Local Counties Assess Security In Wake Of Deadly Courthouse Shooting

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Could the deadly shooting at the courthouse in southwest Michigan on Monday have been prevented?

Today, the sheriff there is reviewing procedures, and CBS 2's Mai Martinez took a look at precautions taken by counties around Chicago.

"This is an unfortunate situation where this inmate who wanted to break out was able to overpower our deputy and get his weapon," said Berrien County Sheriff Bailey.

And once Larry Darnell Gordon, who was handcuffed in front of his body, had that gun, he shot the deputy and two bailiffs--Joseph Zangaro and Ron Lienzle, who both died. A woman was also shot.

The deputy and the two bailiffs were "well-trained and well prepared. This is an unfortunate thing. We move people every day," Bailey said.

The shooting prompted the Lake County (Ill.) Sheriff's Department to review its courthouse procedures, which a spokesperson said were found to be sound.

Currently prisoners there are handcuffed behind the back while being transported and while in court.

High-risk inmates are also shackled.

As for guns, correctional officers are not armed, but court security officers are.

In Will County, all inmates are handcuffed and shackled from the time they leave their cell to the courthouse. Restraints are removed while in a holding cell, but replaced before entering a courtroom. Both correctional officers transporting inmates and courtroom deputies are armed.

In Cook County, a sheriff's department spokesperson says courthouses are now under enhanced security because of the Berrien County shooting.

As for its policy, all inmates are handcuffed behind the back and, if necessary, shackled.

Officers escorting them and those in the courtrooms are not armed.

When Gordon was shot by other officers, he was still handcuffed.

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