News
Alert!
The
National Center for State Courts (NCSC) would like to provide
information about court security in light of recent incidents
of violence against judges. These types of shootings are
rare. This is why they are newsworthy. When
violence does occur, it is usually in a family-type case where
emotions are high and the setting is more informal (say, a
hearing, where there is no bailiff and less security
generally). Domestic violence may occur outside the
courthouse, too, in parking lots and surrounding areas.
Another
setting in which violence may occur is in court annexes, which
have less security than courthouses and courtrooms
themselves. (Recall the Minnesota shooting a year or so
ago where the courthouse was secure from the street level, but
the walkway over the street from the correctional center to
the court building was not as secure.)
Courts
tend to think they are safe until something happens—so, they
may not see the need until it's too late. This changed
somewhat after 9-11, though, especially for federal courts and
state courts in large metro areas. Comprehensive
security procedures and 100% compliance are critical to
protecting the personnel and public in our courthouses.
Moreover, funding and adequate staffing for courts are essential
to ensure compliance with any policies that are promulgated.
The
US AOC maintains statistics for the federal courts. (See
contact below.) However, NCSC does not have information
for all 50 states. If you are interested in a particular
state's statistics you should call that state's AOC
or PIO.
The
Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) is in the
process of collecting security information from all the
states. The idea is to identify essential security areas
and components for courts. The information will
eventually be compiled into a self-help guide for
courts. Information is often collected at the county
level, so the state-level collection of information is
important. Pennsylvania has already started statewide
information-gathering.
Contacts
John
Ramsey, Director of Association Services at NCSC:
757-259-1553
Tim
Fautsko, Principal Court Management Consultant (in our
Denver office) 800-466-3063
NCSC
Information Service: 800-616-6160
Ct.
Security Office
U.S.
A.O.C.
1
Columbus Circle, Suite G-310
Washington,
DC 20544
202-502-1280
*
This office coordinates all the U.S. Marshalls and security
services and policy for the federal courts.
National
Sheriff's Association
Alexandria,
VA
800-424-7827
Georgia
State Sheriff's Association Executive Director
Terry
Norris: 770-914-1076
Online
Resources:
Safe
and Secure: Protecting Judicial Officials
Court
Security
The
Center for Family Violence and the Courts
Emergency
Management for Courts
The
Future of Court Security
Best
Practices Institute (more of a manual for planning
emergency management)
American
Judges Association Expresses Sympathy for Chicago Judge's
Tragedy
Center
for Court Solutions: Emergency Management & Security
Recent
Court-Related Death Raise Concern for Judicial Community;
American Judges Association Extends Sympathies
Top
National Center for
State Courts
300 Newport Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185-4147
Phone (800)616-6164 Fax (757)564-2022
Questions or Comments - email webmaster@ncsc.dni.us
Copyright ©
2005 The National Center for
State Courts. All Rights Reserved.
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