Judge offers courthouse training

By BRYAN HELLIOS

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Bessemer - A law enforcement orientation program to help officers familiarize themselves with courthouse procedures was held at Gogebic County Courthouse on Friday.

The new program, started by Gogebic/Ontonagon Circuit Court Judge Micheal Pope, offers members of law enforcement a tour of the courthouse along with the opportunity to meet the staff working in the building.

"Most departments are very good about bringing new staff by within a short period of them being hired to introduce them to everybody," he said. "But that is not as in depth as what we do."

Pope began the class by explaining the important functions law enforcement provides to the safety and security for both the courthouse, its staff and members of the public.

"If you ever have to respond here, we want you to be aware of where things are and where the people are going to be," Pope said.

Pope led the officer on an extensive tour which brought the group down into the basement and up on a balcony overlooking the courtroom. Along the way, he pointed out locations of entrances and exits, as well as showing the many ways one could navigate though the maze of passage ways in the old building.

In the case of an active shooter or an emergency situation, courthouse staff are able to access safe places. Pope said it's important for officers to know where to look for people if an incident happens to occur.

Jay Kangas, a sergeant at the Gogebic County Sheriff's Department, said emotions can run high in the courthouse and situations can arise.

"There have been several occasions that we've had verdicts that have not gone the way people think and get excited," he said "It can be a little nerve-wracking."

He spoke about being observant while in the courthouse and to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary - often recommending for other officers to "come in at sit 5 minutes to check things out" while they are in the courthouse conducting business.

Jenni Hanson, conservation officer for the state's Department of Natural Resources volunteered to take part in the training offered.

"I've been dealing with the court for just over a year now, but this is the first time I could come and meet both judges and get an in-depth tour," she said.

Hanson workday is typically spent in the woods, or on the lakes and rivers, but she said it's good to know all the security measures in place.

"I would respond if there were emergencies or active shooters or anything like that at the court," she said.

Hanson learned things in the orientation she had not known about the courthouse and said she saw the program could benefit other officers

"If they (officers) hadn't had this opportunity I'd encourage it to them," she said.

Pope said he doesn't mind sharing the information one-on-one, or with a group, because he feels the program is that important.

"If any department or any officer wants to do it, call us," he said.