure of weapons or contraband, and unlawful acts. Their personal effects may be searched if the metal detection equipment alerts to metal. If necessary, individuals will be personally searched. All handbags and packages will be x-rayed prior to entering the facility.
Rules pertaining to weapon security for the courthouse is as follows:
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Law enforcement personnel with valid photograph identification will be allowed into the courthouse with their weapon. Therefore, no lock boxes are needed for law enforcement personnel entering the courthouse.
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Any person attempting to enter the courthouse who has a valid concealed weapon permit (non-law enforcement) will be required to secure his/her weapon outside the courthouse prior to entry.
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Individuals who attempt to enter the courthouse with a firearm, offensive weapon, or explosive device will not be allowed access and/or will be subject to arrest.
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Knives, blunt instruments, or any item that can be used as a dangerous weapon will not be allowed in the courtroom.
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Law enforcement personnel with valid photograph identification will be allowed into the courthouse with their chemical control agent.
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Civilians will be instructed to secure the chemical control agent at security check point.
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Courthouse Security will be coordinated and approved by the presiding judge and the court administrator.
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Photographic and recording equipment are allowed at the presiding judge's discretion or by court order.
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Media interviews with the defendant(s) are prohibited. Any other restrictions would be in accordance with the court order.
