Chaos in Courts: Over 450 Assaults Recorded Since 2019
Verbal abuse, intimidation, and brawls have become all too common in government buildings designed to uphold law and order. These incidents are escalating in courts across the country, with nearly 450 assaults reported in just five years. The pressure of life-changing decisions faced by individuals involved in court proceedings has turned many court buildings into volatile environments where security officers are often outnumbered.
The Ministry of Justice representative highlighted an increase in security incidents and disorderly behavior in the courts over the past two years. These incidents are linked to rising tensions among people dealing with sensitive matters such as child custody, incarceration of loved ones, and victims of crime grieving. Assaults on court personnel, verbal abuse towards judges, and intimidation of lawyers have become disturbingly common, reflecting a growing trend of security issues within the court system.
Escalating Violence in Courts
Recent incidents, such as the assault on two security guards in Invercargill and a brawl triggered by youths in Hamilton, have raised concerns about the safety of court personnel. These incidents are often fueled by intense emotions surrounding court proceedings, leading to physical altercations and security breaches.
Security Breaches and Investigations
Several security breaches in different court locations have triggered investigations into court processes, revealing a lack of CCTV in crucial areas like elevators and closed spaces. Despite efforts to enhance security measures, challenges persist in ensuring the safety of court workers and visitors.
Insights from Court Workers
Court bailiffs face unpredictable environments daily, often alone and exposed to risks. The increase in aggression towards court workers is attributed to post-Covid paranoia and entitlement issues. Safety measures, such as installing pendants and GPS monitoring, aim to protect workers, but challenges like police availability for escorts remain.
The Ministry of Justice acknowledges the rise in security incidents in courts and emphasizes the need for ongoing risk management and collaboration with justice sector partners to address safety concerns. Despite the concerning figures on assaults within courthouses, there is a lack of data on prosecutions related to courthouse violence.
Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
Legal professionals and union representatives advocate for increased security officers, improved building infrastructure, and better support for court workers facing escalating risks. As the Government adopts a tough-on-crime stance, ensuring the safety of court workers and participants becomes paramount in maintaining a functional justice system.
The stories of court workers facing volatile situations underscore the importance of addressing security issues within the courts to protect those who work tirelessly to uphold justice in our communities. As discussions continue on enhancing safety measures, the well-being of court workers and visitors must remain a top priority to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
*This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald.