You just basically responding to the student of what you felt compelling and enlightening

Student paper down below:

Security threats are a very real, very weighty subject in every aspect of our society. From school shootings, terrorist plots and random acts of violence, an unsecured courthouse is of grave concern. According to the Center for Judicial and Executive Security (CJES) security threats and violent incidents in court houses have increased in recent years (Fautsko, 2013).

What can we do to manage security threats not just in court rooms, but the overflow areas that are being utilized due to judicial proceedings spilling out beyond the walls of the court room? 

As with any security planning and procedures, evaluations of security systems and settings from within and outside the facility, national communication, federal communication and working closely with administrators, sheriff departments and local police departments in a round-table fashion can be beneficial when coming up with a sound, strategic security plan that will be successful and sustainable over time. It is a priority, it is a performance standard that all courts make a more conscious effort to provide accessible, convenient and safe court room facilities (Fautsko, 2013). The most significant way to approach and manage security threats is to prioritize security by understanding the need within our facility, as well as understanding what other facilities and agencies are doing to plan and combat these threats. Why reinvent the wheel if there is a system in place that already works? Lastly, emergency preparedness, training, tests and exercises, as well as education, court room plans, building plans and entry way screening procedures are among the most important jumping off points when beginning implementation (Fautsko, 2013).

How do we address barriers, such as funding and lack of resources?

The greatest barrier that has been reported is the lack of funding. In fact, in a survey, 74% of participants stated that the lack of funding adversely affects implementation, success and sustainable security within these facilities (Fautsko, 2013). It is the duty of leadership to begin better communication and collaboration with outside entities and funding sources. Areas of concern and need start with training. Sure, you can get more officers or staff in general, but unless they are trained, jumping into new hire seems counter-intuitive. With that said, creating and implementing training in all areas, from the front door to the court room, right down to the benches in the hallways. This also includes security measures, technology, preparedness, exits and entries, etc. Secondly, hire new officers, they don’t have to be sworn, they can be private security or contracted individuals, which can cut cost.  Overall, leadership must address the need, reach out to the community, even go national, in any case they must understand more thoroughly where and what funding sources are available to meet the intended needs.