Public Notice
Courthouse Security Screening
Policy
Effective Date: February 9, 2026
1. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and security of all individuals within the courthouse by preventing the introduction of weapons, explosives, and prohibited items into the facility.
2. All individuals entering the Hardin County Court House-including citizens, legal professionals, and employees, are subject to security screening. a. Hours of operation: Screening stations are active during all hours the building is open to the public. Monday- Friday 7:30am-5:00pm.
b. Compliance: refusal to submit to screening will result in denied entry. Individuals who become disruptive or combative during the process may be detained, removed, and charged by Sheriff’s Office Deputies or other law enforcement officers.
3. Everyone must enter through the designated public entrance (south door) and undergo the following steps:
a. Personal Property: All bags, briefcases, purses, and loose pocket items (keys, coins, phones) must be placed in a bin and passed through the X-ray machine.
b. Outerwear: Heavy Coats, jackets, and belts with large metal buckles must be removed and placed in a bin for x-ray scanning.
c. The Magnetometer: Visitors must walk through the metal detector one at a time. a. If the alarm sounds, the individual must remove any remaining metal and pass through again.
b. If the alarm persists, a deputy will perform a secondary screening using a handheld metal detector (wand).
d. Prohibited Items: Items such as firearms, knives, chemical sprays, and flammable liquids are strictly prohibited. These items will be confiscated and may lead to criminal charges.
e. Identification: Employees should have their official Courthouse ID Badge visible while entering and working in the courthouse. Lanyards will be provided by the Hardin County Commissioners; however, individuals may choose to purchase their own decorative lanyard or ID carrier.
f. Exemptions for prohibited items: prohibited items may enter the courthouse with direct permission from the Hardin County Sheriff, a judge of the Hardin County Common Pleas Court, or the Hardin County Commissioners.
4. Individuals with pacemakers, cochlear implants, or other medial devices that may be affected by the metal detector should notify the Security Deputy before entering. A manual “pat-down” search will be conducted in a private area if requested.
5. Lockers/boxes will be present immediately prior to the metal detector. Prohibited items may be locked in the locker with approval of the security deputy. The owner shall place the item(s) inside of the container, remove the key, and give it to the deputy for safekeeping. The secured items shall be retrieved when leaving the building. The security deputy, upon his or her discretion, may require that a prohibited item be returned to the owner’s vehicle instead of using a locker or secured box.
6. The doors located on the first floor of the Courthouse (east and west side) are for emergency exit only. These doors are alarmed and under video surveillance. Using the doors for an exit or allowing someone to enter the building may result in disciplinary action and or criminal charges.
February 5, 7