600 weapons a month confiscated at Yakima County Courthouse
YAKIMA, Wash. -- KIMA is following up on security changes at the Yakima County Courthouse. We learned deputies are confiscating up to 700 weapons a month. About 100 of those are guns.
Everything from tasers to pocket knives are put in lockers until you leave.
Video surveillance was installed above the metal detectors and a floor-to-ceiling barrier was built between the courthouse and the entry way.
People we talked to say it makes them feel safer.
"I came here when I was pregnant through two pregnancies and I it did cross my mind," said visitor Lacy Heinz. "There's a lot that goes on in this courthouse and so I appreciate the security, personally."
That large number of weapons removed has been virtually unchanged since the start of the metal detection.
Deputies say people just don't pay attention to the signs. It's a learning curve that could take a few more years.
Everything from tasers to pocket knives are put in lockers until you leave.
Video surveillance was installed above the metal detectors and a floor-to-ceiling barrier was built between the courthouse and the entry way.
People we talked to say it makes them feel safer.
"I came here when I was pregnant through two pregnancies and I it did cross my mind," said visitor Lacy Heinz. "There's a lot that goes on in this courthouse and so I appreciate the security, personally."
That large number of weapons removed has been virtually unchanged since the start of the metal detection.
Deputies say people just don't pay attention to the signs. It's a learning curve that could take a few more years.
I have to agree with what Big Dave is saying about this story. Why are they running it, to make Miike Leita look honest with his tax hike? That courthouse is crazy. I witnessed a photographer go into the trial of tribal officer Anthony Hernandez with a huge 10 inch lens (for a closeup) and hop and hop around him, sneaking up behind him near the back of the ear. After hundreds of shots he finally got a small sneer out of Mr. Hernandez. Although I do feel that Ruth Reukoff is a a very good judge and runs a tight ship.
I thought the whole shirtless Jersey Shore wannabe look was played out in 2009. Guess i was wrong.
@Sal King you derp. You stole my profile pic. I had it first.
and really, soap in a sock now how did that set off metal detectors,i have to say the (the over hyped)headline did draw me in to the story then having a (clearly a toy)gun and a sock in the picture now the story is not so belivable
All of these tools, weapons are found everywhere else you go, McDonald's, Mall, Grocery Stores, friends and families homes or cars, parks, work areas, but some how we are demonizing these tools. The real story is that the County has an area to secure your weapons while visiting because it is a prohibited area.
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One morning at a local restaurant a man walked in with a gun on his hip in a holster and the waitress immediately spoke up and said you can't have that in here! he explained it is legal in the state of Washington, which it is and another patron announced yes it is legal but I carry mine concealed and the waitress proclaim, what the heck does everyone carry a gun now! 5 different patrons said YES WE DO!
Oh almost forgot, that gun on the table is a toy not real, was that brought in just for the picture?
Jesus Christ!!! What did the courthouse do before the metal detectors?!!! Sheesh... it only took Yakima a decade after 911 to get metal detectors... good job Yakima.
Sarah this story very basis and inaccurate, confiscated or locked in lockers until you leave, the later I believe.
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Please note the RCW that makes bringing a weapon into a restricted area a crime, if there were 600 per month being confiscated then there should be 600 arrest, bookings, prosecutions and plea deals for trials and I really do not think that is occurring.
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I truly wish KIMA would do better about putting out accurate information then just citing security which are not in the business to give legal advice and part of the time do not know the law themselves.
Or some heavy editing by the editor just trying to get a hyped up headline.
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RCW 9.41.300 Weapons prohibited in certain places â Local laws and ordinances â Exceptions â Penalty.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses or knowingly has under his or her control a weapon:
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(b) Those areas in any building which are used in connection with court proceedings, including courtrooms, jury rooms, judge's chambers, offices and areas used to conduct court business, waiting areas, and corridors adjacent to areas used in connection with court proceedings. The restricted areas do not include common areas of ingress and egress to the building that is used in connection with court proceedings, when it is possible to protect court areas without restricting ingress and egress to the building. The restricted areas shall be the minimum necessary to fulfill the objective of this subsection (1)(b). Â Â Â Â For purposes of this subsection (1)(b), "weapon" means any firearm, explosive as defined in RCW 70.74.010, or any weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or any knife, dagger, dirk, or other similar weapon that is capable of causing death or bodily injury and is commonly used with the intent to cause death or bodily injury. Â Â Â Â In addition, the local legislative authority shall provide either a stationary locked box sufficient in size for pistols and key to a weapon owner for weapon storage, or shall designate an official to receive weapons for safekeeping, during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building. The locked box or designated official shall be located within the same building used in connection with court proceedings. The local legislative authority shall be liable for any negligence causing damage to or loss of a weapon either placed in a locked box or left with an official during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building. Â Â Â Â The local judicial authority shall designate and clearly mark those areas where weapons are prohibited, and shall post notices at each entrance to the building of the prohibition against weapons in the restricted areas;
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