County Wants to Make Parking Safer for Jurors

Sept. 29, 2004
Tarrant County Commissioners pledged that help is on the way for jurors plagued with car burglaries in a jury parking lot.

Tarrant County Commissioners pledged Tuesday that help is on the way for jurors plagued with car burglaries in a jury parking lot.

Commissioners are considering adding security, limiting access and perhaps designating a different area at LaGrave Field for juror parking.

Costs would range from $26,000 for an unarmed contract security guard to more than $50,000 for a full-time deputy sheriff at the lot. Security cameras and surveillance warning signs would cost $139,000, county officials told commissioners.

People reporting for jury service are allowed to park free in the LaGrave Field parking lot, but burglars have repeatedly raided the lot despite regular patrols by police and sheriff's deputies.

Commissioners are expected to decide next week on a plan. In the meantime, security will be stepped up on the lot, officials said.