NCJ Number
107846
Journal
Pentacle Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1987) Pages: 23-28
Date Published
1987
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes security measures at two high-threat trials, the Paris trial of accused terrorist George Abdullah, and the largest Mafia trial in history in Palermo, Italy.
Abstract
Extraordinary security measures, specials courtrooms, and new technological equipment are discussed. Personnel and weapons were more prevalent than high technology in the Abdullah trial. French court security is a complex three-agency system with different agencies responsible for building perimeter, judicial, prisoner, and interior court security. Specially trained armed Gendarmes guard French courts (a coveted security position) and countersniper squads are placed on strategic rooftops. There were 1,000-1,500 officers at the Abdullah trial at all times. Although there were four checkpoints for people entering court, no metal detectors or x-ray devices were used, nor were court personnel or defense counsel screened. Instead, people were patted down and screened with a hand-held magnetometer. Prisoner transport vehicles were not armored; seven convoy vans were used as decoys instead. The Mafia trial provided the latest technology in court security. A new, reinforced courtroom costing over $100 million and surrounded by a 15-foot high fence with bullet-proof glass between pickets was built for the 475-defendant trial. Like the French trial, a 3-agency security approach with approximately 1,000 officers was used. There were also four screening points for people entering court, but everyone entering court was screened by magnetometers and x-ray machines. All proceedings were videotaped from a bulletproof control room containing 35 cameras and 300 microphones. Thirty open cells shielded by bullet-proof glass faces the court, protecting defendants while allowing them to address the court with microphones. Armored vehicles were used for both principles and escorts. Examining building special courts for high-threat trials in strategic areas around the United States to protect participants and ensure an unintimidated judicial process is recommended.