Security backlogs leave courthouse patrons shivering in line

The turnstiles of justice crept along this morning, leaving patrons to face long lines in bitter cold to enter the Hillsborough County Courthouse.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office closed the courthouse annex entrance on Jefferson Street to the public last week, but today was the first time most people discovered the change.

"Things do need to become more efficient and we're working on it," sheriff's Col. Jim Previtera said. "Security and convenience don't always go together. We have to find a balance."

Court administrator Michael Bridenback said security officers didn't open their screening stations until 7:30 a.m., which caused backlogs. He said he will ask that they begin earlier.

"It was a difficult first day," Bridenback said. "But the plan the sheriff has in place is a good one. We learned a lot today."

Previtera pointed to several issues contributing to the backlogs at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St. More than 3,500 people went through the three screening stations in the first two hours today.

Previtera said more people have been using the courthouse since the Clerk of Court closed some satellite offices. Mondays also are the busiest day of the week because most jurors report for service.

Cold weather contributed to the delays, with metal zippers on heavy coats and even earmuffs triggering metal detectors and prompting security officers to ask people to remove pieces of clothing.

There also were long lines when the sheriff's office took over courthouse security in October. Court officials responded by dividing those reporting for jury service into two groups and staggering their arrival times.

Previtera said he will ask judges to do the same thing with court dockets.

"If everyone showed up at Raymond James Stadium at 1 o'clock for a Bucs game, no one would get in by the first half," he said.

The Jefferson Street entrance has been set aside for judges, lawyers, court personnel, other employees and the media. Previtera said having such a dedicated entrance makes it easier to get the courthouse up and running.

Once inside the courthouse, frustrations continued for those going to criminal courtrooms in the annex. Only one of the three elevators was working.

Bridenback said he was waiting to hear from county maintenance officials on the problem.