Every day Indiana’s courts resolve disputes, sentence criminals, assess fines, grant divorces, order custody and visitation, and order the payment of money from one party to another. The inherently contentious nature of the matters that come before our courts sometimes give rise to situations that threaten courthouse security. The development of effective policies and programs aimed at preventing and controlling threatening situations requires an understanding of the security incidents that occur in courts throughout the state. If your court experiences a security incident, remember…REPORT IT on the standard Incident Report Fact Sheet discussed below.
What is a Security Incident?
Courts should report any incident in or around a court facility and offices that serve the court if the incident involves:
- Violence
- Confiscated weapons
- Threats to public, court, staff, clerk, etc.
- Theft
- Duress
- Fire Alarms
- Biological or chemical agents
Why Report Incidents?
Reporting security incidents allows the compilation of a statewide historical database of incidents that can be used to assess court security needs, determine best practices for prevention and control, and document the need for resources.
Where is the Form?
The Court Management Committee of the Judicial Conference developed the Incident Report Fact Sheet. A newly formed Court Security Committee, chaired by Judge Warren Haas, Grant Superior Court #3, will be focusing on reviewing the form and all other court security matters. The form is available online on the Indiana Courts website at courts.in.gov/center (choose “Courthouse Security”).
Can’t This Be Easier?
Actually, it’s pretty easy. The form can be printed out, filled in, and returned to the Indiana Judicial Center by mail, fax or email.
Mail to:
Indiana Judicial Center
Attn: Bob Champion
30 South Meridian Street Suite 900
Indianapolis, IN 46204
–OR–
Fax to:
317-233-3367
Attn: Bob Champion
–OR–
Email:
[email protected]
For more information about the form and the work of the Committee contact Bob Champion, Indiana Judicial Center Security Advisor or Amanda Wishin, Indiana Judicial Center staff attorney for the Court Security Committee, at:
317-233-3363 or
[email protected]