FREEHOLD — Monmouth County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 15 to mark the completed construction of the West Wing security vestibule portion of the Monmouth County Courthouse improvement project in Freehold Borough.
The West Wing security vestibule incorporates the latest security innovations to enable the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office to screen all building occupants safely and efficiently at the Monmouth County Courthouse, according to a press release from the county.
“We are thrilled to open the new West Wing security vestibule which will ensure the safety of everyone who enters the courthouse. We are also proud to announce the project was completed ahead of the projected winter 2022 completion date,” Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners Director Thomas A. Arnone was quoted as saying in the press release.
“It is our privilege to support our sheriff’s officers by giving them appropriate space for security screening operations to perform their essential duties and to continue to keep staff and court users safe,” Arnone said.
“This new addition will enhance the public safety of all at the Monmouth County Courthouse and I thank the Board of County Commissioners for the continued support and commitment of this project,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden, whose agency is in charge of court security operations.
“Each day, an average of 1,700 to 1,800 people enter the courthouse. It is our duty to provide the utmost of safety and security to members of the judiciary, court personnel, jurors and the public,” Golden said.
In addition to the construction of the West Wing security vestibule, the project includes the reconstruction of the East Wing main entrance stairs, landing and handrails, along with the restoration of additional exterior entrance stairs throughout the three wings of the courthouse.
All of the improvements were completed in compliance with federal Americans with Disabilities Act standards, according to the press release.
“The construction of the new courthouse entrance exemplifies the commitment of our county commissioners to court access and enhanced security for our judges, staff and court users,” Monmouth County Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton said.
“This extraordinary new entrance reflects the important work performed at the courthouse each and every day and we are deeply grateful for the county’s dedication to the mission of the New Jersey judiciary,” Thornton said.
The approximately 3,400-square-foot addition was designed to blend into the existing architecture and character of the building, according to the press release.