Third Branch eNews

The Safety and Security Spotlight is a new recurring feature that will appear each month in The Third Branch newsletter. This series will share practical safety and security guidance for court staff statewide, drawing on expertise from the Wisconsin State Capitol Police Court Protection Unit and other partners across the court system.

This month’s Safety and Security Spotlight is provided by the Wisconsin State Capitol Police Court Protection Unit. January is a natural reset point for courthouse security. Staffing changes, winter weather, and disruptions to normal routines can all affect how security measures function at the start of the year.

Why this matters now

The beginning of the year often brings retirements, transfers, temporary assignments, interns, and contractors. Winter weather can also affect doors, locks, and access systems, and holidays or snow days may disrupt routine security checks or communication. Together, these factors can create gaps in physical access control if expectations are not reinforced.

What to watch for

Courts may see an increase in unfamiliar individuals in courthouse spaces due to staffing changes or contracted work. Cold temperatures and moisture can cause doors to fail to latch properly, electronic readers to respond inconsistently, or doors to be propped open for convenience. Familiarity with long-used spaces can also lead to relaxed habits around locking doors and verifying access.

What staff should do

Judges and staff should confirm that only authorized personnel have access to chambers, secured offices, and restricted areas. Access for individuals who have retired, transferred, or separated from employment should be removed, and any temporary access granted during the prior year should be reviewed. Staff should visually confirm that doors close and lock properly behind them, avoid propping doors open, and report doors that do not reliably secure every time they close.

Staff should also remain alert to unfamiliar individuals in restricted areas and follow local procedures for questioning or reporting when appropriate. Tailgating, when someone follows another person into a secured area without badging in, should not be permitted. Polite verification is a routine security practice that helps protect everyone in the building.

Action checklist

• Confirm doors fully close and latch.
• Do not prop doors open.
• Verify access lists for your work area.
• Report lost or missing credentials immediately.
• Ensure only authorized personnel manage access.
• Question unfamiliar individuals in restricted areas.

Maintaining a secure courthouse environment is a shared responsibility. Small, consistent actions taken by judges and staff help support the safety of the judiciary, court employees, and the public.