Sheriff Ed Robb is responsible for developing the policies and procedures to keep courts in Albemarle County safe.
He does it, "The best I can. With emphasis on best I can," he said.
The reason why there's an emphasis on "best I can," is because Robb is limited by the law.
According to state law, sheriffs are responsible for providing manpower, and the judges and county are responsible for the physical security of the courts. Right now, said Robb, the courts are too people friendly.
"There should only be one entrance and exit for the public. Well, we have more than one entrance to the public. And there shouldn't be so much glass," said Robb.
This also goes for Robb's office, which he calls a fishbowl. For anyone who wants to harm him, only a plate of glass stands in the way.
Commonwealth Attorney Jim Camblos faults the age of the courthouse for these vulnerabilities.
"It would be nice to have only one way in and one way out, but you just don't have that luxury with a building this old," said Camblos.
Robb also doesn't have the luxury of enough manpower to carry out all the duties the law specifies.
"When we see that there's a need to man the metal detector at the circuit court, then we have to sacrifice the other services that the sheriff's office does," explained Robb.
But with the low amount of incidents, it is safe to say that Albemarle County Sheriff's office does a very good job.
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