§ 2-112 Court safety.
Courts are often the target of security threats because of the sensitive nature of their work and because they are generally open to the public. The Court must be as safe and secure as practicable for all those who visit and work there. The Court should have appropriate levels of security to address any foreseeable concern or emergency that may arise during the course of business. Court personnel and judicial officers must be proactive and sensitive to Court security and emergency preparedness concerns.
A. All persons entering the Court may be subject to a security search with the assistance of law enforcement or judicial personnel. A security search may consist of clearing a metal detector (handheld or standing) and a cursory, noninvasive inspection in bags or purses or pockets, which should occur for each visit to the Court facility, regardless of the purpose or the hour, when practicable.
B. To ensure personnel and visitor safety, Court personnel shall take reasonable and necessary steps to prevent and avoid incidents and accidents in the workplace. Any safety and/or emergency plans issued by the Wilton Rancheria should be maintained on file and in easy-to-access areas. Employees should call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
C. Judges, Court personnel and security should exercise common sense while in the courtroom. For Court personnel:
1. Do not discuss Court cases or Judges’ decisions with third parties.
2. Be attentive to activities around the Court, even while engaging in idle conversation.
3. Lock the courtroom or other secure areas when not in use.
4. Keep sharp objects or potentially dangerous objects away from parties.
5. Keep parties separated from adverse witnesses and victims.
6. Be familiar with the case and aware of all related threats, including potential issues between witnesses, families, parties or victims.
7. If you believe a security threat exists, call security or law enforcement immediately and inform the judge.
D. No person, except for judges of the Court, and duly and regularly commissioned law enforcement officers of the Wilton Rancheria, state of California, or the United States government are allowed in the Wilton Rancheria Court while armed with any firearm, taser, explosive device, knife, billy club, blackjack, truncheon or bat, or other dangerous weapon. No person shall be in the courthouse while possessing any gas gun, or other device for the spraying of tear gas, mace or other noxious chemical substance, or any incendiary device.
1. Any person found having any of the articles or devices mentioned in this rule is subject to having such articles or devices seized by law enforcement officers, bailiffs on court order, or as otherwise directed by the Court.
2. A license to carry a concealed pistol does not allow any of the items listed in this rule to be brought into the courthouse. (Res. 2021-43; Res. 2020-59; Res. 2020-42 Exh. A)