Which of the following are signs of potential security risk in a courthouse environment?

• A. Unattended bags, loitering near restricted doors, weapons or tools, unusual behavior.
• B. Quiet, well-dressed visitors reading papers.
• C. Representatives from the press asking questions.
• D. People using the elevator.

Answer: (D)

In courthouse security, you look for items or behaviors that suggest someone could be trying to hide something, gain unauthorized access, or cause harm. Unattended bags are a red flag because they could conceal dangerous items. Loitering near restricted doors indicates someone may be observing security patterns or planning to breach a secure area. Weapons or tools point directly to the potential to cause harm or bypass normal procedures. Unusual behavior catches attention because it stands out from everyday activity and can indicate intent or deception that requires assessment by security staff.

By contrast, quiet, well-dressed visitors reading papers usually reflects ordinary, non-threatening behavior. Representatives from the press asking questions can be a normal part of courthouse operations and does not inherently signal danger. People using the elevator is a routine action and does not in itself raise security concerns.