U.S. Courts Design Guide
Multi-Tenant Buildings
Multi-tenant buildings can pose serious problems for court security, since some federal
agencies with which the courts share space, such as the Internal Revenue Service,
Social Security Administration, and U.S. Post Office, attract large numbers of patrons.
This complicates security screening at building entrances. Additionally, these agencies
sometimes draw disruptive customers, which can increase the danger to court staff and
unnecessarily burden USMS staff. Ideally, these agencies would not be located within
the same building as a court. In those instances where a court is located in a multi-
tenant building, the USMS will determine and provide the appropriate level of building
access control. These decisions must be coordinated with the CSC/BSC.
Electrical Systems
The power supply and grounding systems serving courthouse security systems and
equipment must be obtained from a clean, regulated, phase-balanced power source. The
power supply must be connected to a separate, dedicated grounding system.
To maintain security in the event of a power failure, all security systems must have
individual, short-term battery power supplies connected to the building's emergency
power system.
Where walk-through metal detectors and X-ray equipment are required, electrical
service shall provide a 20-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuit connected to the emergency
power generator. Outlets must avoid exposed cord connections. Electrical service to
the USMS Command and Control Center shall provide three 20-amp, 120-volt
dedicated circuits connected to the emergency power generator.
Emergency Lighting
Selected lighting fixtures within a designated area must provide an uninterrupted source
of lighting in the event of a power outage. Standby power for emergency lighting must
be provided by local battery back-up units connected to an emergency generator.
To permit orderly evacuation, emergency lighting facilities must maintain a specified
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12/19/97
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