The recent deadly shootings inside Atlanta's Fulton County Courthouse have left many local officials questioning the quality of their courtroom security. Georgia and several other state legislatures are now considering instituting statewide security standards for courthouses. American City & County asked readers of its weekly e-mail newsletter to share their opinions on state involvement in security standards at the local level. Below are some of the responses:
“I believe states should mandate a security/protection program for the courts. In the present environment of terrorist threats and rising violence against the judiciary, it would be good to develop a set of court security standards. I would recommend that the states adopt a set of standards that would call for a risk assessment to be conducted of the court and prisoner system and a risk management system developed. Minimum capability standards would be set and specific protective requirements established.”
— James Mecsics, Senior Security Analyst, U.S. Department of Justice, McLean, Va.
“I think states should become involved in courthouse security standards. My office is the 15th away from the courtroom, and we do not use our metal detector or have someone monitor the entrance. Anyone can walk in with any type of concealed weapon. The level of complacency in small communities like this one is certainly not reflective of reality. Regulations would require our local court system to protect citizens more effectively.”
— Heather Russell, GIS Coordinator, Morgan County, Ga., Commission Board
“I think the security of courthouses should remain with the local public safety community. The state government is too removed from the small communities throughout the country to provide well-developed policy or oversight.
— Nicolas Thomas, Deputy Fire Chief, San Jose, Calif., Fire Department
“My vote would be for a nationwide security system. The first question that will be asked by those in authority is who will pay for security measures? My thought would be to have state/federal partnerships.”
— Carol Lombardi, Mayor, Waukesha, Wis.
