ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : One for the Wish List

The Orange County Grand Jury has its offices in the 11-story county courthouse in Santa Ana, so it is understandable that its members would be concerned about security there. After all, the facility houses scores of criminals every day, as well as bitter antagonists in civil trials. But the panel’s suggestion that airport-style security devices be installed at building entrances really must remain on the “wish list.” The problem is money.

The grand jury said last week that installing six X-ray machines and metal detectors of the type found at airports would cost $485,000. That is not a large sum by itself. The real burden would come in annual operating costs, an estimated $732,000. That is too expensive for a county battling budget problems.

The report did not address security concerns at courts in Westminster, Newport Beach, Fullerton and Laguna Niguel, but judges and lawyers in those buildings surely could be expected to request the same protection provided in Santa Ana. The only court that has the airport-style screening machines is Juvenile Court in Orange. That building, which also houses Family Court, opened two years ago, and the extra security was part of the design.

The Board of Supervisors commendably has done what it could for court security. It recently approved $350,000 for measures that will include magnetic door locks and courtroom security cameras. Portable metal detectors have been used outside courtrooms in which gang trials were taking place.

While the county marshal’s office protects the court building, the Sheriff’s Department has helped matters outside by increasing patrols around the Civic Center government complex, which includes the court. That was a response to complaints by county employees of harassment by transients.

Los Angeles and other counties have installed airport-style security in some courts but not others, and Orange County has been wise to make improvements it can afford but not go overboard on spending. If the money shows up some day, the extra security will be worth considering.