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We find the decision by Lycoming County commissioners to add five deputy sheriff positions to better provide security to magisterial district judges' offices reassuring.
As Lycoming County Sheriff Mark Lusk noted in an article in Friday's Sun-Gazette, most court proceedings -- including criminal proceedings and often emotionally fraught proceedings regarding families -- begin in the magisterial district courts. The offices of the courts are appropriately spread out across the county to serve the needs of the public.
"When I took office in January of 2022, it became very apparent to me how incredibly vulnerable I was in my office," District Judge Denise Dieter shared. "I've had people come straight up to me and try to rip files out of my hands and try to get behind the bench."
It was clear from the remarks of Lusk, Dieter and other district judges and county leaders that they are taking the risks seriously and have given this matter commendable thought. We trust that they will continue to contemplate the best way forward on this worrisome issue.
At this time, we believe hiring additional sheriff deputies is a reasonable step. We hope our district judges, sheriff and county commissioners continue the conversation about what other steps may be needed to further improve the security of our magisterial district courts.
We recognize these additional steps may require renovations to their offices, upgrades to camera or other security systems or other expenses. But the reality is that the magisterial district courts are a fundamental part of our government's most solemn responsibilities.
Our district judges provide an important service -- a Constitutionally required service. We should recognize and appreciate that service, at a bare minimum, by taking the necessary steps to improve the safety of the men and women willing to serve.