Chapter 14: Courthouse Security
USMS security planning responsibilities are handled by the Business Services Division
of the Central Courthouse Management Group (CCMG). The CCMG's Facilities
Management Team is responsible for design considerations involving secure prisoner
movement, holding cell and interview facility requirements, and USMS-occupied office
and support space. The Judicial Security Systems Team within the CCMG is
responsible for the planning, design, and installation of security systems in spaces
occupied by the judiciary including: judges and their staffs, Clerks of Court, Probation
Officers, Pretrial Services Officers, Librarians, Federal Defenders, Staff Attorneys,
Circuit and District Court Executives, and other members of the court family. The
USMS does not specify security systems for the U.S. Attorney or U.S. Trustee, as they
are part of the executive branch and do not fall under the courts' jurisdiction.
In addition, the CCMG often acts as security engineer for court buildings, designing
and integrating security systems for building perimeters in conjunction with GSA. The
USMS retains a national security systems contractor for security system installation
and service in all courthouses and space leased for court activities. To facilitate
coordination and integration of security systems, the contractor can be consulted
regarding all electronic security systems for the building.
Security Concepts
Courthouse security requires coordination of architectural design, security personnel,
and security systems and equipment. Basic architectural solutions to security problems
are an integral part of planning and design for the courthouse. Separation of public,
restricted, and secure circulation patterns and provision of secure prisoner holding and
interview facilities are essential security design elements. Courthouse design must
consider security needs to meet short-term and long-range housing requirements.
Security systems and equipment can reduce the number of security personnel required;
however, systems and equipment are not intended to replace personnel. The cost of
architectural solutions, as well as the initial installation, operation, and maintenance
costs of security systems and equipment incorporated during planning and design, is
often small compared with security personnel costs over the anticipated life of the
facility.
Since the USMS may be responsible for on-site monitoring systems protecting the site,
building perimeter, and non-judiciary or judiciary-related tenants, all security systems
are integrated into the USMS Command and Control Center. Security systems
monitored by the USMS typically include intrusion alarms, duress alarm devices,
electronic access controls, closed circuit television (CCTV)/audio, video switching, and
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