Government Case Study

The sheriff’s department oversees the screening of the more than 3,000 visitors to the county judicial center every day. At one time, a limited number of deputies provided all the screening services, but in an effort to better utilize the few available deputies, the county administrator decided to employ contract security officers to screen courthouse visitors. Unfortunately, after a series of low-bid contract procurements, the resulting security program yielded multiple security breaches, including an unchecked firearm that was brought into a courtroom.

After a series of negative newspaper reports and being pressured by the county judges, the county Purchasing Department completed an exhaustive request for proposal process, which concluded in its procurement of Wackenhut as the judicial center’s new security provider.

Wackenhut designed a program utilizing Custom Protection Officers® (CPOs) at key courthouse positions. The CPOs worked to secure the judges’ chambers, security command center, and patrols while overseeing Wackenhut’s Upscale Security Officers posted at security screening checkpoints.

On a typical day, Wackenhut prevents more than 150 contraband items from being brought into the facility, and according to the contract administrator, the Wackenhut security officers have displayed a higher level of professionalism than the county’s court officials have seen from any other security provider. Wackenhut helped the county revise its troubled, inefficient security program, so it could keep more deputies on the street. In the process, Wackenhut earned a new level of confidence from county employees, judges, and courthouse visitors.

“Since [Wackenhut] has taken over security for the judicial center, service has greatly improved, personnel is more competent, and we certainly feel safer each day.” - Judicial Center Employee