Texas Enhances Security In The Courts

I always embrace an opportunity to speak to professional organizations or companies looking to understand the importance of physical security in the workplace.

A few months ago, I was invited to speak to a group of Marshals, Warrant Officers and Bailiffs from throughout the State of Texas about improving security in the courts. Not being one to procrastinate, I created my slides well in advance using content based upon my experience and best industry practice.

Little did I know that the evening before this weeks presentation, the Texas House unanimously approved SB 42 designed to improve security of the courts and Judges. The timeliness of this course could not have been better as the subject went from “nice to know information” to “you’d better know this information!”

SB 42 is also known as the Judge Julie Kocurek Judicial and Courthouse Security Act of 2017. Travis County Judge Kocurek was ambushed in her car when arriving home one evening and Texas legislators recognized that more was needed to protect Judges and the court environment in its entirety. The Bill heads off to the Governor for signature and won’t become law until the fall with full compliance expected in two years. Here is a snapshot of what the law is expected to provide:

1.        A Court Security Committee will be required with the Presiding Judge having oversight

2.        The Committee will establish and implement security policies and procedures.

3.        An additional fee will be added to certain court process and it will be used specifically to offset the cost of court employee security training.

4.        State oversight will be through the Judicial Security Division who will receive reporting as required in the statute and provide technical expertise.

5.        A Court Security Certification program will be established and required for those assigned to security in the courts.

6.        Additional security for Judges.

As a former law enforcement officer and Texas Municipal Court Judge, I have seen serious security-related events occur over the years and excited to see this enhanced standard become law!