Summary: Executive branch security experts and judges believe that the federal judiciary is becoming an increasingly dangerous place in which to work. Most district marshals believe that judicial personnel are generally safe in judicial facilities but less so away from them. Likewise, most judges believe that security at court buildings is adequate and are more concerned about off-site security. Key aspects of the comprehensive on-site judicial security program recommended by the 1982 task force are not yet fully in place. The Marshals Service has not finished (1) establishing a security committee in each federal judicial district; (2) completing security surveys and plans for all judicial facilities in all districts; and (3) implementing a complete national database to manage security resources and programs. The judicial security program is not comprehensive enough in that it does not evaluate off-site security. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Judicial Conference have not systematically overseen and monitored the effectiveness of the security program and the use of appropriated funds.
