The Pleasantville Justice Court is seeking a grant to increase security within the next year.
A resolution was approved by the Village Board of Trustees on September 24, authorizing the court clerk’s request to apply for the 2018-2019 New York State Justice Court Assistance Program Grant.
If approved, the grant will be used by the court to install a bullet resistant door, an electronic lock, and bullet resistant panels around the doors and windows.
The Program Grant has a three-million-dollar budget available for distribution among lower level courts throughout New York State. Each court can be granted up to $30,000 per year.
Stephanie Timm-Austen, who has been the village court clerk since December 2006, said security enhancements have been an “ongoing process” for years. According to Timm-Austen, through this grant, the court has previously obtained a metal detector and a magnetometer. The village has also hired additional security officers from its own municipal budget.
The upgrades are a precautionary measure, according to Austen.
Stephanie Timm-Austen is the Court Clerk of the Pleasantville Justice Court. She has submitted the grant application year after year that has contributed to many of the enhancements at the court.
“We realized we’re in changing times. You can’t be complacent. Just because nothing has ever happened doesn’t mean it can’t.”
Upon Mayor Peter Scherer’s authorization, the village will apply for the grant. A response is anticipated by January. If approved, arrangements have already been made for installation with a company called Dwayne’s Glass Works in Florida, NY.
Village Administrator Eric Morrissey said the village has been working with an internal security task force to address any new concerns that may arise as well.
Village Administrator Eric Morrissey said the administration is working with an internal security task force to address any concerns that may arise as well.
According to Morrissey, the next upgrades anticipated include changing the door to the Village Hall board room, adding a gate to the downstairs staircase, better highlighting the exit signs, and upgrading the panic buttons.
“In the past, the police department has provided training for the panic buttons, and as new technology gets rolled out, they’ll be doing the same. And we discuss with the safety task force and they disseminate the information to the staff.”
He said department heads address any concerns during staff meetings.
“Overall, there’s the realization that public places are susceptible to violence,” said Morrissey. “Courts and court offices are a part of that and I think the state of New York understands that as well, and that’s why they make funding available for such security upgrades.”