About the Courthouse Security:
The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office is tasked with the protection and security of all employees, judges, and citizens who work in or enter both the Judicial Annex and the Bulloch County Historic Courthouse. All persons entering the Judicial Annex or Historic Courthouse will be screened by Court Security.
Security Checkpoint Procedures & What You Need to Know:
The safety of the public, courthouse employees, judges, jurors, and staff are the Sheriff’s number one priority and that safety begins with YOU!
Here are a few basic rules you should remember when entering the Judicial Annex or Historic Courthouse:
- Everyone who enters the Judicial Annex or Historic Courthouse must pass through a security checkpoint and will be subject to screening.
- Please prepare accordingly so as not to slow down the screening process.
- You can make your screening process faster and easier by leaving all unnecessary items at home or in your vehicle.
- Remove all items from your pockets (including your cell phone) and place them in the provided trays for screening.
- All bags, purses, strollers, packages, etc. must pass through the x-ray machine.
- If, upon passing through the metal detector, an alarm sounds, please listen closely and follow the instructions of Sheriff’s Office Personnel.
- We have a Zero Tolerance Weapons Policy (See O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126-127). Please refer to the list of prohibited items below.
Prohibited Items:
- Knives (of any size)
- Guns (of any type)
- Box Cutters
- Razors
- Nail Clippers
- Metal Nail Files
- Scissors
- Knitting Needles
- Aerosols
- Leatherman Tools
- Ammunition
- Can or Bottle Openers
- Self-Protective Items (pepper spray, mace, etc.)
- Stun Guns or other Electrical Weapons
- Impact Weapons
- Explosive Materials
- Cell Phones and/or Recording Devices of Any Kind (unless preauthorized) are Not Allowed in the Courtrooms of the Judicial Annex
Courtroom Etiquette
Respect in the Courtroom:
The courtroom is a place of order and structure. You should at all times act in a respectful manner when in the presence of the judge, court staff, attorneys, court officers or other persons attending court. Even after your case, or the case you have been attending, has been given a ruling, you should continue to be respectful as you are dismissed and exit the room. Attempts to disrupt the court, at any time, could result in your being held in contempt. Individuals held in contempt of court may face jail time and/or a fine.
Dressing for Court:
If you are appearing in or attending court proceedings, you should dress appropriately and in a manner that shows respect for the court system, the judge, and other citizens around you.
Here are some things you should NOT wear:
- Hats or other head coverings inside the courtroom (except those worn for religious or medical purposes)
- Sunglasses
- T-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity or illegal drugs
- Tube or halter tops/shirts that expose the midriff
- See-through tops or bottoms
- Ripped or torn jeans
- Miniskirts or shorts
- Baggy pants that fall below the waist or expose undergarments
- Men must have their shirts tucked in
If you are not dressed properly, you may be asked to leave the courtroom, which could delay your hearing.
Parking Info:
Public parking is available in several locations around the Judicial Annex. Handicapped parking is available in the lot located at the rear of the Judicial Annex.
