Security Procedures effective January 2009

The goal of Courthouse security is to provide a safe environment for employees and visitors to the Palm Beach County courthouses. Courthouse security is implemented in the following ways:

Security Checkpoints

Security screening checkpoints are located at each of the public and service entrances of the Palm Beach County courthouse and satellite locations. The screening stations are similar to those found in airports and are staffed by uniformed security officers under the supervision of Sheriff’s deputies. All persons entering a courthouse facility must be cleared through a security checkpoint. A visitor can expect the following procedures at a security checkpoint:

• Walking through a metal detector
• Scanning of your person with a magnetometer wand for any metal objects
• X-ray machine  scanning of any packages, briefcases, handbags or any other items in your possession
• Testing/inspecting of any electronic devices (laptops, palm pilots, cell phones)

To minimize your wait at the security checkpoint you can do the following:

• Empty your pockets of all metal objects and place in the trays provided
• Be prepared to activate any electronic device before you get to the screening station (turn on laptops/cell phones)
• Do not attempt to bring any items into a court facility which may be considered potentially dangerous, i.e. pocketknives, scissors, nail files.

Security personnel will seize any items determined by them to be a potential threat. You will be provided with a property claim ticket to redeem when you are ready to leave the court facility.

K-9 Deputies

The Palm Beach Sheriff's Office (PBSO) patrols the Courthouse and surrounding facilities with highly-trained K-9 deputies who are trained in explosives/ordinance detection.

Law Enforcement Patrols

A large number of law enforcement officers are assigned to routinely patrol the Judicial Center Complex.