|
 risafulli
says that there has often been talk about adjusting the level
of the metal detectors, but nothing has come of it. When asked
her opinion on changing the settings, Gutowski says, "For
what? To make the public happy?"
The
people who come to court most often — judges, lawyers,
court personnel and accredited journalists — are given
a badge and a separate entrance that allows them to bypass
the metal detectors altogether. Gutowski calls this "a courtesy."
The
public at large receives no such courtesy.
On
one recent morning, a random check found that 39 out of 50
New Yorkers trying to enter the courthouse at 100 Centre St.
triggered the metal detector. These men and women, mostly
jurors and spectators, triggered the machine despite the fact
that nearly all complied with the court officers’ constant
orders to empty their pockets. But if they forgot a few quarters
or a key chain buried inside a coat pocket, the officers speak
to them like recalcitrant juveniles or hopelessly slow learners.
No
one in line had anything approaching a weapon. The machine
caught them for their belt buckles, their watches, the metal
buttons on their jackets, and their steel-toed work boots.
Court officers say their machines will stop people for a hair
barrette or a gum wrapper – and note that there's absolutely
nothing wrong with that.
Once
caught, the person entering would have to re-check his pockets
or submit to a hand search. Meanwhile, behind him, the line
builds.
Across
the street in Federal Court, the U.S. Marshals say their metal
detector catches about 25 percent of the people passing through.
No one has to wait 20 minutes to enter the federal court,
which is not as heavily trafficked as the state courts.
|
