Downtown Reno could be getting a new courthouse soon. In August, 2 News spoke to County Commissioner Bob Lucey and Judge David Hardy about improvements needed to the Second Judicial Courthouse. Judge David Hardy says issues with the current courthouse include not being able to separate victims, the accused, jurors, and even judges from each other both physically and emotionally. He said studies have found to resolve these issues.
Now plans to build a new courthouse are underway. Judge Scott Freeman says they're still looking at funding and construction details. However once details are finalized, Judge Freeman says a new courthouse will be good for everybody in the community.
"A strong judiciary is what the public needs for protection, and to deal with the issues of law, to deal with giving people a quick resolution to their cases, and with old antiquated outdated buildings we can't do that." said Judge Freeman.
Though, functionality is one of many concerns, officials say safety is the biggest priority.
Judge Freeman also said, "After 150 years various security plans have come into place by other courthouses throughout the United States that we haven't come close to catching up to. The design of a new courthouse, whatever size it will be will take into consideration inmate separation, victim separation, judge separation so safety and security occurs."
Judge Freeman also says better security will help prevent incidents that have happened in the past.
Washoe County's Interim County Manager, Dave Solaro said, "The majority of what we provide are services to the community and the master plan shows us the areas where we're faulting in the quality of the buildings or amount of space we have to provide those services; the services that are expected by a county government and you know the courthouse is a great example. We want to have a safe environment for not only our judges and staff but for the people that utilize the courthouse as well."
To see the Washoe County Downtown Master Plan Presentation click here.
Solaro says this plan just a part of the bigger picture. The county has more plans for its buildings. Next Tuesday the Board of County Commissioners are meeting to discuss two master plans for repairs on the Administration Complex and Detention Facilities. The public is always invited to attend and participate, for details you can click here.
