Just within the past few months, these two jarring incidents again brought courthouse security into sharp, frightening focus. 

           If you’re thinking we are a bit more immune here than other states, consider this sobering tally from Washington state’s Board for Judicial Administration in its 2020-2022 tracking of courthouse incident reports here:
 
           Despite these statistics, Washington state consistently ranks among the worst in the nation in funding its state courts.  The budget shortfalls are felt throughout our court systems, including the critical goal of trying to keep judges, court staff, attorneys, and the general public safe.
A non-profit coalition of attorneys, retired judges, and other legal professionals is working to make a difference. Consider this article you’re reading as a call for you to do your part to increase courthouse safety.

           The Foundation for Washington State Courts is providing grants to courthouses large and small.  The Foundation’s recent fundraising efforts have resulted in improved security camera systems, metal detector wands, gun lockers, and panic alarms.  For some of the smaller courthouses in particular, these items are entering the courthouse for the first time.

           “That’s one of the downsides of working within a county government system in Washington state,” says Spokane County Superior Court Judge Tony Hazel.  “Because we typically get much fewer funds compared to other states, it leaves a burden on the local county which itself is always in a state of financial resource crisis.”

           Judge Hazel chairs a newly re-formed Spokane courthouse campus security committee that stands to benefit from Foundation funds. “For example, we have an archaic camera system that doesn’t produce a very high-quality image.  That has been a complaint of law enforcement when they need to investigate incidents that occur in the courthouse,” Judge Hazel says.  “We also currently have a number of blind spots without camera coverage where we can’t really see what’s going on.”

            The Foundation is chaired by a board of trustees that seeks grant applications from various county court systems and meets regularly to discuss and issue funding.   Foundation grants are often coupled with county or state funds to make purchases that otherwise were out of reach due to limited budgets.

            “For years we have had board members on both sides of civil litigation, said Foundation President Roy Umlauf of Seattle. “The Washington Defense Trial Lawyers and Washington State Association for Justice (plaintiffs’ bar) have banded together with retired judges from around the state,” Umlauf said.  We are now seeking to expand our board with attorneys practicing criminal law, family law, and other areas.”

            Recent major fundraising events in Seattle and Spokane drew significant participation from many firms.  “Attorneys are recognizing they too benefit from enhanced security, and they are stepping up to do their part,” Umlauf said. King County Judges Jim Rogers, Sean O’Donnell and Andrea Robertson spoke at the Seattle Reception about the safety issues King County faces at the Downtown Seattle Courthouse. All three judges have fought for increased safety measures. Judge Rogers described the difficulties with the City Hall park and Third Avenue. Judge O’Donnell provided a historical perspective from his statewide study of funding courthouse safety. Foster Garvey hosted the Seattle Reception. Lukins Annis hosted the Spokane Reception.

           The Foundation recently enlisted attorneys to testify before the King County Council Budget Committee and rallied ABOTA, WDTL WSAJ, and other attorneys and citizens to send letters of support to the County Council advocating for continued funding of Deputy Sheriffs on 3rd Avenue.
Judge Robertson is the current chair of the KCSC Security Committee. She stated, “The Court continues to be grateful for the interest and commitment of the Foundation in raising awareness of these crucial issues.  Access to justice requires more than the ability to have a hearing – access must be safe and secure.  The safety and security of jurors, litigants, witnesses, attorneys, and the general public remains one of our top priorities.  The support of the Foundation helps us in that aim.”

           “The Foundation was critical in security funding during the pandemic and as an advocate to other branches of government,” said Judge Jim Rogers, former Presiding Judge.  “We appreciate and depend on the Foundation’s continued support.”  

           Judge O’Donnell is the current co-chair for the statewide Court Security Committee of the Board for Judicial Administration. Judge O’Donnell states, “The Courthouse can be the hub of civic life in any community.  If it is unsafe to enter the courthouse because of conditions outside it, that puts every court user and court employee at risk – and it puts the ability to access justice at risk, too.  Having the Foundation’s voice added to this urgent discussion is a fantastic development.  Its members are influential and persuasive and will make a difference in this debate.  I am extremely grateful for their help.”

           Please answer this call to action. To learn more about the Foundation’s work visit its website at www.fwacourts.org.  You or your firm can donate through that website or send a check to: