|
 Court
Security
Written by Captain Chuck
Mantkus
NRLO Director of Training
Also be sure to
see Captain Mantkus' "Getting Started" series which guides you
not only through the process of determining if you need a Reserve
Unit, but also shows you the Advantages of having a Reserve
Unit and guides you in the Selection and Training of a
Reserve Unit.
Court Security INDEX
Introduction
Transport and Handling of
Prisoner
Search and Restraint Procedures
Procedure Just Prior to Courtroom
Appearance
Hand-held
Radios in the Courtroom
Summary
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Introduction
This basic Court
Security course should be adapted to include each court
individually. A drawing of the court with objects and subjects
placement should be included and given to each Officer. A mock
trial in a specified courtroom is suggested to inform the Officers
of location of the Judge, jury, subjects, spectators, exits,
possible escape routes, etc. No two courtrooms are
alike. Let me give you an example as it comes to mind.
Remember though that when your training syllabus is completed, take
it to that particular court's Judge for review and approval.
The Judge does not need any surprises by your actions during a court
session.
Back to
INDEX
Taking Prisoner(s) to
Court
The most likely time for a subject
to attack or try to escape is during
sentencing.
Transport and Handling of
Prisoner
Felons may not be the only prisoners who
might try to capitalize on any relaxation or lack of vigilance
on your part in order to escape. Movement of subject(s)
must be undertaken with an awareness that each subject is
prepared to flee custody at the first opportunity.
Of course, not all persons you are
moving from one place to another will attempt to flee.
However, you have no way of knowing which one will or which one will
not.
-
Age is not a good
criteria, although most experienced Officers have learned to
expect anything from children and teenagers.
-
Seriousness of the crime
is not a good criteria either because your subject may be wanted
for a more serious crime than he/she is charged with. This
is a fact that they know, but you do not.
-
A subject facing loss of
freedom can become extremely dangerous. Even though, up to a
point, things have been uneventful; this is not an assurance that
the subject will not make a last attempt to attack you or others
to gain freedom.
Taking a subject to any court,
the same rules apply. There are few exceptions to the
rules. The presiding Judge may want to change rules to meet
his/her own conception of handling. If this causes any
doubt in your mind of a security breach or possible escape,
tell the Judge why you think your rules should not be changed.
You will find that with your explanation of why you are doing
certain things, the Judge will agree and go along with your
suggestions.
Back to
INDEX
Search and Restraint
Procedures
Search and restraint procedures are
the same when taking a subject to and from court. I suggest
the use of a "belly chain" and "cuffed in front." "Leg irons"
are also advised, as leg irons have a tendency to discourage any
thoughts of running.
Should the subject be required
to converse with an attorney in a separate room before court is in
session, an Officer should be assigned to check out the room prior
to entry of the subject. Inspect tables, chairs, waste
baskets, and any other place a weapon or tool of some sort could be
hidden. Should the attorney wish to converse with the subject
and request that the door be closed, you may concede; however, the
subject should then be re-searched prior to entering the
courtroom.
Take restraints off just
inside the main entrance to a courtroom, unless it is a jury
trial. If it is a jury trial, the Judge does not wish for the
jury to see the defendant in restraints as it may tend to move them
in the wrong direction. Prior to entering, be sure to notify
the Judge if the suspect is of "high risk." He/she may want to
leave the restraints on the suspect.
Back to
INDEX
Procedure Just Prior to Courtroom
Appearance
Prior to
courtroom appearance, check the courtroom and furniture for possible
items of threat. Courtroom Officers should be alert and watch
not only the subject but also the spectators as well. Keep a
roving eye. The most likely time for a subject to attack or
try to escape is during sentencing.
As in all courts, an Officer
should keep family, friends, or anyone else other than the attorney
from conversing with the subject. Do not allow anyone to hand
the subject anything, and do not allow anyone to come into contact
with the subject.
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INDEX
Hand-held Radios in
Court
Proper use of hand-held radios in court is
explained under the "Radio and Ten-Code section."
Back to
INDEX
Summary
A basic courtroom
security training session can be easily constructed by your Training
Officer. All that is required is to use common sense and basic
Law Enforcement standards to meet your specific needs. This
type of lesson set up in a training syllabus applies to all
subjects.
Remember, resolve all doubts in your
favor.
Back to
INDEX
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Page Originated 2003/07/20
NATIONAL RESERVE LAW OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 6505 SAN ANTONIO,
TEXAS 78209
(210) 805-8917 FAX (210)
804-2463
nrloa01@earthlink.net | 
