Kimmi-I absolutely agree with everything you've said. I can't understand why a Deputy moving someone in custody would have a gun on them---that just isn't DONE here. Our Deputies DO go alone, however, and I've always wondered about that. Also, I agree, most of our Court baliffs are older people and they DO get complacent. Most of the morning is spent handling the Court calendar, calling in witnesses and joking with investigators, L.E., hearing officers and court staff. Then, they have to get up to go get someone in lock up and they probably DO forget that they're dealing with the same people who are out on the street. The main difference is that in Dependency Court, all prisoners/inmates are always handcuffed and sometimes, fully shackeled--there's no jury, so it doesn't matter. EVEN so, care is taken, or should be. All it takes is one minute of inattention. And also, since our deputies DO wear their guns, any other nut-case (i.e. not a lock up) could easily attempt a grab. It's a risky world out there in the trenches, no matter how you look at it. We can minimize risks by better training, etc., but there's always the unexpected that slams you from left field....