Court Security and the Transportation of Prisoners: A National Study, Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 161710
• Author(s): B B Bosarge
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 65 pages
• Grant Number(s): 94-IJ-CX-0005
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Issue Overview

Annotation

The sharp rise in acts of violence in courtrooms has caused the National Sheriffs Association (NSA) to re-evaluate its methods of safeguarding the transportation of prisoners.

Abstract

Attacks in court have ranged from minor disturbances and physical assaults to senseless acts of murder and injury. Further, many bailiffs, constables, deputy sheriffs, marshals, and others charged with court security and prisoner transport are not fully prepared to meet this new and emerging challenge. The NSA's evaluation looks at the current state-of-the-art in court security and prisoner transport, identifies common areas where improvements should be made, and recommends methods for upgrading court security and prisoner transport procedures. While the focus of the study is on the role of sheriffs, useful information is also provided for the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and private security companies. The evaluation methodology is outlined, and evaluation findings and recommendations are presented according to administration, emergency and health considerations, fire protection and firearms, personnel, training and staff development, inventory and property control, physical facilities, and security and control.