Statewide Planning for Court Security

Abstract

In response to the concerns of judges and court staff about inadequate security in New Mexico's court facilities, the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts obtained grant funding in 1998 for a statewide review of court security. The review was conducted by the Statewide Court Security Team, supported by a professional security consultant. It covered the appellate, general, and limited jurisdiction courts funded by state general funds. The study covered over 90 facilities in communities ranging in size from more than 750,000 to fewer than 100 residents. The largest courthouse serves 23 judges; the smallest serves 1. The state is responsible for housing the appellate and limited jurisdiction courts; county governments are responsible for general jurisdiction court facilities. The project resulted in a report with recommendations and short- and long-term strategic plans for improving court security. The plans--summarized in this article--are currently being implemented.