The Court Watch Partners applaud the General Sessions Court judges,
the Chattanooga City Court Judges and Hamilton County Sheriff Jim
Hammond for tightening the security of courtrooms and adjoining areas.
Judges, along with the sheriff, should be held accountable for the
safety and security of court users. These security measures are long
overdue and further promote the safety and well being of all who have
business in the courthouse.
Several of our CWP members have in fact been present in these courtrooms when inmates and defendants who are
sentenced to jail have made "fast escapes" out of the front and rear
doors of the courtroom. Their escapes and the following police chases
jeopardize the welfare of many people. Some were immediately captured
by deputies and court officers and returned to court quickly. Others
could not be found. We have seen court officers having to struggle and
physically restrain defendants in open court all to the fear and
dismay of many good citizens who are charged with simple traffic
offenses but who are compelled to sit immediately beside defendants
who are unknowingly charged with rape, murder and robbery. Small
children are present with their parents and guardians in these
courtrooma everyday.
The Court Watch Partners agree; Hamilton County does not want and
does not need a repeat of the terrible tragic murders that occured a
short time ago in the courtroom of Fulton County, Georgia. CWP members
constantly hear about the "back room deals" between the lawyers and
judges because of the constant traffic through the courtrooms,
especially courtroom four, by the attorneys. It is difficult to
instill credibility when the apperiance of impropriety is in the
public's face everyday.
Lee Tripp ~ Chairman leetripp@epbfi.com
Court Watch Partners