NCJ Number
49929
Date Published
1978
Length
52 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDATIONS PERTAINING TO COURT SPACE ALLOCATION AND SECURITY PROBLEMS IN COUNTY COURTS OF MODESTO, CALIF., ARE PRESENTED.
Abstract
SECURITY IN COURT-RELATED SPACES OF THE STANISLAUS COUNTY COURTHOUSE IS PRIMARILY A PERSONNEL FUNCTION, AND COURTS AND CITIZENS VIEW IT AS A VITAL FUNCTION. A KEY CONSIDERATION IN PLANNING COURT FACILITIES IS THE CONTROL OF ACCESSIBILITY. THE COURTHOUSE FLOOR PLAN SHOULD PROVIDE SEPARATE MEANS OF CIRCULATION FOR COURTHOUSE PERSONNEL WHOSE FUNCTIONS REQUIRE PRIVACY, FOR THE PUBLIC, AND FOR DETAINEES. THE EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION OF DETAINEES INCLUDES MAINTAINING CUSTODY AND PREVENTING CONTACT WITH SPECTATORS. SECURITY PROBLEMS IN THE COURT WING OF THE STANISLAUS COUNTY COURTHOUSE STEM FROM THE BUILDING'S PHYSICAL PLAN AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OR OPERATIONAL RESPONSES TO FACILITY PROBLEMS. IMPROVEMENTS IN BOTH IS RECOMMENDED. OPTIMUM FLEXIBILITY FOR THE MUNICIPAL COURT TO SCHEDULE AND ASSIGN PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED WITHOUT COMPROMISING SECURITY. SPECIFIC STEPS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE SECURITY ARE AS FOLLOWS: SCHEDULE INCUSTODY CASES SEQUENTIALLY IN A LIMITED NUMBER OF COURTROOMS THAT HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE SECURITY CORRIDOR OF THE COURTOUSE, MINIMIZE THE NUMBER OF LOCATIONS AT WHICH AND THE DURATION FOR WHICH ADDITIONAL SECURITY OFFICERS MUST BE ON DUTY, CONSTRUCT ROBING ROOMS FOR JUDGES NEAR CHAMBERS WHERE THEY PRESIDE, CONSTRUCT SMALL HOLDING CELLS WITHIN JURY ROOMS, CONVERT THE JURY ASSEMBLY SPACE INTO A SECURE COURTROOM FOR FELONY ARRAIGNMENTS, INSTALL A KEY-OPERATED CALL BUTTON FOR THE SECURITY ELEVATOR, AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SECURITY PERSONNEL. THE FEABSIBILITY OF A PROPOSED COURTHOUSE ADDITION IS ANALYZED. ILLUSTRATIONS OF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AND THE LAYOUT OF THE PROPOSED ADDITION ARE INCLUDED. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SCHEMATICS RELEVANT TO SECURITY AND SPACE NEEDS IN COUNTY COURTS ARE APPENDED. (DEP)