Alachua County Sheriff's Office

Court Security

Lt. Ryan Cox
(352) 264-7072
rcox@alachuasheriff.org

Sgt. Pete Briggette
pbriggette@alachuasheriff.org

Sgt. Donnie Van Wie
dvanwie@alachuasheriff.org

Sgt. Calvin Decoursey
cdecoursey@alachuasheriff.org

Sgt. Richard Rooney
rrooney@alachuasheriff.org

The Court Security Bureau is unique in many ways. The bureau is located in the Alachua County Family and Civil Justice Center and Alachua County Criminal Justice Center. The Family and Civil Justice Center is a four story building containing ten courtrooms, the Clerk of the Court and the Office of Court Administrator. The Criminal Justice Center is a four story building containing eleven courtrooms.

The Court Security Bureau falls under control of ACSO Judicial Services and Training Division. The bureau is accountable to the Court Administrator and the Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit as well as the Sheriff. The bureau assures the safety of the County and Circuit Judges who preside in the courthouses, the Clerk of the Court employees and the Court Administration personnel.

The Court Security Bureau strives to provide a high degree of courteous and professional security services to all persons involved in the judicial system within Alachua County. If you have any questions, please call (352) 374-3654 or e-mail one of the deputies listed above.

Security

The overall security and safety of persons within the Alachua County Courthouses is the responsibility of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, (ACSO) pursuant to Florida Statute 30.15.

The bureau processes an average of approximately 2,800 visitors daily who enter the courthouse. Each visitor and employee is screened through a comprehensive security station, using state of the art X-ray machines and Magnetometers.

Anyone carrying a firearm into the Courthouse will be arrested per Florida Statute 790.06 (12).

We currently have eight part time non sworn employees who assist at security stations, DNA samples and finger printing.

Responsibilities

The bureau is responsible for security of the courthouse annex, “Star Garage,” housing the offices of the Guardian Ad Litem, Court Reporters, and administrative offices. In addition, bureau personnel attends all Alachua County Commission meetings, sub-committees, advisory councils, and related functions. Nighttime security is provided to all county buildings located in Gainesville’s downtown area. The bureau also has eight part time non sworn employees who assist at security stations, DNA samples and finger printing.

The bureau executes warrants, civil orders, orders to take into custody and arrests within the courthouse.

Courtroom Security

The bureau is responsible for courtroom security during judicial proceedings. Court Security Deputies are responsible for, conducting courtroom functions, fingerprinting defendants, and providing meals to jurors.