Court Security Protocols and Procedures

Court Security Act and Responsibilities

• Section 3 of the Court Securities Act is a key reference point.
• Court services personnel, including clerks, are essential.
• Court security responsibilities are divided among various positions, including:
  • Chief Justice
  • Executive Director
  • Senior Directors
  • Chief Superintendents and Superintendents

Document Availability and Resources

• The outlined document is available in every courthouse.
• Accessible on the G drive.
• Sent out to all staff upon updates.
• The document provides generic guidelines and does not cover every specific situation.

Complementary Acts and Protocols

• The guidelines are used with conjunction with:
  • Court Securities Act
  • Court Officials Act
  • Powers of arrest under the Criminal Code
  • Saskatchewan Police Act
  • Other pertinent acts
• Covers prisoner custody, control, and transport, encompassing court security, prisoner management, and prisoner transport (the "three pillars").

Security Concerns and Reporting

• Reporting security concerns is a key aspect of daily operations.
• Example: The case of Mr. Barry in Regina, who has mental health issues:
  • Believes in injustice
  • Has issues with females
  • Spray paints the King's Bench
  • Throws rocks through windows
  • Well known to RPS and court security
• Protocols apply to:
  • Suspicious packages
  • Damage to buildings
  • Security threats to the public
  • Security threats to the building itself
• Building-related issues are managed by Barry Watson, in charge of buildings for court services.

Threats Involving the Judiciary

• For immediate threats outside the courthouse, contact 911.
• For non-immediate threats, run it up the chain of command.
• Example 1: Threatening email received by a judge.
• Example 2: Threats to a judge's spouse at their cottage.
• Example 3: A man at Punishai reserve who believes a female judge is his wife:
  • The individual approaches her, claiming she is his wife and wanting to collaborate on their autobiography.
  • RCMP has been contacted and involved.
  • The individual has been detained to stop his movement when required.
• Recent assault on Justice Mishima in Saskatoon (though it was random and not directed at him).

Court Security as a Reaction Force

• Growing expectation for court security to act as a reaction force.
• Limitations prevent fulfilling this role completely.
• Example: Judge in Yorkton requesting escort to and from their vehicle due to a homeless person:
  • Addressed at higher levels (management and RCMP).
  • Concerns include safety in the open car porch under the courthouse.
  • Recommendation: Installing a peephole or CCTV was rejected due to budget.
  • The individual has not harmed anyone but sleeps near the door used by judges.

Officer Discretion and Protocol

• Officers must make decisions, balancing protocol with discretion.
• Recommendation: Inform supervisor and politely explain limitations.
• Avoid setting a precedent of providing services outside normal duties due to staffing constraints.
• In Regina, risking is done daily to allocate limited staff effectively.
• Rural areas often require officers to work alone, making risk assessment critical.
• Judges might request presence in two courtrooms simultaneously, requiring officers to prioritize based on risk.
• Make sound decisions based on quick assessments without formal paperwork.

Courthouse Lockdowns and Communications

• Senior directors handle communications with the judiciary during incidents.
• Staff will be informed of outcomes and temporary solutions (e.g., temporary judge escorts).
• Such arrangements are made at the staff sergeant level or higher.

Judge Escort Scenario: Analysis and Response

• Considerations:
  • Setting a precedent.
  • Staffing impact.
  • Public visibility.
  • Maintaining positive relationships with judges.
• Important to inquire about the reason for the escort request:
  • Potential underlying threat.
  • General discomfort.
  • Vagrant presence.
• Addressing underlying issues may require further action beyond a simple escort.
• If agreeing to an escort, clarify it is a one-time exception due to the specific situation and inform the supervisor.

Protocol Reminders and Courthouse Photographs

• Protocols emphasize criminal history, past police interactions, and known affiliates.
• Photos in the courthouse play a role in daily operations.

Sheriff Services and Court Operations

• Barry Watson is the senior director for sheriff services and core operations.
• Sheriff services handle juries and civil forfeitures.
• Two inspectors, one in Regina and one in Saskatoon, oversee unarmed members dealing with juries and civil forfeiture.
• Barry also oversees court operations, including funding and clerks.
• Judges and court services collaborate to find solutions.

Request for Additional Security

• Wendy (TA) and others are key contacts.
• Additional security requests require a form to be filled out.
• The form is available on the SAS court site with preassigned court sitting dates.
• Stakeholders must provide detailed information for proper threat and risk assessments.
• Avoid filling out the form for them to ensure all necessary information is captured.
• Example: Weyburn initially requested two extra staff, but a threat assessment led to providing four.
• Vague descriptions like "murder trial" are insufficient; specific concerns must be outlined.
• Crowns can fill out the form.
• Completed forms go to the staff sergeant for a threat assessment, leading to an operational plan.
• The data collected helps track extra work and justify requests for additional services and manpower.

Low Church and Emergency Plans

• Life Saving Plan: Contains protocols for bomb threats, fires, and other issues.
• Regina PC: Deputy sheriffs clear the floors during fire alarms.
• King's Bench: Registrar manager runs the life-saving plan; deputy sheriffs clear the basement and secure doors.
• Each location must have a life saving plan, outlining responsibilities for bomb threats, suspicious packages, and weapons.
• Review the life saving plan and understand your responsibilities; contact stakeholders if needed.
• Individual responsibilities will differ based on the location.
• Coverage areas include Yorkton, Regina, Moose Jaw, McCurrent, Esteban, and Weyburn, with multiple courts.

Power Outage Protocol

• Regina PC: Generator in the basement.
• During power outages, the generator may not power all courtrooms.
• Protocol:
  • Managers and admin judge reconvene.
  • After 5 minutes, if power is still out, courtrooms are evacuated.
  • Court only takes place in Courtroom 1 (which has power).
  • Judges adjourn cases to another date.
  • Clerks may lack power in their offices, requiring them to relocate.
  • Detention area (with prisoners) has priority power.
• Life saving plans are crucial. Know your areas and responsibilities.