Personal safety inside, outside the courthouse: a guide for judges & staff
We're committed to the safety of judges and all courthouse professionals, and this updated guide offers essential personal strategies for staying safe at work, at home, online, and in public. Our experts present clear, practical tips grouped by settings to help maintain security and mitigate everyday risks.
Who should read this?
- Judges & court staff: Get pragmatic and easy-to-follow guidance that can enhance your safety in and out of the courthouse.
- Court security leaders & officers: Explore safety and security methods from the perspective of judges and courthouse staff.
- Family & friends of courthouse professionals: Understand the unique risks that those working in the justice system face.
Why this guide matters
Judges and court staff face safety challenges that don't exist in most workplaces. Our expert guide provides practical, actionable tips that help minimize exposure and enhance personal safety on and off the job.
Inside the courthouse, courtroom & chambers
Prioritize layered protection such as access control, trained staff, and vigilance for any potential threats. Judge's chambers should remain secure, private, and free from unauthorized access, with clear protocols for emergencies. Keep firm control of your court through clearly posted rules and reliable security measures.
Secure public areas
Install alarms, barriers, and cameras, and test them regularly. Ensure that access to sensitive areas is protected and controlled.
Screen & train staff
Conduct background checks before hiring staff and contractors, and continue those checks periodically. Hold regular emergency response training so every staff member knows what to do.
Prepare for high-risk individuals
Identify and be ready for potentially unstable parties in advance, and have security measures in place to address any issues.
Have security present
Never hold any hearings without a member of your court security staff in the room. Take charge of your courtroom and demand that participants behave with respect.
Use panic buttons
Ensure any duress alarms are easy to reach and functioning, and don't hesitate to request additional security to address potential high-risk situations.
Control access
Do not allow people near the bench without permission or identification, don't allow any courtroom to become overcrowded, and have any disruptive people removed right away.
Limit public access to chambers
Don't let people wait or enter chambers without consent, make sure a panic button is within easy reach, and ensure window coverings are installed.
Protect personal items
Hide family photos and secure sensitive materials whenever people are in chambers, or if a virtual conference is taking place. Shred any sensitive documents instead of leaving them in your home or office trash can.
In parking lots & during your commute
Stay alert in and around parking areas by avoiding set patterns, securing your vehicle, and requesting escorts when needed. Stay unpredictable and aware while commuting, and keep emergency tools, such as a charged phone, easily accessible.
Avoid obvious identifiers
Judges should not use signs, reserved parking spots, or personalized license plates that reveal their titles.
Be alert, be ready
Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas or shrubbery that could hide an attacker, and have your keys handy so you can unlock the car quickly.
Ask for security
If you feel unsafe or see anyone suspicious in the parking lot, get a court security officer to accompany you instead of walking alone.
Vary your routine
If at all possible, leave and arrive at different times and change routes to and from the courthouse. This also includes when going to lunch or leaving during the day.
Don’t ignore threats
While there is no need for paranoia, it's important to recognize if someone in another vehicle may be following you. If you suspect you're being followed, go to a public place and contact your security team or police.
Carry an emergency kit
Always have your phone handy and keep it charged. Make sure you also have an emergency supply kit with essentials such as first aid, jumper cables, and water.
Beyond court: at home, in public & online
Protect your home with security systems, guard your personal data, and be discreet during interactions with the community. Blend in whenever possible and avoid actions that draw attention to your judicial role or personal identity. Protect your digital footprint by limiting personal information, avoiding risky online behavior, and using common sense in all your online activities.
Audit your home security
Remove any overgrown landscaping and install good lighting, solid door and window locks, and cameras in key locations, including a doorbell camera. Check them all frequently.
Guard personal data
Use a P.O. box and avoid posting identifying details outside your home or on your mailbox. Don't announce your name on any voicemail greetings, and be sure you can record any phone calls.
Report suspicious mail
Don't open any packages you weren't expecting. However, don't ignore threatening correspondence — log and report it to your security team and law enforcement.
Use discretion
Avoid using the title of "judge" on personal checks or credit cards, wearing shirts or hats that could identify your role, or becoming intoxicated in public.
Be cautious in crowds
Don't use your real name for reservations or food orders, stay away from front windows in restaurants, and don't take part in any parades without planned security.
Stay secure
Enable two-factor authentication and use unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Back up and store key data so you are less susceptible to ransomware or cyberattacks.
Don’t overshare
Never announce trips or personal details online, and remember that once information has been posted, it's not considered private. It's also smart to have internet "safe words" to prevent bad actors from impersonating you or your family members.
Stay off public Wi-Fi
Avoid logging into sensitive accounts unless you're on a secure connection. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) service provider.
In the public eye: the media & campaigning
When dealing with the media, keep the focus off your personal life and avoid revealing anything about your family or vulnerabilities. By its nature, campaigning brings visibility and requires information about you to be shared, so extra vigilance is needed to ensure safety.
Know what they know
Keep a file of articles about you so you know what information has been published. Avoid updating photographs on file with the news media if you can avoid it.
Protect your family’s privacy
Never reveal personal details about relatives to the press. Don't allow the media to show photos of your family or your home.
Balance exposure and discretion
While having your name out there is vital for voter recognition, don't publish your home address on any materials, and don't display campaign material at home or on your personal vehicles.
Campaign safely
Always campaign in teams, especially door to door, and don't attend any events that don't have planned security in place.
Safety starts with you
Judges and court staff face safety challenges that don't exist in most workplaces. Download our guide to see a complete set of safety recommendations.
Looking for more security guidance?
Our experts can assess the security of your facilities and evaluate your practices and protocols. Schedule a consultation today.