Security for judges not taken lightly here
The tragic shooting in Tucson which killed or wounded over a dozen,
including a federal judge and a congresswoman, prompted questions about
safety for judges and those who come to court.
Are our courthouses safe? Are judges safe in the community?
Greg Galler
Law Columnist
The tragic shooting in Tucson which killed or wounded over a dozen, including a federal judge and a congresswoman, prompted questions about safety for judges and those who come to court.
Are our courthouses safe? Are judges safe in the community?
First, the judiciary takes security very seriously. We are keenly aware of the stress faced by people who come to court. Many cases affect the very core of people’s lives.
Felonies and cases dealing with child custody frequently evoke the most heart-wrenching emotions. Emotionally wrought people sometimes do things that they normally would not do.
Each sheriff is legally responsible for courthouse security. Our new courthouse in Stillwater features some of the best technological and personnel responses to security threats that can be found anywhere. The entrance features a sophisticated electronic security checkpoint which is staffed by trained officers. Even employees need to use a magnetic key in combination with a biometric scanner to enter the building.
We also have officers present in almost all courtrooms. Some counties have decided to save money by eliminating officers from their courthouses. Our courtrooms also feature hidden emergency buttons that can summon almost immediate additional help from the sheriff’s office.
Are judges safe in the community? By and large, yes.
All judges are involved in their communities. We send our kids to school, go to church, socialize, and shop right along with everyone else. Many of us also volunteer time to the same types of things that most folks do.
This is how it should be. We are all parents, spouses, neighbors, and citizens first.
Unfortunately, there can sometimes be real concerns for safety. Remember, half of the people who appear in court lose. Most understand that judges make decisions based on the law and the evidence presented. Unfortunately, some see a conspiracy if a judge rules against them. No amount of explanation helps, some never understand. They become frustrated and angry.
Different judges handle safety concerns in different ways. Some have installed elaborate security systems in their homes. Others take different routes for their daily trips so that they are not too predictable. There was a judge, who retired many years ago, who used to keep a loaded gun in his chambers (and reportedly sometimes brought it to court). Most judges take the same common sense precautions that most people take in life.
A few years ago I was approached at a Walmart by a man that I had ruled against in a minor traffic case. He was quite upset that I hadn’t dismissed his ticket. He wanted to argue his case further in the store.
I repeatedly told him that the case was over and that I would not talk to him. An employee who knew me considered calling the police. Fortunately, that was not necessary and he left.
Fortunately, only a very small percentage of people are dangerous. However, we must always be on guard. As the Tucson shootings show, even one person can cause an enormous amount of havoc.
Greg Galler is a District Court Judge in Washington County. Before becoming a judge he practiced law in Stillwater. These columns provide general legal information and should not be understood to constitute legal advice. If you have a general question about the law or courts that you would like Judge Galler to consider, send your question to the editor of this newspaper. You can learn more about Judge Galler at http://www.judgegreggaller.com.
Tags: Commentary
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Security for judges not taken lightly here
The tragic shooting in Tucson which killed or wounded over a dozen,
including a federal judge and a congresswoman, prompted questions about
safety for judges and those who come to court.
Are our courthouses safe? Are judges safe in the community?
Greg Galler
Law Columnist
The tragic shooting in Tucson which killed or wounded over a dozen, including a federal judge and a congresswoman, prompted questions about safety for judges and those who come to court.
Are our courthouses safe? Are judges safe in the community?
First, the judiciary takes security very seriously. We are keenly aware of the stress faced by people who come to court. Many cases affect the very core of people’s lives.
Felonies and cases dealing with child custody frequently evoke the most heart-wrenching emotions. Emotionally wrought people sometimes do things that they normally would not do.
Each sheriff is legally responsible for courthouse security. Our new courthouse in Stillwater features some of the best technological and personnel responses to security threats that can be found anywhere. The entrance features a sophisticated electronic security checkpoint which is staffed by trained officers. Even employees need to use a magnetic key in combination with a biometric scanner to enter the building.
We also have officers present in almost all courtrooms. Some counties have decided to save money by eliminating officers from their courthouses. Our courtrooms also feature hidden emergency buttons that can summon almost immediate additional help from the sheriff’s office.
Are judges safe in the community? By and large, yes.
All judges are involved in their communities. We send our kids to school, go to church, socialize, and shop right along with everyone else. Many of us also volunteer time to the same types of things that most folks do.
This is how it should be. We are all parents, spouses, neighbors, and citizens first.
Unfortunately, there can sometimes be real concerns for safety. Remember, half of the people who appear in court lose. Most understand that judges make decisions based on the law and the evidence presented. Unfortunately, some see a conspiracy if a judge rules against them. No amount of explanation helps, some never understand. They become frustrated and angry.
Different judges handle safety concerns in different ways. Some have installed elaborate security systems in their homes. Others take different routes for their daily trips so that they are not too predictable. There was a judge, who retired many years ago, who used to keep a loaded gun in his chambers (and reportedly sometimes brought it to court). Most judges take the same common sense precautions that most people take in life.
A few years ago I was approached at a Walmart by a man that I had ruled against in a minor traffic case. He was quite upset that I hadn’t dismissed his ticket. He wanted to argue his case further in the store.
I repeatedly told him that the case was over and that I would not talk to him. An employee who knew me considered calling the police. Fortunately, that was not necessary and he left.
Fortunately, only a very small percentage of people are dangerous. However, we must always be on guard. As the Tucson shootings show, even one person can cause an enormous amount of havoc.
Greg Galler is a District Court Judge in Washington County. Before becoming a judge he practiced law in Stillwater. These columns provide general legal information and should not be understood to constitute legal advice. If you have a general question about the law or courts that you would like Judge Galler to consider, send your question to the editor of this newspaper. You can learn more about Judge Galler at http://www.judgegreggaller.com.
Tags: Commentary