Probably no other security requirement generates more comment, frustration, and down right anger at times than the entry procedures at the court entrances.

First and foremost we check bags, deliveries, hand-carried items and people to ensure the safety of the court, court employees and visitors.

The second point is how we conduct these checks. Nearly everyone has their own personal horror story of things they have seen or had done to them either at the courts, airport or other locations. Since 9/11 searches have become a way of life for all of us. But that doesn’t mean that we have to view them as a chore. By following a few simple rules and tips, you can quickly get through the entry points.

- Have everything out of your pockets. Many items contain metal that we don’t always think about. Cigarettes, medications in blister packs, chewing gum wrapped in foil, etc. All of these can trigger the metal detector.

- During the colder weather if you have a large number of items in your coat pockets, simply run your coat through the x-ray machine.

- Lay handbags, briefcases, and attache’ cases flat on the conveyor. This will allow for a check of the contents on one pass. If the contents are not clearly identified, we have to run them through a second time. If still unidentifiable, we may have to open them and physically look at the contents.

- 9/11 has influenced many of the ways we conduct business in this country, except it seems fashion! We are seeing belts, suspenders, shoes and bib overalls containing lots of metal. If you choose to wear these, expect them to set off the alarm and require a hand check.

- If you still can’t make it through, you will have to be checked individually. Follow the instructions of the security personnel. During this check you will be asked to produce items from your pockets to show what is there. Try and remember these procedures are for your protection and cooperate with them.

PROHIBITED AND PERMITTED ITEMS IN COURTHOUSES:

Prohibited items are weapons, explosives, incendiaries, and items that are seemingly harmless, but may be used as a weapon, referred to as “dual use” items. You may not bring these items to the security checkpoint without authorization. If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint, you may be criminally prosecuted, or at the least, asked to rid yourself of them. The following list is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary.

Cutting and piercing instruments including box cutters, cigar cutters, corkscrews, hair picks with metal tines, ice picks, knives, razors, sabers, swords and scissors are not permitted.

Electronic devices including camcorders, camera equipment and mobile phones with cameras are not permitted.

Firearms, ammunition, bb guns, compressed air guns, flare guns, gun lighters, gun powder, parts of a firearm, pellet guns, realistic replicas, and starter pistols are not permitted.

Flammable items such as fuels, gasoline, lighter fluid, strike anywhere matches, turpentine and paint thinner are not permitted.

Martial Arts/Self Defense items such as billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles, kubatons, mace/pepper spray, nightsticks and nunchakas, stun guns and throwing stars are not permitted.

Personal items not permitted are glass bottles, chain holders for wallets, manicure kits, walking sticks/staffs except for medical condition, and any other item that contains glass of sufficient size to be used as a weapon, for example a large picture frame glass, large cosmetic mirror, flower vases.

Sporting goods such as baseball bats, bow and arrows, golf clubs, hockey sticks and pool cues are not permitted.

Tools including axes and hatchets, crowbars, drills, hammers, pliers, saws, screwdrivers, and wrenches are not permitted unless a contractor performing work under Public Works authority.

Disabling chemicals and other dangerous items such as butane and butane operated devices, chlorine for pools and spas, compressed gas cylinders (excluding fire extinguishers), liquid bleach, spillable batteries (except those in wheelchairs) and spray paint are not permitted.

This list applies to all persons entering a building with a security checkpoint staffed by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Police officers, on or off-duty, except those deputies assigned, are restricted from carrying their weapon(s) in Domestic Relations, Family Courts and eight floor of the Reibold Building. All Sheriff employees should refer to 8.3.2 of the General Orders Manual as it pertains to this matter.