5 Free Things

In today’s austere fiscal climate it is important to realize that there are still tangible actions we can take that will significantly enhance the security of our courthouses, without a larger security budget.  However, it is necessary to invest time and forethought rather than dollars, as each building is a unique structure requiring customized planning.  However, some basic security principals are universal in their application to all courthouses.  Below are five real tangible, actionable items the court security practitioner can take immediately.

• Establish a Courthouse Security Committee: The committee’s composition should be composed of tenant representatives, such as the Chief Judge or designee, the courthouse security supervisor, prosecutor, public defender and department heads within the courthouse. This committee provides the founding platform upon which a continual dialogue can occur between the tenants in the courthouse on matters of security. The primary purpose of the committee is to illuminate security concerns and seek solutions that will improve the safety of all courthouse participants. The committee chair should be either the Chief Judge or courthouse security supervisor. The idea behind either being the chair is as follows:

The Chief Judge is usually very cognitive of the judicial process and how the courts balance security and individual liberties. The courthouse security supervisor should be intimately aware of the latest in security practices/protocols and aware of the due process that must be balanced within the courthouse framework.

As I define it:

“A courthouse security committee is a group of individuals who evaluate the security protocols of their courthouse and recommend/implement enhancements both physical and or procedural that may be needed to ensure the safety of all” – Barrett, Protecting Court - page 44.                                                           

• Conduct a Court Security Survey: this helps identify strengths and vulnerabilities of the courthouse and what issues need to be addressed in developing your emergency protocols. A checklist method is preferred as it ensures that procedures and physical/structural dynamics are not overlooked. Once completed, have another neighboring jurisdiction conduct a survey of your courthouse with the same checklist.(you can get such a checklist directly off my website and modify it for your own use - http://www.protectingcourt.com/court-security/security-checklist/ ) This provides a ‘fresh’ perspective that may identify new opportunities. We can become too familiar with our own surroundings and not always see the ‘obvious’ when assessing our own courthouse. Finally, reach out to the USMS, as they will usually provide a free assessment. This helps engage our federal brothers and provide an opportunity to initiate, re-new, or maintain good professional relationships.

• Identify REAL potential threats to your courthouse within the community dynamic both man made and natural: It is to be expected that an emergency event will occur at your courthouse. It is not a question of if – but WHEN! As such, it is critical that we identify at least those events we can expect such as: natural disasters – hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, flooding, etc… Man made – biological, fire, active shooter, bomb threats, escapes, etc…

• Establish/create/review emergency protocols for your buildings based upon real potential threats: The identification of potential threats provides the basis upon which emergency protocols can be developed. Emergency plans provide guidance to the court security staff and tenants on what they need to do when the event occurs. Tenants and other usually do not like to feel helpless in an emergency event (and can hamper emergency response if they don’t know what to do) and by engaging them it provides a force multiplier in your plans. This does require proactive engagement and training.

• Train & Practice the emergency plans with the tenants and emergency personnel: evacuations, medical emergencies, shelter in place, active shooter, etc…Training should be as real as possible to simulate the stress in an actual emergency. Practice, Practice, Practice. This needs to occur not just with court security staff, but the tenants as well.

There are many other ‘free’ things we can do, such as searching our courtrooms before and after court, practice weapon retention/defensive tactics, and conduct courthouse entry-screening audits. We are only limited by our imagination. While it is true that we must have the proper funding for adequate tools – x-ray machines, magnetometers, duress alarms, etc, a professional, trained staff and engaged tenants is critical. Emergency events have a tendency to occur at the least opportune time. As such, it is critical that we develop and have real security practices in place that provide guidance to tenants and our communities. Our court security staff, judiciary, tenants, and citizens deserve nothing less!