The Justice Center Court Security Staff consists of a Captain, Lieutenant, and three Sergeants. There are over 40 Deputies/Bailiffs that are assigned to maintain the safety/security of the various courts. The deputies at the Justice Center work in many capacities to ensure the safety and security of the building and its occupants. Some of the duties entail working with judges in court proceedings, operating the security screening area for the public, arresting persons that have outstanding warrants or who were sentenced during their court appearance. The duties also include transporting inmates from the detention facility to the courthouse for court proceedings, and maintaining all state mandated documentation for inmates while they are at the Justice Center.
The Justice Center Judicial Staff consists of Twenty-one Judges that hear cases pertaining to criminal, civil, family, and juvenile law as well as probate, child support, and mental health cases. The Judicial Staff also works hand in hand with DWI and Drug Court programs.
Courthouse History
The first Fort Bend County Courthouse was located at the end of Morton Street and was purchased in 1842, for $600.00.
In 1908, construction began on one of the two courthouses currently located on Jackson Street and the building was dedicated in 1909. In 1980, this courthouse was added to the National Registry for Historic Places. In 2009, the courthouse celebrated its 100th birthday.
In April 1989, the seven story William B. Travis building became the second courthouse on Jackson Street. The Travis building serves as the offices for the county judge, commissioner’s court, county attorney, treasurer, auditor, employee wellness clinic and many other departments.
In June 2009, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the future Fort Bend County Justice Center Complex. On July 5, 2011, the doors to the Fort Bend County Justice Center were officially opened. The Justice Center currently houses the district clerk’s office, the county clerk’s office, the district attorney’s office, seventeen courtrooms, a grand jury room and a jury assembly room. The Justice Center also consists of a basement level that includes inmate holding cells and an underground tunnel that leads from the Justice Center to the Detention Facility. Expansion plans will allow for an additional twelve courtrooms to be added to the Justice Center.