In light of recent events involving lapses in courthouse/courtroom security across the country, Georgia has taken steps to improve the safety and security of individuals working and visiting inside of Georgia’s courthouses and courthouse annexes. Georgia law enacted in 2006, O.C.G.A §15 – 16 – 10, requires the Sheriff of each county to formulate a written security plan for the courthouse and each courthouse annex within the county. Accessibility to its government is the cornerstone of a free society, and reducing the possibility of actions and conditions that might otherwise discourage that accessibility is paramount.

Basic measures, once implemented, will ensure that the goal of raising the level of security of Georgia’s courthouses and courthouse annexes can be met. The Court Services Division of The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association provides personnel to conduct an on-site survey of courthouses and courthouse annexes, providing sheriffs with a list of ways to improve the security of judicial buildings and the safety of the individuals within.  The assessment instrument we use was developed by the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and provides a comprehensive picture of the degree of vulnerability of a courthouse or courthouse annex. By applying some or all of these measures, our sheriffs are taking steps to raise awareness of security concerns and in doing so, protecting the lives and well-being of all individuals within the confines of the courthouse, while maintaining the integrity of the critical business that must be conducted within these structures.  For assistance in this area, please contact Bill Hallsworth at 770-914-1076.