The Harford County Sheriff's Office Court Security Unit is responsible for keeping Harford County Circuit Court a safe and secure environment. These security measures are for everyone that enters the courthouse and are not intended to harass, exclude, or inconvenience anyone. Cooperation is requested of everyone in order to achieve this goal.
Person(s) entering the courthouse are subject to search of their person and belongings. If you require reasonable accommodations for the screening process, please speak with a deputy.
Metal Detectors/X-Ray Machine
When you enter the courthouse, you must go through a metal detector and your belongings through an X-ray machine. Any item(s) that could be used to harm or injure another person is not permitted and/or any other item a member of the Sheriff’s Office staff perceives as a threat to the safety and security of the building and the persons within the courthouse.
ANY PERSON FAILING TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE POLICY/PROCEDURE WILL BE DENIED ENTRY INTO THE COURTHOUSE.
Prohibited Items Include, But Are Not Limited To:
- No weapons of any type.
- No firearms, ammunition, and explosive devices.
- No cutting instruments of any type - including knives, scissors, box cutters, work tools, handcuff keys, knitting needles, or anything with a cutting edge, etc.
- No pepper spray, mace or any other chemical defense sprays.
- No alcohol or illegal substances, including illegal drugs.
Individuals possessing any of the above prohibited items will be required to leave the courthouse property and return without them in their possession.
Procedure Upon Entering the Courthouse
All persons entering the courthouse are asked to:
- Empty their pockets and place the contents in a container for x-ray scanning.
- Remove jewelry (watches, belts, etc.), and place the contents in a container for x-ray scanning.
- Place overcoats, purses, briefcases, backpacks, and parcels on the belt of the x-ray machine.
- Place drink containers into the specialized bin.
- Walk through the metal detector.
If the x-ray or metal detector sets off an alert or alarm, deputies may perform a scan using a handheld device. Deputies may conduct a physical search of personal articles to determine the cause of the alert or alarm.
Before leaving the security screening area, persons are reminded to retrieve all personal possessions. Deputies WILL NOT hold items while person(s) are in the courthouse. Deputies are not responsible for anything left at the security screening area.
Thank you for your cooperation!