Security Screening
About the Screening Station
In 2005, Whatcom County implemented security screening procedures at the Courthouse in an effort to increase safety for both the public and courthouse employees. When visitors enter the Whatcom County Courthouse and need to access the basement or floors two through six they will pass through a security screening process similar to what one might expect in an airport. The Courthouse entrance doors will be open to the public from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on normal business days. During these hours, the screening station will be operating next to the elevators on the main floor. Visitors will be required to pass through the magnetometer (commonly called a metal detector) and belongings will be inspected with x-ray screening equipment. In order for this process to be as efficient as possible, and to reduce delays, these guidelines should be followed.
Stairwells throughout the Courthouse are accessible to the public for emergency exits only.
- Be prepared to empty pockets and place the contents in a container provided for you at the screening checkpoint. Mobile phones, music players such as iPods, personal data assistants (PDAs) and other hand held electronic devices must be placed in a container for screening also.
- Please remove large pieces of jewelry, watches and belts and place them in containers provided at the screening checkpoint before entering the magnetometer (you will not be required to remove your shoes). Doing so will save time and prevent having to go through additional screening.
- Be prepared to provide purses, briefcases, laptops and laptop cases, backpacks, coats and other hand carried items to security staff for x-ray screening and additional screening as requested by security staff.
- Please note, you may be required to undergo additional screening procedures to enter the facility if the magnetometer sounds an alarm or if the x-ray screening requires physical verification. Please follow the directions of security personnel who will assist you through the rest of the screening process should this occur.
- Before leaving the screening area, please remember to retrieve all personal possessions. Security personnel are not responsible for items left in the security screening areas.
- Whatcom County has provided four weapons lockers for visitors use.
- Key is obtained from the Security Station
- Lockers are first come first served
- ID is required for key deposit
- ALL ITEMS LEFT AFTER 5:00 pm WILL NEED TO BE PICKED UP AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.