What should courts do in preparation for future terrorist attacks?
In the aftermath of 9-11, the traditional rules that govern the courts must be redefined so they will not be debilitated by an attack. Courts can do several key things to make themselves resilient and resistant to attack. They can create barriers to access to make courts an unattractive target. Changing security personnel uniforms, adding perimeter lighting and cameras, and issuing access badges can make the courthouse a more difficult target. Revise employee-screening processes to ensure that employees at risk of being exploited or compromised are identified. Implement a system of checks and balances whereby critical information and access are not subject to compromise. Reassess business-continuity plans to ensure that terrorist attacks are among the disasters being planned for. All of these actions can better equip courts to plan for terrorist threats.
