In a recent blog post, I highlighted the critical role of badge I.D. panic buttons during the shooting at Apalachee High School. As a school security assessor, I often discuss the importance of panic buttons, also called duress alarms, with school staff. While badge I.D. panic buttons are a newer...

Effective courtroom design is pivotal in facilitating fair and efficient legal proceedings. Each participant in a court proceeding—judge, clerk, witness, juror, and attorney—needs a well-planned workspace to do their job effectively. 

Courthouse design is more than architectural aesthetics or functional layouts—it plays a powerful role in shaping the experiences of those who enter, especially jurors. As I recently discovered during my time on jury duty, the design of these spaces can influence everything from a juror’s comfort...

As a former law enforcement officer turned security specialist, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of securing entrances as the front line of defense. With experience in courthouses, schools, and government buildings, I recognize that a secure entrance is essential to ensuring the safety of...

A domestic abuse survivor enters the courthouse and immediately feels overwhelmed by the harsh fluorescent lighting and echoing corridors. The crowded, open waiting area forces her to sit near strangers, causing her anxiety to spike as she has no sense of privacy or control. With confusing signage...