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Critics: Some Iowa courthouses lack basic security

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April 16th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa courthouses have a variety of security features, with about half banning guns and fewer providing secure areas for judges and staff to work outside courtrooms.     A gun incident in March at the Madison County Courthouse has sparked another push from the Iowa State Bar Association for upgraded security procedures at courthouses statewide. The group published a report on the issue in 2005.

The Des Moines Register reports a review show a majority of courthouses lack safety features recommended by the bar association. Those features include metal detectors or entryways that are monitored by deputies.

Guy Cook, a Des Moines attorney and president of the bar association, says a lack of basic security such as restricted entrances has the potential to create dangerous situations.