JUDICIAL independence is one of the main factors in law enforcement in order to protect the human rights. Judicial body must be independent in balancing the powers held by the legislature and the executive. Based on the Basic Principles of Judicial Independence, this judicial independence must be guaranteed by the state as obligated in the constitution. Seeing the fact that maintaining independence is very vulnerable to any threats, therefore Court Security is an urgent.
A few months ago, around October 2024, several judges from Indonesia had the opportunity to learn about court security from the District Court of California. Ni Wayan Wirawati – Judge East Jakarta District Court; Maria Chirstine Natalia Barus – Vice Chief of Sei Rampah District Court; Risky Edi Nawawi – Judge Sanggau District Court; and Nenny isfiany Sitohang – General Court Directorate were invited as the Indonesia delegates for the National Association of Women Judges 2024 Annual Conference in San Diego, California, United State of America.
On this occasion, were discussed many aspects of judiciary one of them is regarding court security. Judge from the California District Court, David O. Carter, explained how they maintain safety in at the trials. Judge Carter showed 2 (two) videos, showed how tight the security was during the trial of the Mexican mafia gang as defendant regarding cases when they stabbed a black man 13 times in prison.
At the trial, each defendant was closely guarded by a U.S. Marshal. However, one of the Defendants was still able to attack another defendant with a knife that he kept in his rectum. Judge David O. Carter said that there was a message of brutality that the defendant wanted to show to the government, or event to threat the judges. From the videos, Judge David Carter emphasized the importance of judicial security.
In the United State of America, court security is carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service. This institution is an executive agency that assists the courts in security matters. The U.S. Marshals Service is tasked with protecting and ensuring the safe conduct of trial proceedings, and protecting federal judges, jurors, and members of the federal court.
The US Marshals Service develops, manages, and implements security systems and screening every person and equipment that enter each courthouse. They also filter every explicit threats such as inappropriate communications against the judges and other court personnel. One of US Marshal agent, Marshal Richard P. Lumagui explained that some of the special technologies were built for the Federal court. Such as the judge's desks in the courtroom have been designed to be bulletproof and a panic buttons are directly connected to the Marshal's control room so that the Marshal may know any incidents that threaten the judge's security.
To ensure judge’s security they also designed separate elevators for judges, court staff, public and the defendants. Judges also have their own separate parking area from the public. This is showing how serius the court an US Marshal maintain security for any person in the court, especially for their judges. The US Marshal also provides a securiy manual books for judges that covers any conditions:
Inside House:
- Utilize home security systems such as using a panic room with a panic button
- It is recommended not to open the door to strangers, always confirm their identity
Outside House:
- always ensure a clear view for security cameras;
- put up stickers that show your house is under security services
- install lighting that can detect movement, make sure the house has proper lighting at night
Sending and receiving letters/packages
- be wary of letters/packages without clear sender information
- do not pick up packages directly at the door. Make sure the sender has left your home area
- never leave your mail in the mailbox overnight when traveling
This experience shows how serious the United States in ensuring the security of their judges. Not only in the courthouse but even at home, their security is really taken carefully. These lessons are very important for Indonesia in building the security system for judges and courts in the future.
Baca Juga: Family Courts And Restorative Justice For Children In Criminal Cases
Maria Christine Natalia Barus, S.IP., S.H., M.H.
(Vice Chief of Sei Rampah District Court, Indonesia)
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