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1100 - Duties and Responsibilities

1100.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Court Protection Deputies efficiently perform the legal responsibilities assigned to the Department of the Sheriff for the Superior Court of Hartwell County, Briarmont Township, California.

1100.2 OVERVIEW

Court Protection Deputies are Deputy Sheriffs assigned to the Court Protection Unit (CPU) of the Sheriff’s Department and as such are governed by the General Orders and Policies of the Office of the Sheriff. The primary duty is to provide courtroom and courthouse security, protection for the judges and all members of the Court Staff, the public, and the inmates. A Court Protection Deputy's assignment is to help facilitate the running of a smooth and efficient court, through cooperation between court staff and with consideration for the concerns of the judicial process. As a Deputy Sheriff, a Court Protection Deputy's image and conduct are important to the Department.

1100.3 GENERAL DUTIES

Court Protection Deputies are responsible for the following functions:

  • The primary duty of a Court Protection Deputy is the security of the courtroom and the safety of all occupants in the courtroom. The Court Protection Deputy shall maintain and preserve order in the courtroom at all times.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall advise the Judge of all issues of importance occurring in the courtroom in regards to security concerns.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall remain neutral and treat all individuals appearing in court with courtesy and respect. The Court Protection Deputy may be informative, but shall not give legal advice or discuss the merits of any case, so as not to influence the result of any case being tried.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall ensure that litigants, attorneys, court attaches and spectators, as ordered by the Judge, follow proper decorum.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall arrive in court sufficiently early to allow time to perform a security check of his/her courtroom.
  • Mechanical problems within the courtroom such as inoperative electrical fixtures, temperature, plumbing, etc. will be reported immediately to the Court Services Supervisor who will notify the Court Administration.
  • The Court Protection Deputy's attitude shall be professional, courteous, and respectful to all persons. On those occasions that call for regulation and control, the Court Protection Deputy shall be fair, firm, and neutral while avoiding the appearance of rudeness or hostility.
  • Each Court Protection Deputy will request of his/her courtroom clerk a most current court calendar. This calendar should be printed approximately 1630 hours for the following day, and approximately 1130 hours for the PM court sessions of that day. This should allow time for the Court Protection Deputy to check the list for in-custody defendants and confirm with the HCCF court officer.

The Court Protection Deputy shall contact the Judge or the courtroom clerk to ascertain if there are any special circumstances that exist prior to opening court. Any security concerns shall be brought to the attention of the Judge and court security supervisor.

  • The Court Protection Deputy shall notify the Judge when court is ready to convene. The Court Protection Deputy shall open the court upon the Judge's appearance or direction. The Court Protection Deputy should check with their individual Judge for any preferences for their courtroom.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall not allow any person to eat, drink, read newspapers, enter the courtroom with backpacks or large bags, or disrupt court proceedings while in the courtroom without permission of the Judge.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall not allow the wearing of hats by males while in the courtroom, unless there is a legitimate medical or religious reason or by permission of the Judge.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall not allow any person, other than counsel or court staff, to approach the bench without permission of the Judge.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall not allow any cameras or recording devices to be used in the courtroom without permission from the Judge.
  • Photographing, Videotaping, and Electronic Recording of any kind is not allowed on the court floor; inside/outside of courtrooms. (Superior Court of California – County of Hartwell - Local Court Rule 1.12(a) and (b))
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall not allow unauthorized communication or contact between the public and any inmate, except for the inmate's attorney, investigator, or court-appointed paralegal.
  • When an individual is called to testify, the Court Protection Deputy will direct the witness to come forward and indicate where to stand while being sworn. After the oath is administered, the Court Protection Deputy will then direct the witness to the stand and adjust the microphone if necessary.
  • Whenever the court takes a recess in its proceedings, the Court Protection Deputy shall secure the courtroom by clearing all individuals, except court staff, and securely locking the public doors to that courtroom.
  • Court Protection Deputies shall assist in the testing of emergency alarms and lights as required by court security supervisor.
  • Court Protection Deputies should ensure courtroom staff are aware of security concerns and know what to do in the event of an emergency.
  • All requests by court personnel must be weighed against the security of the courtroom. If there is a question of proper procedure, contact your court security supervisor for instruction.
  • The Court Protection Deputy will not text, use cell phone or any other electronic device, read, or sleep in open court.

Weapons Security

1100.4 WEAPONS SECURITY

  • Check all firearms brought into the courts as evidence or exhibits to ensure that they are not loaded and a gun lock or wire tie is in place.
  • The Court Protection Deputy, regardless of the matter before the court, will check all evidentiary weapons brought into courtrooms. Prior to the opening of court, the Court Protection Deputy shall talk to the prosecuting attorney or law enforcement witness about any weapons that will be introduced into the courtroom.
  • Only law enforcement officers will be permitted to possess any firearm while on the court floor, unless the officer is a party to the action.
  • No one will be permitted inside the courthouse with an object that could be reasonably described as a weapon. If there is any doubt of an object that could be a potential weapon, contact the court security supervisor.
  • No explosives or hazardous materials of any kind are to be allowed inside the courthouse.
  • Keep all weapons out of reach of defendants.
  • Keep evidentiary weapons and ammunition separate until the items are received into evidence by the Clerk of the court.
  • There will be two patrol rifles assigned to the Court Services Unit. One will be stored in the Court Protection Deputy’s Office and one near the interior area of courtroom 3. Both rifles will be stored in locking boxes. The Court Services Sergeant will be responsible for the security of the keys to the lock boxes.
  • There will be two less lethal shotguns assigned to the Court Services Unit. Both will be stored in the same areas as the patrol rifles. The Court Services Sergeant will be responsible for security of the keys to the less lethal shotguns.
  • Only Deputies who have qualified with a patrol rifle will be authorized to use the Court Services patrol rifles. Only deputies who have qualified with the less lethal shotgun will be authorized to use the less lethal shotgun.
  • Once a month the patrol rifles and less lethal shotguns will be inspected for operability.

Routines

1100.5 DAILY ROUTINE DUTIES

  • Report for duty at 0800 Hours:
  1. Pick up a court calendar, check out a radio, holding cell keys and flashlight.
  2. Contact the court officer to arrange inmates for the morning calendars.
  3. Perform search and visual check of the courtroom for anything unusual. Pay close attention to areas accessible by inmates such as jury box, counsel tables, etc.
  4. Check with the Judge and/or courtroom clerk for any last minute changes.
  5. Transport inmates, if necessary, to court.
  6. Open court.

Morning Break:

  1. Clear courtroom of all except court staff.
  2. Lock and secure public entrances.
  3. Return in-custody defendants to holding or correctional facilities.
  4. Notify the supervisor for reassignment.
  • Conclusion of Morning Calendar: 1. Secure courtroom
  1. Report to the supervisor for reassignment.
  • Afternoon Criminal Calendars:
  1. Check the calendar for any in-custody defendants and contact the court officer with the names, times and location they are needed for court.
  2. Ascertain the classification of each inmate, i.e. PC, HA, Ad-Seg, General Population, etc.
  3. Advise the Judge if there are potential problems with inmate delivery or other security concerns.
  • Afternoon Court Sessions:
  1. Assist Judge with handing out criminal complaints to the defendants or attorneys.
  2. Assist the court clerk with processing OR's and getting signatures on court documents.
  3. Remain observant of the spectators in the audience as well as the inmates.
  4. Keep the front row of the audience reserved for attorneys or defendants waiting to sign court documents.
  5. Out-of-custody defendants are to stop at the rail when called
  6. In-custody defendants shall remain in the jury box and stand up when called.
  • Conclusion of the Court day:
  1. Lock and secure the courtroom(s).
  2. Check inmate-holding areas.
  3. Complete the daily log.
  4. Notify the supervisor of any unusual events.
  5. Check in the holding cell keys.
  6. Return radios to their chargers.
  7. Check the next morning calendar(s).

Inmate Security

1100.6 INMATE SECURITY

  • All inmates shall be handcuffed before being transported to court and while in the courtroom with the following exceptions:
  1. Medical disability
  2. During preliminary hearings.
  3. During jury trials.
  4. By order of the Judge
  • Inmates are not to be routinely shackled (leg restraints, handcuffs attached to a waistband, etc.). Instead, it must be decided on a case-by-case basis whether the restraints are necessary to prevent violence or escape and discussed with the Judge prior to application. (9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals – U.S. v SANCHEZ-GOMEZ 5/31/2017)
  • The use of any restraints during jury trial will only be allowed by order of the Judge.
  • Deputies will follow classification guidelines when transporting prisoners to court.
  • Inmates moved by one Deputy shall be handcuffed with other inmates of like classification. One Deputy shall move only one classification of inmates at a time.
  • No more than five inmates shall be handcuffed together, and no more than five inmates shall be present in the courtroom without a back-up Deputy assigned to that court.
  • Deputies shall not leave inmates and attorneys unattended in holding cell areas.
  • Inmates placed in holding cell areas shall be checked/observed in intervals of not more than every 15 minutes.
  1. Placement/Checks/Observations shall be documented on the "Daily Cell Check Roster".
  2. The inmate's name, housing classification, Court Protection Deputy pin number, in-time, and out-time are to be clearly legible.
  3. Ad-Seg inmates placed in holding cells shall have constant observation.
  • When defendants are remanded into custody, they shall be immediately placed into restraints.
  • Remanded defendants shall be fully searched before being placed into a holding cell to await transport to the correctional facility.
  • Inmates shall have no contact with the public at anytime. If contact occurs, it shall be reported to the court security supervisor and correctional facility staff immediately.
  • When placing inmates in the jury box, Deputies will not place different classifications next to each other.
  • When returning inmates to the stairwell or elevator, Deputies will notify the court officer.
  • At the end of the shift, Court Protection Deputys will check all holding facilities and notify the court officer that all inmates have been returned.

Never leave your courtroom unattended while there are inmates present.

  • HCCF policy regarding inmates will be followed if not covered in this policy. Jury Trials

1100.7 JURY TRIALS

1100.7.1 JURY SELECTION

  • Prospective Juror List Arrives From the Jury Commissioner
  • Judge may send the Court Protection Deputy to the jury assembly room (#G03) to call roll
  • Make sure all jury panel members are wearing juror I.D. Badges
  • Bring the jurors into court
  • Advise the court that all prospective jurors are present.
  • Seating Jurors Called to the Jury Box
  1. Starting with the top row seat farthest from the entrance to the jury box, work towards you filling the first six chairs, then do the same in the front row.
  2. Alternate juror No. 1 is to fill the vacant seat in the top row, and alternate juror No. 2 will fill the remaining seat in the front row.
  3. If the court uses more than two alternate jurors, ask the Judge before court starts where he/she wants the additional alternate jurors seated.
  • After Jury is Sworn
  1. Provide each juror, as well as the alternates, with a numbered notebook and pen
  • Calling Witnesses
  1. Escort witness to area in front of jury box and advise the witness to stop, turn and face the clerk, raise their right hand and be sworn.
  2. After the witness has been sworn, have them sit in the witness chair.
  3. At this time, advise the witness to position the chair so they are speaking into the microphone; adjust the microphone as necessary.
  4. If witnesses have been excluded from the courtroom, check to be sure remaining spectators are not witnesses.
  • During Testimony
  1. Position yourself where you can be watchful of the proceedings and doorways.
  2. Remember you are in charge of security and order in your courtroom.

1100.7.2 JURY DELIBERATIONS

  • Prepare Jury Room Before Final Instructions are Given
  1. Set up jury materials, paper pads, pencils, etc.
  2. Place jury deliberating sign on jury room door.
  3. Test the functionality of the alert switch used to summon Court Protection Deputy assistance
  • At the completion of the instructions to the jury, the Court Protection Deputy will be directed by the Judge to be sworn in to oversee the jury.
  • Alternate Jurors
  1. If alternate jurors are excused to return home or work, get their home/work phone numbers in case they need to return.
  2. If alternates are not released, send them directly to the jury assembly room.
  • Order to Deliberate
  • After the oath has been administered, the Judge will order the jury to retire to the jury room to deliberate for the purpose of returning a verdict.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall direct the jury to the jury room and see that necessary articles are furnished such as exhibits, evidence and verdict forms, etc.
  • Explain to the jurors that you are in charge of the coming and going of the jurors and that they are not to leave the jury room without permission.
  • Instruct the jury regarding the procedure of summoning assistance from their assigned Court Protection Deputy utilizing the alert switch on the interior wall of the jury deliberation room.
  • Remind the jury not to communicate with anyone, except sworn Court Protection Deputies, including the use of cell phone or other electronic devices.
  • Court Protection Deputies do not give advice concerning the case, or answer any questions concerning the evidence.
  • Security of the Jury Deliberation Room
  1. The sworn Court Protection Deputy shall secure the jury deliberation room with a padlock while deliberating jurors are on recess or excused for that day's trial proceedings.
  • Duty to Inform the Court
  • The Court Protection Deputy, when summoned to the jury room, shall knock, and when granted permission, the Court Protection Deputy may unlock the door, enter, and inquire the reason for being summoned.
  • When the jury has reached a verdict, or wish to report their inability to reach a verdict, the Court Protection Deputy shall inform the Judge and at the court's direction, return the jury to the courtroom.
  • If the Jury has any communication to the Judge, the Court Protection Deputy shall request the communication be reduced to writing by the Jury Foreman in order that it may be taken to the Judge.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall not discuss the communications between the Judge and the jury with anyone.
  • The Court Protection Deputy shall not make comments to anyone concerning personal opinions of guilt or innocence of a defendant.
  • Final decisions on what jurors may have, or be allowed to do, will rest with the Judge.

1100.7.3 VERDICT

  • Jury Reports a Verdict Reached
  1. Court Protection Deputy shall ask if the verdict forms are completed, signed and dated.
  2. Court Protection Deputy reports to the Judge that there is a verdict.
  3. Judge will advise the Court Protection Deputy when to bring the jury into the courtroom.
  4. Have jurors gather up their personal belongings and return jurors to the courtroom.
  5. Judge will have the foreperson hand verdict to the Court Protection Deputy who will hand it to the Judg
  6. Court Protection Deputy will request back-up officer for verdicts in criminal cases.
  7. After the verdict is read, the Court Protection Deputy will collect the notebooks and return any exhibits and/or evidence back to the court clerk.
  8. Unless otherwise instructed/ordered by the court, Court Protection Deputy's shall destroy all juror notes at the conclusion of that trial.

1100.7.4 IN-CUSTODY TRIALS

  • Defendants will wear civilian clothes for jury trials, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
  • Coordinate with the Court Officer concerning times, clothing and restraints.
  • Defendants must not be left unattended if Court Protection Deputy leaves to summon jury.
  • Defendants must remain seated at all times except to testify or when the jury enters and exists.
  • Coordinate the movements of the defendant to and from the court so as to avoid jurors in the public hallways.

Emergency Procedure

1100.8 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

1100.8.1 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Medical emergencies are too numerous to list and impossible to predict. It is necessary to rely on your judgment and training to successfully handle any medical emergency. When an injury or accident occurs, render critical first aid and notify your supervisor immediately. In all cases, a report will be written and the proper documentation forwarded to the Risk Manager.

1100.8.2 FIRE SUPPRESSION OR NATURAL DISASTERS

In the event of a fire occurring on the court floor, Deputies will transmit a fire alarm. Notify the shift supervisor who will notify dispatch and the chain of command. Attempt to extinguish small fires with available equipment. If notified to evacuate, follow evacuation procedures coordinated by a supervisor unless the situation dictates immediate action. In the event of an earthquake or explosion:

  • Determine severity of disaster and render critical first aid
  • Notify the chain of command
  • Coordinate with emergency responders Escape

1100.8.3 ESCAPE

In the event of an escape from the holding area or courtroom, transmit an escape alarm via the radio or courtroom panic button. Notify the supervisor as to the description of the escapee and direction of travel. Supervisor will then direct the response and make the appropriate notifications.

Never leave your courtroom unattended while there are inmates present.

Court Alarms

1100.8.4 COURTROOM/COURTHOUSE ALARMS

In the event of an activation of one of the courtroom/courthouse alarms, will broadcast the location of the alarm via radio. Any Court Protection Deputy, not guarding inmates, should promptly respond. The supervisor will evaluate the situation and immediately notify dispatch if additional assistance is required. Never leave your courtroom unattended while there are inmates present.

HARTWELL COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURE POLICY: OP – E - 4 SUBJECT: COURT FACILITY ENTRY SCREENING APPROVED BY: Jonathan James Braughler, Sheriff DATE: 6/15/2026 PURPOSE: This Order establishes the policy and procedures for the security screening of all persons entering court facilities within the County of Hartwell.

POLICY: The Hartwell County Sheriffs Office is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, achieved through proactive preventative action, within the court facilities of Hartwell County. In furtherance of our commitment, this policy sets fourth the procedures by which Sheriff’s Court Services Division personnel, in cooperation with contract security officer services, will conduct entry screening at court facilities.

REFERENCE: Court Order issued by the Presiding Judge of the Hartwell Superior Courts reference entry screening and Hartwell County Ordinance 267-1/Courthouse Screening PROCEDURE:

1.0 Entry screening 1.1 The purpose of entry screening at court facilities is to detect and prevent the entry of unauthorized weapons, potential weapons, explosives, incendiary devices or any items or objects which could become weapons of opportunity or could be used to facilitate an escape of inmates.

1.1.1 Staffing will consist of Deputy Sheriffs/Bailiffs and/or contract security officers.

1.1.2 Screening equipment will consist of one or more of the following: Hand-held wands, Magnetometers, X-ray Machines and Closed Circuit Monitoring Systems with Recorders. 2.0 Authority 2.1 The primary authority for conducting the screening process is derived from a court order issued by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Courts of Hartwell County and by County Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of Hartwell County. It is noted that:

2.1.1 The public has the right to refuse the screening process and inspection of their personal belongings.

2.1.2 The public has the right to stop the screening of their persons or personal belongings at anytime during the screening process unless an obvious threat or illegal contraband has been detected or identified.

2.1.3 Access to the courthouse facility shall be denied to those persons electing not to be screened or those persons who withdraw consent during the entry screening process.

2.1.4 Personal belongings not screened will be denied access into the facility.

2.1.5 From time to time, persons entering a court facility may object to being screened and/or question the authority of preventing certain objects from entering court facilities. When such conflicts arise and cannot be resolved by way of explanation of the screeners, a supervisor shall be notified.

3.0 Conduct and demeanor 3.1 Regardless of provocation, entry-screening personnel will be professional and courteous in their conduct and demeanor at all times.

3.2 When reasonable, entry-screening personnel will, upon request, provide information to the public relative to justification and authority. This is crucial to maintaining the public's support of the entry screening process.

3.3 Entry screening personnel shall not impede the work of county and court staff by engaging in frivolous conversations that are not directly related to assigned duties, unless both parties are on break.

3.4 Entry screening personnel shall not temporarily hold, store, or keep personal property or prohibited items belonging to persons entering court facilities. Prohibited items shall not be discarded by screeners on the behalf of persons and shall not be discarded in trash receptacles within the facility.

3.5 Security officer's/deputies assigned to entry screening may consume beverages, in a discrete manner, while assigned at the Entry Screening Station; however, entry screening personnel will not consume beverages while actively engaged in the screening of persons entering the facility.

4.0 Contract security officer responsibilities 4.1 All contract security officers who may be assigned to court facility; entry-screening stations shall be responsible for the following:

4.1.1 Proper operation, maintenance and upkeep of their respective entry screening stations and any and all equipment used in the screening process.

4.1.2 Greeting and acknowledging persons entering court facilities using tact/diplomacy and a professional demeanor representative of the Sheriff’s Department.

4.1.3 Ensuring that all persons who enter court facilities (with the discretionary exception of judicial officers and on-duty peace officers on verifiable official business) comply with the established entry screening requirements.

4.1.4 When necessary, conducting non-intrusionary searches of persons being screened, and thorough searches of their personal and hand-carried items that may contain prohibited items.

4.1.5 Utilizing the procedures established herein, preventing any/all prohibited items from entering court facilities and immediately notifying a court deputy/bailiff when suspected illegal contraband is found/detected during the screening process.

4.2 Contract security officers shall immediately notify a court deputy/bailiff of any of the following:

4.2.1 Uncooperative, disorderly, threatening or potentially dangerous individual(s) personally observed or brought to their attention.

4.2.2 Any breeches of security or other similar or related incidents brought to their attention.

4.3 Contract Security Officers shall make immediate notification to a Sheriff’s Court Services supervisor or, in their absence, the senior deputy under the following circumstances:

4.3.1 When major threats to or breeches of facility security are received or occur. 4.3.2 Upon receipt of personnel complaints related specifically to the individual actions or demeanor of screening personnel (this does not include complaints of a policy or procedural nature).

4.3.3 When injuries are sustained by employees or members of the public while on court premises (regardless of cause).

5.0 Deputy/Bailiff responsibilities 5.1 Deputies/Bailiffs assigned to or present at court entry screening stations will be responsible for the following:

5.1.1 Absent the involvement of a supervisor or senior sworn Sheriff’s Department member, the deputy/bailiff present will have final authority on all decisions or matters relative to searches, seizures and the exclusion of items from the court facility, which are deemed to be prohibited.

SUBJECT: COURT FACILITY ENTRY SCREENING - 3 - OP – E – 4 5.1.2 When in dispute, deputies will physically inspect the items in dispute and will utilize applicable penal codes and the list of prohibited items contained within the standing order of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Hartwell County and Hartwell County Ordinance 267-1/Courthouse Screening when making a final determination.

5.1.3 Respond as needed to breeches of security, found/seized contraband items of a criminal nature, disputes over entry denials, and unusual circumstances or situations that may impact facility security.

5.1.4 When appropriate will arrest and take custody of persons attempting entry into court facilities who are found to be in possession of contraband.

5.1.5 Deputy Sheriffs will take custody and control of all items of contraband seized during entry screening, and will take custody and control of any and all found/unclaimed property left at the facility entry screening station in accordance with Sheriff’s Department policies and procedures.

5.1.6 All confiscated weapons seized pursuant to applicable penal codes or court order shall be held as evidence until the adjudication of the case.

5.2 Deputy Sheriffs will make immediate notification to a supervisor under the following circumstances:

5.2.1 When major threats to or breeches of facility security are received or occur. 5.2.2 When arrest(s) are made of person(s) attempting entry into court facilities with contraband items.

5.2.3 Upon receipt of personnel complaints related specifically to the individual actions or demeanor of screening personnel (this does not include complaints of a policy or procedural nature).

5.2.4 When injuries are sustained by employees or members of the public while in the courthouse (regardless of cause).

6.0 Entry screening station assignments 6.1 Specific staffing requirements will be determined by the Sheriff’s Court Services Division Commander having control over the respective court facility. Entry screening duties and assignments will generally consist of contract security officers and/or Sheriff's Court Services Division personnel who will staff one or more of the following:

6.1.1 Monitoring and control of entrance lanes.

6.1.2 Observation of persons passing through the magnetometers 6.1.3 Monitoring of x-ray machine entry and exit conveyors, and machine images. 6.1.4 Follow-up inspection (visual and hand-held scanner) of all persons activating the magnetometer alarms.

6.1.5 Physical inspection and control of items indicated by x-ray examination.

6.1.6 Observation and control of the exit lanes.

7.0 Entry screening equipment 7.1 The three main items of screening equipment in use at court facility entry screening stations are the walk-through magnetometer (metal detector), hand-held scanners (hand wands) and x-ray machines.

7.1.1 The manufacturer's operating manuals for all three items of equipment shall be made available for all personnel to review and reference as needed.

7.1.2 All personnel assigned to entry screening duties shall operate the equipment in strict accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and instructions.

7.1.3 Personnel shall not move, alter or adjust the sensitivity or settings of this equipment unless designated or directed to do so by a supervisor.

8.0 Entry screening process 8.1 The screening process is initiated when a screener first observes a person entering or preparing to enter a court facility.

8.1.1 During this visual inspection phase, the screener shall be conscious of the person's dress and demeanor.

8.1.2 The screener shall also note any bulges or unusual shapes in the clothing, as well as unusual or bulky articles of clothing being worn or carried by the person.

8.1.3 The screener shall be conscious of pouches or sheaths worn openly, gloves, headgear and footwear.

8.1.4 The screener shall also note any personal or hand-carried items in the person's possession.

8.1.5 After entry, the person shall be cordially greeted and instructed to remove all metal objects or items containing metal objects from his/her pockets.

8.1.6 The screener shall then direct the person to place all objects removed from his/her pockets, including wallets/billfolds, into the screening baskets provided.

8.1.7 The screener shall then direct the person to place all personal belongings or hand-held items large enough to conceal a weapon or explosive device onto the x-ray machine conveyor.

8.1.8 In the absence of an x-ray machine, the person shall be instructed to place such items onto an examination table in view of the person.

8.1.9 The screener shall be conscious of the cooperativeness and demeanor of the person, as well as any unusual degree of nervousness that the person may be displaying. 8.1.10 Items placed into the screening basket shall be inspected by the screener in the presence of the person.

9.0 Use of magnetometers 9.1 After inspection of the items placed into the screening baskets, the person shall be directed to walk through the magnetometer.

9.1.1 In the event the magnetometer alarm sounds (indicating the presence of metal on the person), the person shall be asked to check his/her person and pockets for any additional objects or items containing metal.

9.1.2 If additional objects or items are located on his/her person, the screener shall likewise direct the person to place the objects or items into the screening basket provided and shall inspect the additional items.

9.1.3 The person shall again be directed to walk through the magnetometer a second time, to verify the elimination of the source of the first alarm.

9.1.4 If the magnetometer alarm sounds again, the screener shall then use a hand-held scanner (hand wand) to conduct further inspection of the person, using the wanding methods listed in 10.0, Use of Hand-held scanners (hand wands).

9.1.5 The screener shall continue to use the hand wand method until the source of the alarm is absolutely and positively identified.

9.1.6 Persons not cleared by way of the magnetometer or hand-held scanners shall not be given access to their hand carded items until such time as they are satisfactorily cleared.

SUBJECT: COURT FACILITY ENTRY SCREENING - 5 - OP – E – 4 10.0 Use of hand-held scanners (Hand wands) 10.1 Hand-held scanners are sensitive to metal but will only alarm when the broad surfaces of the sensing element are placed in close proximity to metal objects.

10.1.1 The sensing element should be used parallel to the area being inspected, and should be held 1 - 3 inches above the surface of the part of the body being inspected.

10.1.2 Hand-held scanners shall be tested and inspected daily, prior to the beginning of each shift. If a unit is found to be inoperative, the screener should notify their supervisor immediately so that a replacement unit can be provided.

10.1.3 The screener shall start the wanding process at the same location on the person's body each time.

10.1.4 The inspection should follow a systematic pattern until the screener has covered both the front and back of the person's body, from the top of his/her head to the floor.

10.1.5 Screeners shall overlap in their wanding pattern, starting at the point in which an identified source or object has been located to ensure that a secondary object is not concealed in or near the same location of the persons body where previous objects have been found.

10.1.6 The method of overlapping shall be continued until the entire surface of the body has been inspected and cleared.

11.1.1 When a pat-down search is deemed appropriate, the pat-down search should only be conducted by a court deputy sheriff/bailiff of the same sex.

11.1.2 When the magnetometer and hand-held scanner fails to clear a person, the pat-down search shall be limited to the area of the unresolved alarm and only to the extent necessary to ensure that there are no prohibited items on the person.

11.1.3 Pat-down searches should be as least intrusionary as possible and should be conducted in such a manner as to maintain the dignity of the person being searched.

Therefore, the pat-down search may be conducted in the pat-down room or a designated private area. If the search is conducted in the described area, two (2) security personnel will be present.

11.1.4 Persons, who decline or revoke consent to a pat-down search when deemed necessary by a court deputy/bailiff, shall be denied access to the court facility.

12.0 Use of x-ray equipment 12.1 Screeners shall have a thorough understanding and knowledge of the x-ray equipment at their respective screening stations, to include the direction of the x-ray beam, and interpretation of images on the equipment's monitor.

12.1.1 Screeners shall process items or articles in such a manner and at such a pace as to ensure the identity of the contents of each hand carried item inspected.

12.1.2 The integrity of the process shall not be compromised by the volume of patrons awaiting access or by other distractions that may be present.

12.2 The proper x-ray method begins at the point in which an item or article is placed onto the entry conveyor.

12.2.1 Knowledge of the direction of the x-ray beam is important so that screeners ensure items or articles are loaded in such a manner as to present the widest, flattest surface of the item or article to the x-ray beam.

12.2.2 Hand-carried items often contain bags, pouches, or similar items within, which, depending on their contents, can block the view of the main item or article being inspected. Under these circumstances, the screener shall obtain consent from the person to remove the bags, pouches or similar items from the main item for the purpose of x-raying each item separately.

12.2.3 Scientific film, x-ray film and high-speed film (ASA 1000 or higher) should be physically inspected and should not be inspected by x-ray.

12.2.4 As with the inspection of their persons, patrons have the right to request that items or articles be physically inspected in lieu of being examined by x-ray. Items that cannot be satisfactorily cleared by physical inspection shall be denied access to the court facility. 13.0 Inspection of hand-carried items 13.1 All hand-carried items of a size and nature capable of containing or concealing prohibited items shall be inspected.

13.1.2 The inspection will be accomplished either by x-ray examination, physical inspection or both.

13.1.3 As with the inspection of their persons, patrons have the right to refuse inspection of their personal items or belongings. Items that cannot be satisfactorily cleared by physical inspection shall be denied access to the court facility.

14.0 Physical inspection policy 14.1 Physical inspections of hand-carried items or articles shall be conducted under the following circumstances:

14.1.1 When x-ray equipment fails to adequately clear an item or article and the inspection is deemed necessary by the screener.

14.1.2 When a court facility is not equipped with x-ray screening equipment and the inspection is deemed necessary by the screener.

14.1.3 When a person entering requests a physical inspection of a hand carried item or article, in lieu of x-ray inspection.

15.0 Physical inspection procedures 15.1 All physical inspections of hand-carried items or articles shall be thorough and methodical, and shall be conducted in the immediate presence of the owner.

15.1.1 Except when conducted at the request of the individual, consent shall be obtained from the individual prior to conducting physical inspections of an intrusive nature.

15.1.2 Searches of an intrusive nature would include, but are not limited to, internal searches of purses, hand bags, briefcases, wallets, fanny packs, back packs or similar hand-carried items or articles of a personal nature.

15.2 Physical inspections of hand-carried items or articles should be conducted in such a manner as to maintain the dignity of the person whose items or articles are being searched.

15.2.1 Persons, who decline or revoke consent to physical inspection of their hand-carried items or articles, when such inspection is deemed necessary for facility security, shall be denied admission of the item or article into the court facility.

16.0 Wallet inspection procedures 16.1 The following establishes the procedures by which wallets/billfolds shall be inspected:

16.1.1 Screeners shall ask persons entering the facility whether or not they have wallets on their persons.

16.1.2 Those persons having wallets will be directed to remove and place their wallets into the screening baskets provided, in addition to the objects removed from their pockets, which contain metal.

16.1.3 In the immediate presence of the person, the screener will lift the wallet above the screening basket and shall wand both sides of the wallet at close proximity to the outside of the wallet, utilizing a handheld scanner.

16.1.4 Screeners will not open, unfold or enter the interior of the wallet during the initial wanding process and shall take precautions to prevent from dropping or inadvertently spill the contents of the wallet during the process.

16.2 If the hand-held scanner does not alarm on the contents of the wallet, the person shall have the wallet returned to them and the person shall continue with the entry screening process.

16.3 If the hand-held scanner does alarm on the contents of the wallet, the person shall be directed to:

16.3.1 Place the wallet on the x-ray entry conveyor (at facilities with x-ray equipment).

16.3.2 Enter through the magnetometer, after placing the wallet on the conveyor, to be cleared using normal screening procedures.

16.4 If the magnetometer alarms while the persons wallet is being examined by x-ray, the person shall be directed as follows:

16.4.1 To proceed to the x-ray machine, exit conveyor, and instructed to retrieve the wallet after the wallet has been satisfactorily cleared by way of x-ray examination.

16.4.2 To place the cleared wallet in their hand while the screener proceeds to clear the person and source of the magnetometer alarm utilizing a hand-held scanner.

16.5 At no time shall a person be separated from their wallet except during the actual x-ray examination of the wallet (while the wallet is passing through the interior of the x-ray machine).

16.6 When an interior inspection of a wallet is deemed necessary, the same procedures outlined within section 15.0 of this policy, physical inspection of personal hand-carried items, shall be followed. This includes the following conditions:

16.6.1 The x-ray inspection indicates the presence of one or more prohibited items in the wallet.

16.6.2 The facility is not equipped with x-ray equipment and the wanding of the wallet indicates, by scanner alarm, the presence of metal within the wallet.

16.7 Persons who decline or revoke consent to an interior inspection of their wallets or billfolds, when such inspection is deemed necessary for facility security, shall be denied admission of the wallet or billfold into the court facility.

17.0 Physically impaired (non-ambulatory) persons 17.1 Physically impaired persons can present a unique challenge to screeners and the entry screening process. Likewise, the process can be a difficult and demanding experience for non-ambulatory and other physically impaired persons. If not handled with dignity and respect, the process can be very humiliating for the person being screened. This special challenge does not; however, relieve us of our responsibility to conduct a complete and thorough search. The following procedure shall be followed with persons confined to a wheel chair.

17.1.1 Upon the arrival of a non-ambulatory person in a wheel chair, the screener shall inquire as to the person's ability to walk through the magnetometer or stand far enough away from the wheel chair to allow inspection of his/her person with a hand-held scanner. 17.1.2 If the person is physically incapable of this, consent to search shall be obtained from the person and a search shall be conducted of their person and the wheelchair by a deputy/bailiff using the procedures outlined within section 11.0 of this policy.

17.1.3 The wheelchair and any other ambulatory type medical devices shall be thoroughly inspected for concealed prohibited items. Close attention should be paid to blankets or coverings, and any attachments to the device.

17.1.4 Hand-carried items within their possession shall be inspected using the procedures outlined within section 13.0 of this policy.

18.0 Service animals 18.1 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal trained to provide assistance to an individual with disability. All municipal and county ordinances that apply to animals also apply to a service animal and should be considered relative to health and safety issues concerning vaccinations and disease control. A service animal is not a pet.

18.2 If an animal accompanies an individual, and the individual asserts claim that the animal is a service animal, court security shall allow the individual to enter the court facility with the animal under the following conditions:

18.2.1 The individual asserts he or she has a disability.

18.2.2 The individual asserts the animal is a service animal.

18.2.3 The animal does not threaten the health or safety of others.

18.2.4 The individual maintains control of the animal while in the court facility.

18.2.5 The individual is NOT REQUIRED to provide written documentation that the animal is a service animal.

18.3 If court security denies entry or requires the animal to be removed after entry, the court security supervisor shall be notified. The court security supervisor will evaluate the situation and make reasonable attempts to accommodate the individual if appropriate. If an accommodation cannot be made, the court security supervisor shall prepare a memorandum. The memorandum shall include the justification for not allowing the service animal into the facility. The memorandum shall be directed to the Court Services Division Commander. The Commander will forward a copy of the memorandum to the Sheriff via the chain of command.

19.0 Strollers/child carrying devices 19.1 Persons who enter court facilities with child strollers or child carrying devices shall be inspected following the same guidelines as that of persons in wheel chairs, outlined within section 17.0 of this policy.

19.1.1 If the child is unable to walk unaccompanied, the child may be carried through the magnetometer by a parent or guardian.

19.1.2 Hand-carried items shall be inspected using the procedures contained herein.

20.0 Deliveries/mail 20.1 Frequent deliveries are made to court facilities by vendors and suppliers. Deliveries often consist of office supplies (both bulk and small), vending machine supplies and bottled water. Delivery persons themselves shall be screened in accordance with entry screening procedures.

20.1.1 Large or bulk items shall be visually and physically inspected.

20.1.2 Items small enough to be hand-carried shall be inspected using x-ray equipment (when available). If the source or nature of a delivery is in question, screeners shall contact a court supervisor within the courts to verify the authenticity of the delivery.

20.1.3 All packages delivered by U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service, Federal Express or any other delivery service shall be inspected using x-ray equipment (when available) prior to addressee delivery.

21.0 Court evidence protocol 21.1 When court evidence--specifically, firearms, replica firearms, ammunition, deadly weapons, knives, tear gas containers, taser-stun guns, and metallic or paint projectile instruments--are brought to court by persons other than a readily identifiable peace officer, the following procedures shall be implemented:

21.1.1 The individual(s) transporting any of the items described with section 21.1 of this policy shall be properly identified.

21.1.2 Screeners shall obtain confirmation with the courtroom deputy/bailiff on the expected arrival of the evidence.

21.1.3 The transporting individual shall remain at the entry screening station with the court evidence, until they can be provided an escort by the investigating peace officer from the investigating law enforcement agency or a court deputy/bailiff.

21.1.4 Prior to allowing entry of firearms as evidence into the facility, the firearm shall be cleared as safe and rendered inoperable by the investigating peace officer and/or the court deputy/bailiff.

21.1.5 Contract security officers shall not clear firearms.

22.0 Armed Plainclothes/Off-Duty Peace Officers 22.1 In accordance with Penal Code Section 171 b, entry screening personnel shall inquire as to whether or not a peace officer, armed and dressed in plainclothes attire, is a "party to an action" pending before the court, prior to allowing entry into the court facility. Peace officers who are a party to an action pending before the court shall not be allowed entry into the court facility with their firearm.

22.2 Entry screening personnel shall request and view proper agency or department identification prior to allowing armed plainclothes peace officers, entry into the court facility.

22.3 All armed, plain clothed peace officers entering any court facility shall wear the security badge, issued by the entry screening personnel or their departmental issued identification card in a readily visible location at all times while in the court facility.

22.4 Any questions or disputes arising out the enforcement of this section (Section 22.0) shall immediately be referred to a court deputy/bailiff or Sheriff’s Court Services supervisor for resolution.

23.0 Screening station logs 23.1 When required, contract security personnel shall be responsible for maintaining entry-screening station logs for their respective station.

23.1.1 The requirement of logs, consisting of, but not limited to, pass-on logs, plain clothes officer logs, contraband detection logs and equipment service logs, will vary from facility to facility and shall be determined by the local Sheriff’s Court Services Division Commander having control over the facility.

24.0 Prohibited items - by statute 24.1 Any item or article having the potential to inflict or cause physical harm shall be inspected to determine whether it has been filed, sharpened, honed, or in any other manner altered to the extent that it meets the definition of prohibited weapons as defined in Penal Code Sections 12020 and 171b.

24.2 Prohibited items shall include all weapons or instruments described in the following penal code sections:

24.2.1 171b P.C. - Unauthorized possession of weapons in state or local public buildings or at public meetings.

24.2.2 244.5 P.C. - Stun gun or taser; assault, punishment.

24.2.3. 653k P.C. - Switch blade knife/gravity knife having a blade longer than two inches; possession in motor vehicle; carrying; sale or disposition; definitions.

24.2.4 12402 P.C. -Tear gas weapon 24.2.5 12020P.C. - Manufacture, import, sale, supply or possession of certain weapons and explosives.

25.0 Prohibited items by order of the Court shall also include the following:

25.1 General prohibited Items listed as follows:

25.1.1 Firearms possessed by anyone other than peace officers, regardless of CCW. The only exceptions to this are judicial officers who possess a valid CCW.

25.1.2 Firearms possessed by peace officers when attending Family Law Court or when the peace officer is a party to an action pending before the Court.

25.1.3 All bullets and ammunition possessed by anyone other than peace officers, regardless of CCW. The only exceptions to this are judicial officers who possess a valid CCW.

25.1.4 All taser guns.

25.1.5 All stun guns.

25.1.6 All gun-shaped lighters.

25.1.7 Toy or replica guns.

25.1.8 Handcuffs - Except those possessed by sworn peace officers.

25.2 Chemical agents listed as follows:

25.2.1 All mace, pepper gas, animal repellant, butane fuel.

25.3 Knives listed as follows:

25.3.1 Buck type - all size blades.

25.3.2 Swiss Army/utility type knives - all size blades.

25.3.3 Butter and steak knives - all size blades.

25.3.4 Multi-tool type knives - all size blades.

25.3.5 Concealable/disguised knives -all size blades.

25.4 Scissors listed as follows:

25.4.1 All sewing types with a length in excess of 2 inches.

25.5 Razors listed as follows:

25.5.1 Single blades.

25.5.2 All box cutters.

25.5.3 All "exacto" type tools (open retractable razor With handle).

25.6 Tools listed as follows:

25.6.1 All large tools (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hammers, etc.) in excess of 6 inches in length (screwdrivers not to excess 2 inches in length).

25.6.2 Ice picks.

25.7 Miscellaneous items include:

25.7.1 Darts.

25.7.2 Letter openers.

25.7.3 Pieces of heavy-duty wire/heavy gauge chains with an overall length in excess of 24 inches.

25.7.4 Laser pointers - Except those for use by attorneys in courtroom presentations.

25.7.5 Skateboards/skates.

25.7.6 Needles/syringes (non-diabetic person(s) without prescription) 25.7.7 Handcuff keys - Except those possessed by sworn peace officers.

25.7.8 "Come-along" sticks/key chain size.

25.7.9. Flammable liquids.

  • Note: In all cases, a sworn supervisor or their designee may use their discretion to determine if any item (other than those items listed above) presents a safety or security risk to the court environment and may exclude that item from being brought into the court facility when deemed appropriate. When such discretion is exercised, the employee prohibiting a particular item from being brought into the court facility shall prepare a memorandum. The memorandum shall include a description of the item and the justification for not allowing the item into the facility. The memorandum shall be directed to the Commander, via chain of command.

26.0 Emergency Situations 26.1 In the event of an alarm in the Court Facility, at least one of the Court Security personnel assigned to entrance security, and others if deemed appropriate by the person in charge of perimeter security, shall remain at the screening station. An alarm may be a planned distraction.

26.2 In the event of a perimeter alarm, such as a person exiting or entering the building through an alarmed door, entrance-screening personnel shall respond to the point of the alarm, determine the nature of the situation, and take steps to correct the situation. These actions may include determining what occurred and who is responsible, resetting the alarm, securing the door, and issuing a citation to the offender.

SUBJECT: COURT FACILITY ENTRY SCREENING - 12 - OP – E – 4 26.3 During emergency events such as fire, bomb threat, natural disaster, entrance-screening personnel will assist with the orderly evacuation of the Court Facility. This includes preventing persons from entering the facility and coordinating the response of emergency personnel and equipment into the facility.

26.4 During an emergency event such as escape attempt, hostage incident, weapons incident, or any other major criminal incident, entrance-screening personnel will lock the doors and secure the perimeter until safety and order is re-established.

APPROVED BY: DATE APPROVED:06/15/2026 Jonathan James Braughler, Sheriff Items listed in this section include sections from the California Penal Code (CPC), Welfare and Institutions Code (WI) and Government Code (GC).

Definitions CPC 422.55 - Provides general definition of hate crimes in California.

CPC 422.56- Provides definitions of terms included in hate crimes statutes.

GC 12926- Disability-related definitions applicable to some hate crime statutes.

Felonies – Hate Crimes CPC 422.7 - Commission of a crime for the purpose of interfering with another’s exercise of civil rights.

CPC 190.03(a) - Homicide penalties related to certain hate crime related acts.

CPC 288(b)(2) - Sexual assault of dependent person by caretaker CPC 368(b) - Dependent adult abuse generally - may apply as disability-related hate crime. CPC 594.3 - Vandalism of places of worship.

CPC 11412 - Causing or attempting to cause other to refrain from exercising religion by threat. CPC 11413 - Arson or destructive device at place of worship.

Misdemeanors – Hate Crimes CPC 422.6 - Use of force, threats, or destruction of property to interfere with another’s exercise of civil rights.

CPC 422.77 - Violation of civil order (Bane Act) protecting the exercise of civil rights Related Crimes CPC 302 - Disorderly conduct during an assemblage of people gathered for religious worship at a tax-exempt place of worship.

CPC 538(c) - Unauthorized insertion of advertisements in newspapers and redistribution to the public. CPC 640.2 - Placing handbill, notice of advertisement on a consumer product or product packaged without authorization.

CPC 11411 - Terrorism of owner or occupant of real property. Placement or display of sign, symbol, or other physical impression without authorization, engagement in pattern of conduct, or burning or desecration of religious symbols.

APPENDIX - STATUTES AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 19 Enhancements CPC 190.2(a)(16) - Special circumstances imposing the Death Penalty or Life Without Possibility of Parole, if the victim was intentionally killed because of sexual orientation, gender, or disability.

CPC 190.3 - Special circumstances imposing LWOP if the victim was intentionally killed because of sexual orientation, gender, or disability.

CPC 422.75 - Penalty for felony committed because of victim’s race, color, religion, nationality, country or origin, ancestry, disability, or sexual orientation shall be enhanced one, two, or three years in prison, if the person acts alone; and two, three, or four years if the person commits the act with another.

CPC 1170.8 - Enhancement for robbery or assault at a place of worship.

CPC 1170.85(b) - Felony assault or battery enhancement due to age or disability.

CPC 13023- Requirement for law enforcement agencies to report hate crime data to DOJ. WI 15630 – Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandated Reporting (may apply in disability-related hate crimes).

CPC 422.87 - Hate crimes policy adoption and update requirements (AB 1985, Effective January 1, 2019).

CPC 13519.6 - Defines hate crime training requirements for peace officers.

CPC 13519.41 - Training requirements on sexual orientation and gender identity-related hate crimes for peace officers and dispatchers (AB 2504, Effective January 1, 2019).

Miscellaneous Provisions CPC 422.78 - Responsibility for prosecution of stay away order violations.

CPC 422.86 - Public policy regarding hate crimes.

CPC 422.89 - Legislative intent regarding violations of civil rights and hate crimes CPC 422.92 - Hate crimes victims brochure requirement for law enforcement agencies. CPC 422.93 - Protection of victims and witnesses from being reported to immigration authorities. GC 6254 - Victim confidentiality.

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