PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Hughes County is looking to take security at the courthouse in Pierre to the next level.  What that level looks like is up to discussion.  Hughes County Commission chair Rob Fines wants to see something come from recent meetings on the issue.

Sixth Circuit Presiding Judge Christina Klinger says the State of South Dakota is starting to track courtroom incidents and it’s becoming more of an issue in both Hughes and Stanley Counties.

During the discussion one idea was repeated, more security staff.

Finance Officer Thomas Oliva suggested building service windows into his office to prevent public access to work areas.

More could be needed than just updated audio equipment for the main courtroom at the Hughes County Courthouse.  The Hughes County Commission discussed the pending upgrades at it’s meeting last week.  County Manager Lori Jacobson says state officials are continuing to finalize estimates for the upgrade.

Jacobson says a new electric feed is needed to get rid of electrical interference getting picked up in the audio equipment.

Sixth Circuit Presiding Judge Christina Klinger says the electrical interference not only disrupts Court, but it picks up a nearby radio station’s broadcasts.

The county intends to pay for the electrical wiring addition from the building maintenance budget.  The Hughes County Commission approved updating the Court’s audio system at it’s last meeting in May.