You will find enhanced security procedures when entering a court building or one used for a tribunal case. There are strict rules and restrictions placed on items you can take into the premises.
The information in this help guide explains the process of going through security at a court or a tribunal building.
You will not be allowed to take offensive weapons with you when entering a court or a tribunal building.
That means you cannot take firearms, guns, and knives passed the security point at the entrance of the building.
The same rules and restrictions would apply if the security staff think that a 'harmless' item could be used as a weapon.
Note: You can take phones and cameras into a courthouse. But, you must not use them for taking photographs or for making videos.
A list of items that you are not allowed to take in to a court building includes things like:
The security staff will report you to the police if you attempt to take a weapon into courts and tribunals.
As a rule, the medicines and drinks that you can take in to a courthouse or a tribunal building, include:
Note: Special rules apply to opened drinks and those inside a plastic container. The security staff will ask you to drink some of the liquid to prove that it is not harmful.
Similar to the process of going through airport security, the court staff will check your bags and your pockets for any items that should not be there. This part of the security procedure may include having to:
Note: Some people may be wearing a head covering for religious or for cultural reasons. As a rule, there is no need to remove the head covering when entering a court or tribunal building. But, security staff would need to check it with a handheld scanner.
The security staff would give you a receipt for any items that you cannot take into the court building. You would need the receipt to collect your belongings when you leave the premises.
The United Kingdom has strict rules on selling, buying, and carrying knives - with severe penalties for offenders.
The staff will not allow you to collect a knife when leaving the building. Instead, you would need to write a letter to the court (within 28 days) to get it back. The letter must state:
It usually takes the court around one (1) month to return hazardous items, such as knives, after receiving the letter.
Note: Someone can act on your behalf by writing the letter to the court for you (e.g. a guardian or a solicitor). If so, they must also include their full name and address in the letter.
You should use the complaints procedure to provide feedback or to make an official complaint to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
The guidance notes explain how to complain about the way you were treated or what to do if you are not happy about the way the court staff carried out a security search.
Security When Entering a Court or Tribunal Building in United Kingdom