Sheriff Joe Lester announced the measures after recent security-related incidents, including one earlier this month in which a deputy was stabbed in court while struggling with a man who cut his own throat with an X-Acto knife after his probation was revoked.

The new security measures will include an operational X-ray machine and metal detector. Lester says anyone entering the building will have hand-carried items run through the machine and will have to walk through the metal detector.

He says the building's north and south doors will be locked and used only in emergencies. The east doors will be locked and manned by a deputy who will allow access only to court officials with proper identification and employees.