Council addresses security concerns

Putnam County Courthouse

During a particularly eventful meeting Thursday evening, the Putnam County Council approved the creation of seven new positions, all of which will add to the security of county buildings.

The most publicly visible of these positions is a pair of full-time bailiffs to serve the two county court rooms.

Circuit Court Judge Matt Headley impressed upon the council the need for security staff for the courts.

The council agreed, with the request passing 5-0.

Adding to the security of the Putnam County Jail will be five new full-time jailers.

Chief Deputy Phil Parker told the council that in a recent discussion with the state jail inspector, the department learned it actually needs 24 or 25 jailers -- twice as many as it currently has.

In a first step toward that staffing level, five positions were approved by the narrower margin of 4-1.

Both measures were the result of extensive discussions, which will be explored in more detail in an upcoming edition of the Banner Graphic.