Long Lines at Fulton Co. Courthouse

The lines trying to enter the Fulton County courthouse spilled out onto the street Wednesday. Only one entrance was open at the courthouse as it had been all week.

The Fulton County sheriff said access to the courthouse was limited because of security.

Citizens lined up to try and get inside the courthouse and there was a bottleneck at the only screening post that has been available all week.

The sheriff said it just wasn't safe to open up the other door on Pryor Street.

Many people who were trying to make court appointments got turned away and were directed to the long line around the block.

Cell phones got heavy use while people waited in line to make it to the courtroom.

Sources said county officials flip-flopped on permitting retired deputies continue to working and many of the deputies manned the security posts. The county is trying to restrict all employees from collecting a pension at the same time they are earning additional paychecks from the county.

With such short notice, one commander said he was unable to fill the gap.

For those who must go to the Fulton County court, allow plenty of time until the matter is resolved.