Warren County Courthouse
413 Second St.
Belvidere, NJ 07823
908-475-6309 fax 908-475-6360

Courthouse Security

Ensuring the safety of all those conducting business in the Warren County Court House

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office oversees the overall security of the courthouse complex to provide a safe environment for the judicial process in Warren County to be carried out.

Sheriff’s Officers are tasked with various responsibilities which including controlling access to the courthouse by the use of metal detector and x-ray posts at the entrance. Officers also respond to alarms both interior and exterior, conduct perimeter patrols, courtroom security, facilitate movement of prisoners between the court house holding area and courtrooms. Sheriff’s Officers also respond to and assist with medical emergencies within the facility.

 

Courthouse Security Screening Process

The issue of building security impacts both private as well as public sector facilities. Security in public buildings has become an unfortunate necessity and all people entering the courthouse—including litigants, attorneys, law enforcement, and employees—will be screened for weapons prior to gaining admittance. Additionally, all items brought in, such as purses, briefcases, packages, etc., will be scanned.

 

The following items can be safely 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 unsure about an item, a sheriff’s officer will assist you.

The procedures outlined above can cause a short delay on busy mornings, especially between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m and again during the lunch recess between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm. Visitors are advised to plan to arrive a few minutes in advance to avoid being late for scheduled proceedings.

All courthouse visitors are asked to cooperate with sheriff’s officers. They are under specific instructions for the purpose of providing a safe environment for members of the public who have business with the county.

Prohibited Items:

Prohibited items include but are not limited to the following:

  • guns
  • ammunition
  • knives
  • switchblades
  • box cutters
  • scissors
  • razors
  • chemical mace
  • pepper spray
  • brass knuckles
  • caustic chemicals
  • flammable materials
  • explosive devices or material
  • tools (hammers, nails, etc.)
  • glass bottles
  • fingernail files
  • knitting needles
  • handcuffs/handcuff keys
  • toy guns/knives
  • stun guns

Any individual attempting to enter with a legal “prohibited item” will be given the opportunity to secure the item off site.

 

If the individual chooses not to secure the legal “prohibited item” off site, the item will be confiscated by the Sheriff’s office. The Warren County Sheriff’s “Property Surrender Form” must be filled out by the individual at that time, relinquishing any claim to the confiscated item.