Courthouse Security
Courthouse or justice center security is becoming an issue of concern, and mainly where the increasing out-of court meetings are concerned. The current security in these places leaves a lot to be desired. Since most of the cases involves individuals that have been in crime and violence, the parties involved in settling a particular case must be assured of their security and therefore there should be a mechanism to ensure that there is no verbal abuse and possible physical assault (Corderman & Knapel, 1998, p. 61). Proper management of security in the courthouses and justice centers should be considered, and also some recommendable steps should be taken so as to achieve some general goals concerning security.
According to Barret (2009), one of the ways in which security can be managed during a proceeding is by introducing sheriff services in the courtrooms where proceedings are taking place and also in all other areas surrounding the facility such as the vacant jury rooms, attorney conference rooms, benches in hallways and many other places. Although currently in courthouses there are sheriffs, there is a substantial need to deploy more so as to ensure that the courthouse is secure enough and in case of an incidence that concerns security, managing it will be done with a lot of ease. The sheriffs should also be positioned strategically for rapid response and should be armed. The sheriffs should also be easily identifiable by anyone in the courthouse so that incase person needs assistance or to report an emergency, the person can do it quickly and easily.
Management of security in areas where the out-of-court meetings occur also needs to be improved. Sheriff Officers must always be present and also in considerable numbers. This will go a long way in making the parties involved confidently to proceed with the meeting since they will not fear any form of abuse. The normal security procedures at the entrances of the buildings should be always up to date (Corderman & Knapel, 1998, p. 79). This is because with the current evolving technology, people may device dangerous weapons that cannot be detected at the entrance. Cameras should also always be present at these areas.
Proper management of security in courthouses leads to achievement of certain fundamental goals. It makes these places viable and acceptable by the public. This is so because with a well-managed security, people in the courthouses will feel safer, and hence they will be able to follow the proceedings well. Out-of-court meetings will also be acceptable by the public. It also brings about confidentiality of the cases on hearing, and this is a protection of the human rights. This ensures that sensitive information does not get into wrong hands (Jones, 2003, p. 112).
Obtaining details of everyone who enters the courthouses are recommendable. The details that should be obtained include name, contact, citizenship and reason for attendance of the hearing. There should also be an allowance for signing. All these details will allow the security to easily track an individual in case there is a need to do so. Leaving of identification cards at the entrance with the securities is also recommendable. This will allow transparency for the individuals entering the courthouses.
Proper security management in courthouses and justice centers therefore means reduced chances of violence outbreaks related to court processes. Parties involved in the cases will be secure.
References:
Barrett, J. (2009). Protecting court: a practitioner's guide to court security. Minneapolis, MN:
Mill City Press.
Jones, T. (2003). Court Security: A Guide for Post 9-11 Environments. New York: Charles C
Thomas Publisher
Corderman, J. & Knapel, C. (1998). Court Security and the Transportation of Prisoners: A
National Study. New York: DIANE Publishing.
