Reversal of Firearms Ban in MI Court.
Date: Feb 6, 2007 8:22 PM
Court reverses weapons policy

Law enforcement officials had been banned from carrying their guns at
Washtenaw Circuit Court
Thursday, February 01, 2007
BY ART AISNER
News Staff Reporter

Law enforcement officers are again allowed to keep their weapons at the
Washtenaw County Circuit Court, after court officials reversed a
controversial weapons policy adopted four months ago.

The policy had required plainclothes and uniformed officers to carry special
holsters or lock their handguns in the security office, but was revised
after the State Court Administrative Office – the executive office of the
Michigan State Supreme Court – denied it late last week.

“The policy as originally proposed was not accepted and the trial court was
directed to conform more closely to the model policy adopted by the state
administrative court,” said that court’s spokeswoman, Marcia McBrien.

State court security specialists objected to the local policy. McBrien said
she did not know the specific objections and security specialists are not
authorized to speak with the press.

The local court’s revised policy now makes exceptions for uniformed or
properly identified officers, following the state’s model policy verbatim.

The measures implemented in October by Circuit Court Administrator Dan Dwyer
and Chief Circuit Judge Archie Brown were considered the most stringent for
any circuit court in Michigan and modeled after the federal courts, which
virtually ban all weapons.

Local officers unions challenged the policy, claiming it put the officers
and the public at greater risk, and sent letters to the Michigan State
Supreme Court.

“The policy was just stupid,” said Ken Grabowski, a representative
of the
Police Officer’s Association of Michigan in Washtenaw County. “This decision
allows law enforcement to maintain their authority in the courthouse, and
it’s a good thing.”

Dwyer said he still believes that limiting the number of guns in the
courthouse is in the best interest of public safety, but they’ll comply with
the state’s decision.

“We’re not taking this personally,” Dwyer said. “They have
the authority to
do it and they did it. It is what it is.”

Dwyer said the facility, which also houses the Friend of the Court,
probation and circuit court records, and the 15th District Court, is much
safer than it was a year ago due to recent upgrades to security and
screening operations. Further restructuring for security and space needs are
part of the county’s long-term facility space plan.