As spring moves toward summer, longer daylight hours, warmer weather, and increased public activity can change security conditions in and around courthouses and government buildings.
May often brings more festivals, school events, tourism, protests, and other public gatherings. That can mean higher foot traffic near court facilities, busier entrances, and more activity in parking lots and surrounding areas. Court staff is encouraged to maintain awareness of crowd dynamics, keep access points clear, use stanchions or other crowd-control tools consistently, and follow established screening protocols during high-volume days.
Warmer weather also means more people spending time outside buildings, which can create additional distractions during arrivals and departures. Staff should remain alert in parking lots and other transitional spaces, vary routines when possible, and make sure lighting and camera coverage remain effective as daylight patterns change.
Seasonal landscaping can also affect visibility. Trees, bushes, and decorative plantings may create areas of concealment as they fill in. A quick exterior assessment can help identify blocked sightlines near entrances, walkways, and parking areas. Overgrown areas that limit visibility should be trimmed or reported.
The change in season is also a good time to revisit personal and residential security practices. More time outdoors, open windows, yard work, and regular walking routines can make personal schedules more visible. Staff should be mindful of what can be seen from the street, secure doors and windows, monitor deliveries, and report suspicious activity. Those who have not done so recently may also consider requesting or updating a residential security assessment.
Technology can create another seasonal distraction. Phones, earbuds, and wearable devices can reduce situational awareness while walking to and from buildings or vehicles. Limiting distractions in parking lots, on sidewalks, and near building entrances can help staff better recognize and respond to concerns.
The change in season can also bring a natural drop in vigilance. Open doors and windows, more time spent outdoors, and a more relaxed daily rhythm are normal parts of warmer weather, but they can also create new security considerations. A brief “complacency check” can help staff reset their awareness and maintain good habits as routines change.
Staff should also remain alert to behavior or clothing that seems inconsistent with the weather, such as heavy layers on warm days, particularly near entrances, parking areas, or other transitional spaces.
May is a transition month, with more movement, more people, and more unpredictability. Small, consistent awareness habits can reduce risk and improve readiness before a concern becomes an emergency.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov