What is the purpose of a "duress alarm" in a courtroom?

A duress alarm in a courtroom serves the crucial function of alerting security personnel to a potential threat or emergency. This specialized alarm system is specifically designed to be discreet and ensure that individuals in distress can signal for immediate assistance without escalating the situation or drawing attention to themselves.

In a courtroom setting, where the presence of various stakeholders and the potential for volatile situations exists — including witnesses, victims, and defendants — it is imperative to have a reliable way for court personnel to communicate a need for urgent help. The duress alarm allows for swift intervention, thereby enhancing safety for all individuals present.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not pertain to the primary role of a duress alarm. For instance, signaling a fire is related to fire alarms, controlling access pertains to security measures like access control systems, and recording court proceedings is typically managed through different audio-visual equipment, not an alarm system. Each of these functions is distinct and serves different safety and operational purposes within the courtroom environment.