Detecting what's really needed

How safe is safe enough?

That's the question that was raised last week after a young woman was found to have a concealed knife in a St. John's courtroom.

Almost immediately, it would seem, the call went out from some corners that courts in the province should be equipped with metal detectors.

Justice Minister Felix Collins said his department was looking to see if other jurisdictions have metal detectors, but budgetary concerns may determine if they are installed in Newfoundland courtrooms.

How about letting some common sense make that determination?

What other workplace is guarded by sheriff's officers? Not to mention the officers from the RCMP, RNC, DFO and environment and conservation who are routinely in the courtroom.

A courtroom has to be one of the safest workplaces going - just ask anyone who works in a convenience store or gas bar where they would feel more safe.

And if a person involved in a court case was that intent on harming someone like a judge or prosecutor, a metal detector isn't going to stop them. It will only force them to take their fight outside the building or find other non-metallic ways of causing damage.

Newfoundland and Labrador can find much better ways to spend whatever money is allocated to the provincial court system.

More resources for the Crown attorney and legal aid offices could help speed up some of the cases that now take months to work their way through the system.

A few new judges wouldn't hurt either; that way when one is sick or unavailable there is someone to take their place and cases don't get set over for months at a time.

And it's no secret that many facilities in the province are in need of much more than just a makeover.

Justice has limited funds and a long wish list. Metal detectors shouldn't rank.

editor@gulfnews.ca