Why are there Sheriff’s Officers in courthouses?
Ensuring your safety and wellbeing while attending court is an important part of the duties of a Sheriff’s Officer. We take our responsibility for the welfare, care, supervision and protection of anyone attending a courthouse very seriously. Sheriff’s Officers are here to help you. If you are at court and have concerns regarding your safety talk to a Sheriff’s Officer, security officer or court staff.
Why are there security procedures when entering a courthouse?
We have security procedures in place to help us to ensure that courts are safe places for you to attend. Our procedures are designed to detect weapons and prevent them from entering courts. Many courts have “airport style” x-ray and walk-through metal detectors installed. Officers may also use hand-held metal detectors. The x-ray machines may also detect the presence of drugs as well as weapons.
Temporary scan and search operations may occur at other courts. Sheriff’s Officers may also request you to submit to a pat-down search if they suspect you are carrying weapons or other banned items.
Will the security procedures cause delays?
We attempt to minimise delays as much as possible but security procedures may have an affect on time taken to gain entry to courts.
To reduce the impact that a delay may have on you, it is advisable to arrive early for court and also to think about the items you are bringing with you. Reducing the items and baggage you bring and ensuring you are not bringing any prohibited items with you, will help reduce delays for everyone entering court including you. A list of prohibited items is supplied below.
Do I have to be scanned?
Yes. If you are requested by an officer to submit yourself to a scanner search, a “pat down” search or your possessions to an x-ray scan or other type of inspection then you must comply or leave the building.
What if I have a medical implant?
If you do not wish to walk through the metal detector or be scanned with a hand-held wand detector because of a heart defribulator, pacemaker or some other form of medical implant, tell the security officer and show them your medical certificate or provide other proof.
Staffs are trained to conduct “pat down” searches. The search will be conducted in a manner which protects your privacy and dignity.
Do I have to consent to a search request from a Sheriff’s Officer?
Unless you have been arrested, you may withdraw consent at any time during a search. However, if you withdraw consent, officers may request you to leave court premises.
Will the x-ray machine contaminate or harm my property?
No. The x-ray machines are well maintained and the exposure to the operators is 1/10 the annual limit allowed by law. Exposure to members of the public is negligible and much less than the amount of natural and other artificial radiation people are exposed to daily eg: from microwave cookers, dental x-rays etc.
The x-rays emitted from the machine are generated by electrical energy and are not radioactive. They will not activate or cause a reaction in foods, medicines or other materials.
Will the x-ray machine harm my laptop, computer discs and camera film?
The low x-ray doses will not damage film material, magnetic card or electronic components. Film speeds of up to 1600 ASA are safe for up to 10 exposures to the x-rays. 
What items should not be brought to court?
The following items are not to be brought into the court complex and, to do so, may result in a person being arrested or fined:
- firearms
- knives
- prohibited weapons
- illegal drugs.
The following items may be considered dangerous and may need to be handed over to a Sheriff’s Officer or security officer while you are at court.
- tools such as screwdrivers, spanners and hammers
- scissors and other sharp items
- motorcycle helmets
- aerosol cans other than hairspray or perfume
- syringes without a medical authority
- alcohol.
*A detailed description of prohibited items can be provided at the following link: Weapons Prohibition Act 1998.
What happens to the items taken from me?
Items such as firearms, knives and prohibited weapons may be confiscated and handed to police. Other articles will normally be receipted and held for you until you leave the premises. Your property will be held subject to conditions that are fully explained on the reverse side of the receipt. The basic conditions are that we hold your property at your risk and the Department does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage and you must collect your property within 28 days or it will be disposed off.
What if I don’t agree with the terms and conditions?
Unless your items are to be handed to police, items will be returned on condition of you immediately removing them from the premises.
Security-related Threats
Threats and comments made about carrying weapons or explosives - whether intended as a joke or not - will be taken seriously and may result in you being refused entry to the building.
Sheriff Officer and security officer powers
Sheriff’s Officers and other security officers employed by the Attorney General’s Department are authorised to act under the Court Security Act 2005 and Section 100 of the Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act 2004.
Further information on these Acts can be found by following the following link:
Court Security Act 2005 and LEPRA 2004
Other security services
The Sheriff’s Office also provides security advice, risk and threat assessment services for Courts and Tribunals and works in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies to protect our courts, visitors, judges and magistrates.
