During a courthouse security incident, how should witnesses be managed to maintain safety and prevent coercion?

• A. Immediately remove all witnesses from the area.
• B. Question witnesses on the spot to gather information.
• C. Reveal identities to other parties to aid security.
• D. Keep them in safe waiting areas away from danger, while preventing coercion or intimidation.

Answer: (D)

The essential idea is to protect witnesses from harm and from pressure during a courthouse security incident. Keeping witnesses in safe waiting areas away from danger while actively preventing coercion or intimidation accomplishes both safety and fairness. This approach prevents them from being exposed to the scene or to potential intimidators, gives them a secure place to wait for information or guidance, and allows authorized personnel to manage communications and any later statements in a controlled, voluntary way. Quick removal or on-the-spot questioning can expose witnesses to danger or coercion, and revealing identities to others can jeopardize safety and neutrality.