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Post by professor on Jul 8, 2009 7:33:58 GMT -5
I'm curious about how common it is for ALJs to receive threats of death or other gruesome forms of bodily harm. Upon reviewing the evidence in my new docket, I found that one of my claimants told his therapist that he had fantasies of killing me. It wasn't personal, he simply wanted to "blow up" the judge assigned to his case because it was taking so long to be processed. Nevertheless, it has caused me to pause and take a second look at my own security habits (BTW, I have made arrangements to have extra security at the hearing). I'm wondering just how common this sort of thing is -- does anyone have any insight? Is there anything I should be doing besides the obvious (unlisted phone number, varied routes of travel, situational awareness, etc.)?
Prof
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Post by morgullord on Jul 8, 2009 9:19:49 GMT -5
We had a rattle snake in our lobby a few years ago; we still don't know if it was a gift or a visitor.
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jazz
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Post by jazz on Jul 8, 2009 10:04:31 GMT -5
Of course you have to take threats seriously, but most of the time, it is just talk. I had threats when I was in private practice. I did a lot of criminal defense work, and it comes with the territory. Many of my clients were dealing with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. It is the same thing with this area of the law.
When one of our Judges receives a threat, Federal Protective Services is called. They pay the person a visit, and that usually scares them.
I would have an unlisted number no matter what. When I first graduated law school and started practice, no one told me this. I would get calls from clients at all hours.
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Post by wallace on Jul 8, 2009 11:15:37 GMT -5
Grand Rapids hearing office - claimant came in asking to speak with the ALJ. When told the ALJ was either not there or could not come to the window, the claimant took out a gun and shot himself in the head. I wonder why he wanted to see the ALJ?
In fact, it's pretty common for ALJs to be threatened indirectly at the D.O. after getting their decision or in medical records.
I wouldn't be so cavalier about it either. You have to not only think of your own safety but the safety of everyone else in the office and your family. If you see something like that in the record, you definitely (as the professor did) have to have additional security. You can never take these too seriously. Unfortunately, my guess is that the larger danger is from the person who doesn't make threats in the first place.
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Post by aaa on Jul 8, 2009 12:03:49 GMT -5
Wed, Jul. 01, 2009 Derby resident faces federal charges after bomb threat BY STAN FINGER The Wichita Eagle A 53-year-old Derby resident faces federal charges after threatening an employee at the Social Security Administration disability hearing office in Wichita on Monday.
Ted E. Mangold, who is also known as Melissa Mangold, was charged today in U.S. District Court.
According to the complaint, Mangold walked into the Social Security hearing office at 3207 N. Cyprus on Monday carrying a container held tightly with both hands.
"I have a bomb and I'm going to kill everyone," Mangold said to the contract security guard who approached him.
Hoping to persuade him not to detonate a bomb, the guard offered Mangold the opportunity to "walk out of here with no trouble," the complaint alleges. No one would attempt to stop him, the guard said.
Mangold left the building carrying the device and drove away in a pickup truck. He was arrested later in the day at his Derby home after investigators identified his truck in the driveway.
If convicted, Mangold faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
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jazz
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Posts: 61
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Post by jazz on Jul 8, 2009 12:11:33 GMT -5
CNN.com has a story posted today titled "Bomb Parts smuggled into 10 federal buildings during test." Federal Protective Services provides security for the buildings.
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Post by logger on Jul 8, 2009 12:21:51 GMT -5
Some years back, an ALJ in Long Beach CA was attacked by a claimant and seriously injured when he hit her on the head with a chair. This happened in the hearing room, so I'm told.
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Post by chinook on Jul 8, 2009 12:39:29 GMT -5
Jazz
Although FPS "provides" security for the federal buildings, most in the DC area, at least, use rent-a-cops. (Government outsourcing at its best) The scary part at my agency is the they actually gave these people guns (and bullets.)
Our ALJs have a panic button on the bench if there is a problem.
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Post by alj on Jul 8, 2009 13:23:34 GMT -5
Over the years there have been instances of violence against the ALJs. The areas of greatest vulnerability are the hearing room and entering and leaving the office. Until recently other components of the agency, and the CE docs, weren't even required to notify the judge of a threat. But, as the poster above said, it is the one who doesn't threaten that presents the greatest threat.
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Post by Kansas Jack on Jul 8, 2009 16:31:47 GMT -5
Most SSA HOs are protected by employees of large security firms that have the government contract for that geographic area. Their experience ranges. For example, the security employee at the Salina, KS SSA office recently got out of the Marines and has two infantry tours in Iraq. Other offices have retirees who just want to keep working.
On a separate note, ALJs have the option of requesting security at remote hearing sites or waiving security. I recommend that you issue a standing order to have security at each site.
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Post by johnthornton on Jul 8, 2009 17:36:27 GMT -5
You would be surprised how many claimants are frisked and discovered to be carrying weapons before their hearing. Of course, they usually have an excuse for why they are carrying a Bowie knife or the like an administrative hearing ("I need to clean my teeth....")
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Post by southeastalj on Jul 8, 2009 18:49:05 GMT -5
it does happen. ALJ's in my office occasionally request an FPS officer be present for the hearing when there are indications in the record there may be issues ahead of time. Of course, thats a lot easier to do if you are in a large metro area that already has an FPS uniformed presence. whether you could get FPS to send an officer out to a city that doesnt already have them is a question i do not have an answer to.
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Post by southeastalj on Jul 8, 2009 18:51:49 GMT -5
another good tip is to write to lexis/nexis and westlaw to have your name removed from their databases. these days, your home address and other personal info is readily available in those databases. The FPS has an excellent PDF brochure on their website that addresses personal security and has the addresses you need to write to.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2009 19:29:47 GMT -5
There are a million stories in the naked city and some of them are tragic.
But I think, statistically speaking, you're still more likely to be murdered by a member of your family or other loved one. Can you hear me, Steve McNair? In which case, writing to lexis/nexis is of somewhat limited utility.
I agree with PF's original post. Be prudent but recognize that half of the things you worry about are never going to happen and the other half are going to kill you anyway.
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Post by privateatty on Jul 8, 2009 20:36:59 GMT -5
Like animals, crazies and sociopaths can smell the fear on you.
If you fear it enough, it may well come to you.
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EagleJAG
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ALJ...a high-G career field worth the fight
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Post by EagleJAG on Jul 8, 2009 21:56:00 GMT -5
Concerned about security and not afraid to exercise your 2nd Amend. rts when the appropriate situation presents itself? Taurus has just the answer for you...a 5-round revolver chambered for 3 inch .410 and/or .45 Colt rounds. Pretty impressive self-protection firepower! And its name? The Judge, of course! See the video at: www.taurususa.com/video-theJudge.cfm Also see what Taurus had to say about the name: "What a name! It's based on the fact that many judges are now carrying it into the courtroom with them-and for good reason. We know of no better self-defense firearm. Whether loading all 45s-all .410s or alternating them in the cylinder, the Judge is the ultimate shotgun/revolver duo. New for 2008, we're giving you the Judge in Ultra-Lite forged alloy. You'll be amazed how light this gun is and how easy it is to tote around. Also new is the Judge 3" Magnum. Larger and more powerful, this Judge gives you the extra firepower you need when you have to lay down the law."Seriously doubt it will be knowingly allowed in any federal building...but with CCPs, several folks I know (mainly in the south) carry them in their vehicles. Who knows...with the recent influx of big $$$, perhaps we can get SSA to issue one to each interested judge much like the military gives (issues) .45 cal pistols to newly promoted general officers? Maybe we can get Beagle to bring it up in class tomorrow.
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Post by deltajudge on Jul 9, 2009 6:26:14 GMT -5
8-)One of the first things told to me by the ALJs at my first duty station, don't list your phone. I was not only told it should not be unlisted, but non-published, that way your number could not be gotten through information.
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Post by kolekole on Jul 9, 2009 8:47:36 GMT -5
When I took up my duties as an ALJ, I listed an initial and my last name, but not my address, in the phone directory to avoid any unhappy claimants trying to call or locate my home. I thought that would keep my home address out of the public realm, but later discovered that my address could be readily located on Switchboard.com if you entered the phone number. Switchboard removed my address immediately upon request. Of course, a week ago I checked, and while I couldn't be located by phone number, I was now listed under my first and middle names at my home address. I have requested that both those listings be removed, but Switchboard notes that while it will remove those as requested, it regularly adds addresses from 3rd party data bases. Thus, Switchboard urges that you frequently check to remove any new versions that pop up. My "unlisted" address was also available on Peoplefinder.com, and I've now requested that be removed. Keeping your home address from being readily found on the internet is a constant challenge, but I'd just as soon not have it be public knowledge.
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Post by Orly on Jul 9, 2009 9:08:58 GMT -5
kolekolke, Would you mind sharing the e-mail you sent to get your information off Switchboard.com? (no personal information, of course). I'm planning on doing exactly what you're doing and it would be very helpful to have a tried and true letter instead of reinventing the wheel. Thanks!
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Post by kolekole on Jul 9, 2009 9:29:22 GMT -5
Orly: It's actually easier than that. Once you find the listing of your address, there is a link at the bottom of the page that asks "Is that you? Remove the listing", or something to that effect. Following the link allows you to request removal of the address. They indicate it may take several business days, but it seems to disappear the same day. People finder has a link called "Remove me" on the homepage. I'm not sure what other popular links exist for finding people, but will keep trying to strike my address from the most likely free ones.
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