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A participant uses the virtual firearms simulator at the active threat training for Lincoln and Garrard counties on March 18 in Stanford.

FRANKFORT, Ky., June 16, 2025 – Jefferson County judges, their staff and Office of Circuit Court Clerk personnel will take part in training this week at the judicial center and Hall of Justice in Louisville to learn about how civilians can respond to threats such as active shooters in government buildings. The Administrative Office of the Courts Division of Court Security is providing the training.

Spanish interpreters and Pretrial Services staff with the court system have also been invited, as has the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office.

“We want to be proactive in our efforts to equip staff and those who frequent our buildings with proper responses to violence,” AOC Division of Court Security manager Darren Allen said. “There’s always the possibility of violence in public buildings. We want to minimize risk of injury and death, avoiding tragedy.”  

Participants will have the opportunity Tuesday and Wednesday to use a virtual firearms simulator that assists users in making split-second decisions in a variety of scenarios while in a controlled environment. On Wednesday, participants will attend classroom training on the Avoid, Deny and Defend strategy.

Administrative Office of the Courts
The AOC is the operations arm for the state court system and supports the activities of nearly 3,300 employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget.

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