Commissioners approve new security positions for Niles courthouse

Berrien County Commissioners approved a plan to increase security at the Berrien County Courthouse in Niles.

Thursday night Commissioners approved a plan to add a new sheriff’s deputy and bailiff to the courthouse in Niles.

The commission has already added more security to the courthouse in St. Joseph.

Commissioner Marletta Seats says this latest move is another step in the right direction.

"As we get into what actually happened, we will look back and see if what is being put in place is adequate, so that it's sustainable so that we can prevent reoccurrence of this issue ever again in the courthouse; and the public can feel safe when they go in,” Seats said.

Two bailiffs, Joe Zangaro and Ron Kienzle, were shot and killed by an inmate in an escape attempt in the Berrien County Courthouse in July. The suspect, Larry Gordon, was also shot and killed.