Third Branch eNews

Court security professionals from across Wisconsin, neighboring states, and the globe met March 24-26 in Appleton for the 2026 Court Safety and Security Conference. The multi-day training focused on courthouse safety, threat assessment, and coordinated response.

The National Criminal Justice Training Center hosted the conference, which brought together judges, law enforcement officers, marshals, court administrators, and security specialists from around the world. Sessions in the program addressed threat assessment, courtroom security, intelligence coordination, and incident response.

Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski opened the conference by stressing the connection between court safety and the administration of justice.

“Our shared mission is to ensure that people are able to participate in their justice system without fear or intimidation,” Director Skwierawski said. “And our mission is to provide judges the safety to make decisions based on the law and the facts, free from threats or outside pressure.”

Skwierawski told attendees that those working in and around the courts serve as a critical line of defense in preserving open courts, public access, and judicial independence.

The Director also pointed to changes in the security environment, noting that judges and court staff are more visible and accessible than in the past, personal information is easier to obtain, and public reaction to court decisions can intensify quickly. These conditions, she said, require early identification of concerning behavior and strong coordination across agencies.

The conference agenda reflected those challenges. Opening sessions examined escalating threats to the judiciary and strategies for prevention, including behavioral detection, protective measures, and courtroom security planning.

Members of the Wisconsin State Capitol Police Court Protection Unit were featured presenters during the conference, including sessions on courtroom safety gaps and collaboration between judges and law enforcement.

A panel that included Court Protection Unit officers and Wisconsin judges focused on communication, courtroom expectations, and coordination during high-profile or emotionally charged proceedings. Additional sessions led by Court Protection Unit personnel addressed practical security considerations before, during, and after court proceedings, including risks outside the courtroom setting.

Other conference sessions addressed topics such as case studies in threat management, de-escalation strategies, the impact of high-profile incidents on courtroom security, and emerging risks, including AI-driven threats to the judiciary.