by Lisa Howell (AZ)
Nathan Hall, NCSC Principal Consultant, led an informative session on Practical Solutions and Best Practices for Court Building Security. Outlining the history of attacks on courts, as well as various state initiatives to deal with court security issues, he provided guidance on the elements of a successful court security program. He discussed five elements necessary for a successful program: building layout and facilities, equipment and technology, court operations, security officer staffing, and training and awareness. In each area, he discussed best practices for courts to increase their level of safety and provided links to available guides. He explained the need for security committees, security assessments, and adoption of policies and procedures. But, importantly, he also emphasized the need to commit to training to ensure buy-in from stakeholders and clear understanding of the adopted procedures.
As an important part of court security planning, Mr. Hall stressed the need to create and maintain a plan for continuity of operations. These plans are needed not only when an attack on an individual judge or court takes place, but in case of a cyberattack, natural disaster, pandemic, or act of terrorism. He provided links to planning guides and continuity assessment tools from the NCSC, to aid courts in establishing and improving the necessary plans.
Finally, Mr. Hall discussed the NCSC’s 2024 Survey of State Courts Personal Safety and Security. Noting that only about half of states have a written threat and incident reporting protocol, he encouraged courts to implement reporting programs to aid in staffing, consistency in incident reporting, coordination of efforts, and funding for future court security efforts. He also set forth a vision for a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center, which would act as a central hub for national reporting and action to allow all of us to make our courts a safer place to work and serve the public.
Helpful links:
Sample Emergency Response Guide
https://nationalcenterforstatecourts.app.box.com/s/2f57l6pja5jnec2195ksrml04xesta8c/file/1938260931938
CCJ/COSCA Court Security Handbook
https://cdm16501.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/facilities/id/159
Personal Safety Tips
https://ncsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/facilities/id/315/rec/1
Steps to Best Practices for Court Building Security
https://cdm16501.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/facilities/id/294/rec/1
Courts Continuity Assessment Tool
https://ncsc2.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ylCsEPzK2B5DPE
Arkansas Court Security Training Course
https://ncsc.courtlms.org/catalog/info/id:166