Morris County residents should be aware of scheduled closures at key government facilities on Thursday, October 9, 2025, as part of a countywide security preparedness exercise. Both the Morris County Courthouse and the Morris County Administration Building in Morristown will be affected by the drill, which is designed to test safety protocols and ensure readiness in the event of an emergency.
According to county officials, the Morris County Courthouse will not be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. During the same exercise, the Morris County Administration Building will also be closed to the public beginning at 11:00 a.m., but it will reopen earlier—at 1:30 p.m.—for county business not related to the courts.
Court operations will continue virtually during the drill to ensure minimal disruption to essential services. Staff will be accessible by phone between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at (862) 397-5700, and all proceedings after 1:30 p.m. will be held virtually. For urgent or emergent matters, hearings will be conducted before 11:00 a.m. or handled online once the security exercise concludes in the afternoon.
Residents seeking legal protections will also have specific guidance during the closure. Anyone needing a temporary domestic violence restraining order between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. should file their application with the Morristown Police Department or with their local police department. This step ensures that individuals requiring immediate protection will not face unnecessary delays while the courthouse is closed to the public.
County leaders emphasize that the exercise is a proactive measure, not a response to any direct threat. Security drills such as this one are part of ongoing countywide efforts to maintain safety in public buildings, train staff, and test communication systems. By temporarily suspending public access, officials can carry out realistic simulations without disruption, while ensuring that essential court services remain available to residents.
The closure is also a reminder of the critical role local law enforcement and county agencies play in safeguarding the community. From courthouse security to the handling of sensitive matters such as domestic violence, the exercise highlights the importance of coordination across departments. For those interested in learning more about how New Jersey law enforcement agencies are working to keep communities safe, visit Explore New Jersey’s Law & Order coverage.
Morris County residents planning to visit the courthouse or administration building on October 9 are advised to adjust their schedules accordingly. Those with pending legal matters should take note of the virtual accommodations, and anyone with urgent needs is encouraged to contact the court offices by phone for direction.
Security exercises of this nature are expected to continue as part of ongoing safety initiatives throughout New Jersey, with county officials reaffirming their commitment to both public safety and service accessibility.
