Creating a Courthouse Security Design
This assignment is in three parts that should be submitted as one document.
Part I:
As you conduct your research for this assignment, you may find this library video tutorial helpful: How to Research for Criminal Justice Topics in the CSU
Library.
The focus on building and creating a safe courtroom is urgently important to the public trust. For this assignment, please create a list of six questions you would ask to learn more about the overall security of a courtroom or courthouse. Note: You will be answering these questions in Part II of this assignment for a courtroom or courthouse for which you are familiar.
For example, what would be a question you would ask on the survey that would cover some aspect of enhancing security in the parking lot? These survey questions should cover the overall topics of exterior safety, entrance security, and courtroom security. Suggested sub-topics could include the following:
Exterior Safety:
parking lot
lighting
physical barriers
Entrance Security:
doors (e.g., secured)
control access
screening area
random screening area
contraband
security team (e.g., training)
number of officers per shift
Courtroom Security:
deputies (e.g., training, years of service)
barriers and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
judges’ chambers (e.g., secured, panic room)
locations and types of technology
Part II:
After creating the survey, select a courtroom or courthouse with which you are familiar, and answer the survey questions. Write a two-page overview of the results of the survey applied to your selected courtroom or courthouse. In your overview, describe the security strengths and weaknesses of the courthouse.
Think about how you would provide safety for those visiting the courthouse from the time they park their vehicles to when they depart.
Part III:
Create a diagram of the courthouse. You may use the software of your choice, or you can hand-draw the diagram. The image of the diagram should be included as an inserted image in your submission. The diagram should include the parking lot and walkway to the court and detail where you would have security checkpoints, cameras, screening, and barriers on the property’s exterior.
Remember to submit all three parts as one document.