Ontario Lawyers and Police Are Calling for Safer Courthouses After Crown Attorney Attack
A disturbing incident at a Peterborough courthouse — in which an accused individual allegedly attacked a Crown attorney despite being under restraint — has sparked renewed calls for improved security measures across Ontario's court facilities. For Ottawa residents, the issue hits close to home: the capital's own courthouse infrastructure has been the subject of similar safety concerns.
What Happened in Peterborough
The incident involved a restrained defendant who allegedly assaulted a Crown attorney during proceedings. While details of the specific attack are still being processed through the justice system, the broader message from lawyers, court workers, and police associations has been loud and clear: Ontario courthouses are not safe enough.
A Long-Standing Concern
This isn't a new issue. Legal professionals and courthouse workers across Ontario have been raising safety concerns for years. The physical infrastructure of many Ontario courthouses — including in Ottawa — was built for a different era, with security measures that haven't kept pace with the realities of modern court proceedings.
Specific concerns include: inadequate barriers between accused persons and counsel, insufficient security staffing, limited CCTV coverage in certain areas, and inconsistent screening procedures.
What Advocates Are Calling For
The Criminal Lawyers' Association, the Crown attorneys' association, and police leaders are calling on the Ontario government to commission an immediate safety audit of all provincial court facilities, with particular attention to courtrooms where high-risk accused persons are present.
For Ottawa, where the Elgin Street courthouse handles a high volume of serious criminal matters, the call for improved safety protocols is directly relevant.
The Government's Response
The province has acknowledged the incident and indicated it will review safety protocols. Advocates say they've heard those words before and are looking for specific commitments and timelines.
Source: CBC Toronto / CBC News
