Committee accepts CTAS guidance: post no-gun signs during court proceedings, item removed from agenda

The Coffee County Policy and Procedures Committee heard guidance that the county should post signage at courthouse entrances when court proceedings are held and remove the item from future agendas after the sheriff's office implements the signs.

A committee speaker said he consulted Steve Austin, the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) lawyer, who advised that the county’s required step is to post a sign outside the door during grand jury or court proceedings. The committee discussed that posting would make it clear no firearms should be brought into the building while court is in session.

Committee members said Frank Watkins from the sheriff’s department will handle implementing the posted signs and that the committee can remove the item from future agendas once the signage is in place. The committee recorded no further action beyond asking the sheriff’s office to post the signs during court sessions.