For Immediate Release:
November 15, 2021

Monmouth County holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for Courthouse West Wing Security Vestibule

FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completed construction of the West Wing Security Vestibule portion of the Courthouse Improvement Project. The West Wing Security Vestibule incorporates the latest security innovation to enable the Sheriff’s Office to screen all building occupants safely and efficiently at the Monmouth County Courthouse. 

“We are thrilled to open the new West Wing Security Vestibule which will ensure the safety of everyone who enters the Monmouth County Courthouse. We are also proud to announce that the project was completed ahead of the projected winter 2022 completion date” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “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 continue to keep staff and court users safe.”

“This new addition will enhance the public safety of all at the Monmouth County Courthouse and I thank the Monmouth County 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 1,700-1,800 people enter the courthouse. It’s our duty to provide the utmost of safety and security to members of the judiciary, court personnel, jurors and the public.”

In addition to the construction of the West Wing Security Vestibule, this 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 improvements were completed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

“The construction of the new courthouse entrance exemplifies the commitment of our Board of County Commissioners to court access and enhanced security for our judges, staff and court users,” said Monmouth County Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton. “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.”

The approximately 3,400 square-foot addition was designed to blend into the existing architecture and character of the building.

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