Countywide

San Diego County supervisors Tuesday approved the expenditure of $31,000 for the installation of an airport-style security system at Juvenile Court, the scene of a growing number of violent confrontations.

The action, taken without debate, clears the way for purchase of a walk-through X-ray machine and metal detector for the busy Kearny Mesa facility. Juvenile Court Director Michael Roddy predicted that the system would be in place within 45 days.

When the equipment is installed, Juvenile Court will become only the second county courthouse with such sophisticated security. The downtown San Diego Family Court branch, which opened in November, also has a walk-through system. At the U.S. District Court, an X-ray machine has been in place for years.

Juvenile Court administrators said an increase in violent episodes, some of them involving rival gang members, made installation of the machinery at the building’s front entrance imperative. There have been periodic assaults on social workers and others who work at the courthouse, and many weapons have been confiscated.

Presiding Superior Court Judge Michael Greer predicted that all newly built judicial facilities in the county will be equipped with similar security.