General Information
The Danger
There is a clear upward trend in violence both in the courts and against law enforcement; findings indicate the trend has been in effect since the early 1970’s. A 2011 study commissioned by the Center for Judicial and Executive Security compiles data reported by law enforcement officials. As illustrated in the graph to the right, court-targeted violence has risen by over three hundred and fifty percent in the past four decades. Another study found that the upward trend continued into 2012, with every indication of continuing increases in future years. This rise in courtroom violence affects courtroom officials, attorneys, and other attendants within the courthouse.
The Solution
MAXLockdown (MLD) is an economical, discreet security solution to the problem of courtroom assault and violence. MLD is attached to the courtroom floor with heavy duty steel fasteners. One leg iron is removed from the defendant and attached to MLD. The defendant can stand, address the court, have restricted movement, yet is firmly secured. MLD is physically hidden from viewing with the optional table cloth covering and individual restraint coverings (see below). The device is made of solid steel coated with a heavy duty rubber coating, preventing metal on metal sounds. This device comes in two forms: one with two or more mounting plates and then a second one with a singular mounting plate and loop for connection to the leg iron.
Coverings
Limiting Juror and witness prejudice is always important. While Maxlockdown restraints are designed to be as invisible as possible optional coverings are available to further hide the devices from view.
Police Crusier / Prisoner Transport Restraint
Each year there are hundreds of violent escapes from police/prisoner transport vehicles. Those escaping can and have murdered innocent people within our society. Today when transporting high risk escape prone prisoners there is a device that will prevent escape and destruction of police vehicles. MAXLockdown Police Vehicle Restraint will allow safe and secure transportation of your high risk prisoners when leg irons are required.
- CCJ/COSCA Joint Committee on Court Security and Emergency Preparedness (2010).CCJ/COSCA Court Security Handbook: Ten Essential Elements for Court Securityand Emergency Preparedness. Williamsburg, VA: Conference of Chief Justices andConference of State Court Administrators.http://ncsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php
- Center for Judicial and Executive Security (2010). “Court-Targeted Acts of Violence.”Study, Judicial Counter-Violence Initiative, St. Paul, Minn.www.cjesconsultants.com/assets/documents/cjes-ctav-bulletin.pdf
- Fautsko, T. F., S. V. Berson, J. F. O’Neil, and K. W. Sheehan (2010). “Steps to BestPractices for Court Building Security.” National Center for State Courts, CourtConsulting Services, Denver, February.http://ncsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php
- T. Fautsko, S. Berson, and Steve Swensen (2012). “Future Trends in State Courts.”National Center for State Courts, Court Consulting Services.
- National Center for Judicial Security. U.S. Marshals Service, Arlington, Va.www.usmarshals.gov/judicial/index.html
- National Center for State Courts (2010). “Guidelines for Implementing Best Practicesin Court Building Security: Costs, Priorities, Funding Strategies, and Accountability.”National Center for State Courts, Williamsburg, Va.www.sji.gov/PDF/Guidelines_For_Best_Practices_In_Court_Security.pdf
- Steve Swensen, S. K. (2012). “Disorder in the Court—Incidents of Courthouse Violence.”Center for Judicial and Executive Security, St. Paul, Minn., January.www.cjesconsultants.com/assets/documents/CJES-JCVI-Disorder-in-the-Court-Incidents-IV.pdf