GENERAL INFORMATION
The purpose of the screening is to make the Franklin County Government Center a safe place to work and conduct business.

The screening process is voluntary. You may stop the process at anytime. However you will not be permitted past the secure screening area until you successfully pass the screening procedure.

There are many prohibited items listed in the "Prohibited Items" section of this web site. It is a good idea to review those items prior to initiating the screening process. Items that are not illegal to possess will be retained at the screening area and a receipt will be given for the item, which will be returned to you when you depart the area. Items are held for 48 hours only.

The following items are safe to be placed in the x-ray machine or pass through the metal detectors:

  • food
  • computers
  • computer disks
  • film (up to 1600 speed)
  • video/audio tape
  • credit cards
  • access badges
If you are not sure of an item, the Courthouse Security Officers will assist you.

APPROACHING THE SCREENING AREA
As you approach the screening areas, if you are carrying a briefcase or purse, place all metal items such as change, keys, wallets, pagers, cell phones, cigarette packs, lighters, etc, inside of the briefcase or purse. If you are not carrying a purse or briefcase, place all metal items in the basket at the table.

If you are carrying packages, briefcase, purses, etc. place those items on the conveyor belt of the x-ray machine. All items that the Court Security Officer can not see through must be placed on the belt. If an item cannot be identified by x-ray, you will be asked to physically show the item to the Officer.

Food items are safe to place through the x-ray machine. X-rays are electromagnetic energy similar to a microwave oven. The items inside of the x-ray unit receive approximately the same amount of radiation as you would receive on an airplane at 30,000 feet.

SCREENING PROCEDURES
After placing items in the basket/x-ray machine, proceed to the metal detectors and walk through. Do not place your hands in your pockets. Walk at a normal pace. Do not touch the detector, as this may cause it to "false alarm". After proceeding through the metal detector, if no alarm sounds then you may proceed to gather your belongings from the basket and conveyor belt and proceed to your destination.

If the alarm sounds, you will be asked to proceed to the rear of the screening area where you will be checked with the use of a hand held metal detector. The Court Security Officer will ask you to stand with your arms extended and legs apart. The officer will then pass the detector over you to determine what caused the alarm. If the hand held alarm sounds, you will be asked to remove the item that is causing the alarm. If no metal can be found, you must expressly consent to a "pat-down" or "hand search" if you wish to proceed past the screening area. A Sheriff's Deputy of the same sex will perform the pat-down or hand search.

Anyone carrying a concealed weapon in the Franklin County Government Center without statutory authority to do so, or carrying any weapon in the Franklin County Government Center while under disability, is subject to immediate arrest, subsequent prosecution, and forfeiture of the weapon, as a violation of and pursuant to Ohio revised code sections 2923.11, 2923.12, 2923.13, and 2923.32.