Courts face tough choices on security amid steep budget cuts and a jump in threats of violence

Budget cuts force tough choices on court security

BOSTON — Steep spending cuts in state and local budgets have courthouse officials nationwide facing the tough decision of whether to reduce security or trim services.

Security expert Timm Fautsko (FOWTZ’-kow) warns that safety is compromised when cuts are made to a courthouse’s security staff. Concerns about courtroom safety have increased recently after the fatal shooting at a Las Vegas courthouse and the release of a report that found threats to federal judges and prosecutors have doubled.

Fautsko says court security is one area people feel should receive special consideration for funding since it involves protecting the public.

Some courts have already reduced security staff and more might do so if budget problems don’t improve soon.

On the Net:

National Center for State Courts, www.ncsc.org