Philadelphia judges mandate sheriff to establish a revised safety strategy due to security concerns.

PHILADELPHIA — Judges in Philadelphia have raised alarm over security issues at city courthouses, prompting a demand from the judiciary for the sheriff to rectify what they describe as an increasing number of assaults, threats, and shortages in personnel leading to delays in court proceedings.

In a court directive issued this week, the judges highlighted the sheriff’s “systemic failures” to adequately staff various courthouse locations, including the criminal courthouse, family law center, and City Hall courtrooms, asserting that these deficiencies create an “imminent threat” to the safety of the public. Over the past year, they documented 72 security incidents in Philadelphia’s courts, and projections for this year suggest an even higher tally. This is a stark contrast to the 25 incidents reported in 2019 under previous management.

A particularly unsettling event was captured on video in February, where a violent altercation erupted in a hallway at the Family Court. During this incident, two individuals were fighting while another lay on the ground, apparently unconscious — and only one security officer was present to intervene.

Rochelle Bilal, the sheriff of Philadelphia, has attributed the staffing crisis to a nationwide shortage of law enforcement personnel. She has sought increased funding to improve recruitment, training, and staffing efforts. Legal professionals and court officials have expressed their frustration over the inadequate staffing levels, which have not only stalled trial proceedings but have also caused distress among witnesses, victims, and defendants.