Dated: 1 November 2021
POLICY TITLE: Court Security
OWNING DIRECTORATE: Crime and Criminal Justice
AUTHOR: Head of Criminal Justice and Victim Services
CONTACT DETAILS: 101
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Complete
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AIM OF POLICY: To ensure that staff and members of the public are aware of the policy in relation to the provision of security within courts.
BENEFIT OF POLICY: Ensures clarity of obligations in relation to court security.
REASON FOR POLICY: Northumbria Police acknowledges its positive duty to protect life under the Human Rights Act 1998, Article 2, and this duty includes all Northumbria Police staff and police officers.
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Crown and Magistrates' Courts have their own staff to provide security. Northumbria Police will not routinely provide a police presence in courts to deal with such issues.
However, Northumbria Police acknowledges its duty under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act 1998 to protect life. Where risk assessment indicates a police presence may be necessary to fulfil this duty, where it is specifically requested by a judge or where it is necessary to react to specific circumstances, an appropriate police response will be provided.
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SOURCE DOCUMENT: N/a
GROUPS AFFECTED: All staff
ACCESS AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: None
