Courts are intended to be peaceful, safe places to resolve disputes. Anything less undermines the rule of law and access to justice. Unfortunately, threats and acts of violence against judges, lawyers, witnesses and others involved in the justice system have increased both locally and nationally.
The Washington State Board for Judicial Administration (BJA) is doing something about it. In March 2006, the BJA convened a Court Security Committee, which I now co-chair with Grant County District Court Judge Janis Whitener-Moberg. Under the leadership of the former chair, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Paula Casey, the Security Committee produced Public Safety Standards for Washington State Courthouses, adopted by the BJA in July 2007. The Standards provide guidance for courts of all sizes in all parts of Washington for implementing security training, screening, weapons policy, use of force, alarm systems, key card access, threat assessment and facility design.
In addition, with the assistance of the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Security Committee developed a comprehensive system for reporting and tracking security incidents across the state. The incidents that have been reported in the last two years are striking, both in number and scope of threat and attack.
For example, in the last two years in Washington judges have received death threats delivered to family members, court employees have been assaulted on the way to the courthouse entrance, counsel have been assaulted by their own clients, gang fights have erupted in the courthouse halls, and a hit list including prosecutors and judges was discovered in a county jail cell. To assist courts facing such threats, the Security Committee has developed a list of resources and contacts available to judges and court administrators to address security issues.
We in all branches of King County government are doing something about it as well. King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert has convened a Security Oversight Committee that meets regularly to review security in our facilities. Collaborating in the effort are representatives from the King County Executive’s Office, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the King County Sheriff’s Office, District Court, Superior Court, the King County Jail, Emergency Management and many others.
We are serious about the task of maintaining a safe and secure environment in our facilities for King County employees and for the public. Our efforts so far have resulted in:
- Increased law enforcement presence at domestic violence calendars;
- A comprehensive professional review of security at key county facilities;
- Improved signage in the courthouse;
- Training for court staff on security response;
- Improved screening equipment and training for our screeners;
- Better coordination with other law enforcement agencies;
- Adoption of a protocol for proactively investigating threats and suspicious activity; and
- Better visibility for automatic, external defibrillators located in county buildings.
In addition, we have begun planning for a new juvenile and family court facility, recognizing the inadequacy of our aging Youth Services facility.
At the same time, budgets are shrinking. We will not be deterred. As a lawyer, if you believe your case involves the potential for violence, please let court administration know in advance so that we may plan for it. For matters in the King County Courthouse, to avoid ex parte issues, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office and Court Administration with your concerns so appropriate safety measures can be taken.
For example, if you have a family law matter and threats have been made, let the Sheriff’s Office and Court Administration know in advance of hearings that you have a safety concern for yourself, your client or a witness. The sheriff and Court Administration will assess the adequacy of screening and law enforcement presence for the case and can arrange for secure entry to the courthouse and an escort out when the hearing is over.
Please join us in our efforts to make real the promise of justice for all in safe courthouses.
King County Superior Court Judge Steven C. González is chair of the King County Superior Court Security Committee and co-chair of the Washington State Board of Judicial Administration Court Security Committee.
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