Courtroom Security - Minimum Adequate Security Standard

Minimum courtroom security and staffing rules

The law sets a statewide minimum security standard for all Maryland courthouses on October 1, 2026. Court security officers must meet the State’s Special Police Officer qualifications. Beginning July 1, 2027, security providers use best efforts to staff at least one officer in each courtroom for criminal, family, and juvenile cases, and two officers when a person is incarcerated or may be taken into custody. Each courthouse floor also has one extra officer for every four or fewer courtrooms. Beginning July 1, 2029, the one-officer minimum applies to every type of case, with two officers when someone is incarcerated or may be remanded. These are minimums and use a “best efforts” standard. The law does not specify funding or penalties.