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NEW CUMBERLAND -- Hancock County commissioners, Thursday, recognized a recent court decision prohibiting the civilian use of body armor in court facilities, agreeing to establish it as a matter of policy in the county.
"That came down from the First Judicial Circuit," Commission President Jeff Davis said, explaining the policy from the ruling will be in effect for all court facilities in Hancock, Brooke and Ohio counties.
Circuit Court Chief Judge David J. Sims issued an administrative order Jan. 31 designating court facilities "as restricted access facilities, with security procedures governing access to the said Courthouses, and limits to the possession of firearms and other weapons within the said Courthouse to specifically delineated law enforcement," and noting "certain types of body worn armor, Kevlar or protective clothing are capable of masking the presence of firearms from magnetic detection devices, or are otherwise capable of inhibiting the detection of weapons or other contraband from courthouse security."
"The body armor can mask weapons," explained Davis, noting the safety concern which can arise in such a situation.
The administrative order notes such armor, "whether commercially manufactured or improvised" is designated as a security risk.
The order will not be applied to representatives of law enforcement agencies, while engaged in their regular duties, though, with Sims and Davis noting those individuals are tasked with maintaining the safety and security of court facilities and their occupants.
"It can still be worn by police officers," Davis said.
In Hancock County, the policy will be in effect at the Hancock County Courthouse, as well as the county magistrate court and county family court offices.
The order was to be sent to all judges within the First Judicial Circuit, as well as magistrate clerks, county sheriffs and county commissions in the three affected counties.