Safer Courts

Introduction

Threats and incidents against judicial officers, court staff, and those who use the court system are increasing, impacting safety and public trust. Supported by the State Justice Institute, the Safer Courts initiative aims to improve court and judicial security by developing best practices, expert resources, and training while also establishing standardized reporting and identifying court needs for a national state court threat and incident tracking and reporting system. 

Impact

Safer Courts will equip courts with an improved ability to manage and respond to threats, stronger collaboration between state and local security stakeholders, and a clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities in court security through: 

• Standardized incident reporting and threat evaluation tools; 
• Updated court security best practices and minimum standards; and
• Training materials, assessment templates, and a personal safety guide.

Leadership

This initiative is led by NCSC and guided by a steering committee of the Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators.

Steering committee members:

• Elizabeth Clement, president and CEO, NCSC
• Chief Justice Matthew Fader, Supreme Court of Maryland
• Chief Justice Monica Márquez, Colorado Supreme Court
• Chris Palmer, security director, Utah State Courts 
• Judy Rupp, state court administrator, Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts
• Stephanie Smith, judicial administrator, Kansas Judicial Branch

Resources

• Securing Justice, Conference of State Court Administrators, December 2025
• Personal safety inside, outside the courthouse: A guide for judges & staff