Introduction

Introduction

The terror attacks on September 11, 2001, produced increased concerns for safety and security for virtually all institutions in this country. State courts were no exception. In 2003, a Court Security and Emergency Preparedness Committee (Committee) was convened by the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) and included representatives from both.

The mission statement of the Committee reads as follows:

Most court managers believe that their facilities will not be targeted for a terrorist attack, or that disaster, natural or man-made, only happens to other people. Yet, as we are all too aware, catastrophic events can happen to anyone, at any time. Hurricanes, floods, fire, and earthquakes, as well as terrorism and civil disorder all threaten the ability of the courts to remain open. The events of September 11, 2001, further illustrated the vulnerability of public institutions and the urgent need for effective emergency response and security. Under Standard 1.2 of the Court Performance Standards – Access to Justice – a court is required to make its facilities safe, accessible, and convenient to use. The joint committee will identify and address key emergency planning, response, and security issues that affect state court systems and which have an impact on the courts’ ability to maintain continuity of operations and the rule of law.

In October 2003, the Committee conducted a survey of the states to determine security needs of state courts and to identify effective practices in the area of court security.

An analysis of the survey results produced a framework for addressing court safety and security called Ten Essential Elements for Court Safety and Security.

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