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The Supreme Court of Ohio today hosted court personnel, law enforcement officers and others who oversee the security for courts across Ohio. The seminar on “High Threat & High Profile Trials” drew more than 100 participants from Ohio and California to the Ohio Judicial Center.
“Ensuring safe access to our legal system is very important, and the responsibility for security falls to all of us,” Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer said in opening remarks. “When a crisis occurs, a court security plan makes a critical difference.”
At the seminar, presented by the Supreme Court’s Office of Court Security, participants were provided with details on how to plan for trials that pose a high security risk. Speakers included Dr. Allen Smith, associate professor of criminal justice at Tiffin University.
“A trial that draws a lot of attention can become emotional and create serious security problems for the court,” Dr. Smith said. “Pre-planning with clear policies and procedures can make all the difference for the safety of the judge, the jury and others in the courtroom.”
In addition to providing security for the Court and the Ohio Judicial Center, the Office of Court Security also assists county and local courts in the development of emergency and security procedures, and provides assistance in the operational planning and coordination for high-risk or sensitive trials.
Contact: Chris Davey at 614.387.9250.