The Court Services Bureau provides building security for the Lake County Judicial Center. There are 21 Deputies and 1 civilian control room operator assigned to this bureau. Although all Deputies are responsible for court security, this actually entails several different functions.

At the public entrance, deputies utilize an x-ray machine and a walk through magnetometer, which are both used to scan for weapons and other contraband. Last year we had over 366,000 people enter our security checkpoint.

In the main gallery, we are responsible for the safety and security of the visiting public and civilian employees.

We provide security for other county departments within the Judicial Center, such as the Public Defenders Office, The State Attorney’s office, the Clerks Office and a variety of other support personnel.

We provide security for eight circuit judges, three county judges, one General Magistrate and two hearing officers. This also includes security for jurors and witnesses, whether in the courtroom or chambers.

On a daily basis, we transport prisoners to and from the county jail for court. We have 16 cells within the secure area of the judicial center with a holding capacity of approximately 120 prisoners. The control room operator is responsible for all movement and security in this area.

On a regular basis, deputies transport the presiding judge to hearings held outside of the judicial center such as; hospitals, courthouses and local mental health facilities.

Court service deputies also respond to law enforcement calls for service within the judicial center. Usually, these disturbances arise from family court, child support, divorces and injunctions. Sometime arrests become necessary.