COURTHOUSE SECURITY & COURT SERVICES
SAFE COURTS. PROFESSIONAL SECURITY. ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP.
The courthouse must remain a place where justice can be administered safely, professionally, and without intimidation or disruption.
The Sheriff’s Office plays a critical role in protecting our courts. Judges, jurors, attorneys, court employees, witnesses, victims, defendants, and citizens conducting business at the courthouse deserve a secure environment.
As Sheriff, I will make courthouse security and professional court services a priority.
STRENGTHEN COURTHOUSE SECURITY
Courthouse security requires more than deputies standing at entrances.
My administration will regularly assess security procedures, staffing, access points, screening operations, emergency preparedness, communications, and potential vulnerabilities.
Our security practices must evolve as threats change.
PROTECT JUDGES, JURORS, EMPLOYEES & THE PUBLIC
Everyone entering a Clayton County courthouse should have confidence that reasonable measures are being taken to protect them.
Deputies assigned to court operations will be expected to maintain a professional presence, remain alert to potential threats, and respond appropriately when security concerns arise.
Special attention must be given to credible threats involving judges, court personnel, witnesses, jurors, victims, and others participating in the judicial process.
PROFESSIONAL COURTROOM SECURITY
Courtroom deputies have an important responsibility.
They must maintain order while treating judges, attorneys, defendants, victims, witnesses, jurors, families, and members of the public professionally and respectfully.
My expectation will be simple:
Professional appearance. Professional conduct. Professional service.
SAFE INMATE TRANSPORT & MOVEMENT
Transporting inmates between the jail and courthouse requires planning, communication, supervision, and strict adherence to security procedures.
My administration will review inmate transportation and courthouse movement procedures to reduce unnecessary risks to deputies, court personnel, inmates, and the public.
Security failures are best prevented through preparation and accountability.
TRAIN FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Courthouse deputies must be prepared for more than routine courtroom assignments.
Training should address areas such as emergency response, de-escalation, evacuation procedures, active threats, medical emergencies, prisoner security, and other situations deputies may encounter in a courthouse environment.
Prepared deputies make safer courthouses.
PARTNER WITH THE JUDICIARY
Courthouse security works best when the Sheriff’s Office communicates directly with the people who use and operate our courts every day.
My administration will maintain strong working relationships with judges, court administrators, the District Attorney, Solicitor-General, Clerk of Court, attorneys, county leadership, and other justice-system partners.
Security concerns should be identified and addressed collaboratively—not after an incident occurs.
USE TECHNOLOGY & INTELLIGENCE
Modern courthouse security should incorporate appropriate technology and information sharing.
My administration will evaluate available security technology, threat-notification procedures, surveillance capabilities, access-control systems, communications, and intelligence sharing to determine where improvements can strengthen courthouse safety.
MY COMMITMENT
Secure the courthouse.
Protect the judicial process.
Train our deputies.
Safely transport inmates.
Prepare for emergencies.
Work with our court partners.
The courthouse belongs to the people of Clayton County, and citizens should be able to conduct their business with confidence in their safety.
As Sheriff, I will demand professionalism, preparedness, vigilance, and accountability from the deputies entrusted with protecting our courts.
Cornell “CJ” Madison Jr.
Candidate for Clayton County Sheriff
