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Security & Electronic Devices Policy

Objective

The main objective of Court Security Officers is to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone in the building. Everyone's cooperation is needed in order to achieve this very important goal.

Photo I.D.

Everyone entering the Federal Building must present photo identification.

Liquids in the building

The United States Marshals Service has announced the following security policy for the United States Court House / Hale Boggs Federal Building located at 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana:

  • The amount of liquids, gels, creams, and aerosol products brought into the US Courthouse/Hale Boggs Federal Building shall be limited to five 3-ounce containers. This amount restriction includes, but is not limited to: water, soda, coffee, and other beverages as well as hand creams, lotions, perfume, incense, toothpaste, deodorant, liquid soap, etc. Visitors possessing liquids shall inform Court Security Officers of this fact, prior to screening.
  • All items described within this policy that are in excess of 3 ounces will be prohibited from entering the building. Under no circumstances will these items be stored for individuals. Items will not be confiscated unless possession constitutes a violation of the CFR or local, state, or federal law. Persons who possess liquid items in excess of 3 ounces must dispose of the items and will be directed to trash receptacles located outside the building.
  • Items such as beverages purchased inside the building will be permitted within the confines of the building. However, if a person leaves the building with a liquid, aerosol, gel, or cream product that was purchased from our vending machines, they shall not be permitted to bring the product(s) back into the US Courthouse.
  • Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3 ounces. However, these items may be selected for further inspection.

Metal Detectors

When you enter The Federal Building you will have to go through the metal detectors that are staffed by Court Security Officers. In order for this to be an efficient process, please be aware of the following guidelines:

  • Please remove jewelry (including watches) before proceeding through the metal detector. Place these items in your bags or place them on the trays provided by the Court Security Officer before going through the metal detector. This will save time and prevent you from having to be scanned a second time with a hand-held wand.
  • Cell phones, pagers, portable electronic games, portable laptop computers, smartphones, etc., are permitted in The Federal Building, but MAY NOT be used in a courtroom or jury room without judicial approval. These items are subject to a security inspection.
  • Individuals with pacemakers or cochlear implants may request screening via a hand-held wand upon presenting the Court Security Officer with a letter from a doctor which identifies the condition.

These procedures are for everyone's safety. Please be patient. Cooperation is the key to maintaining a secure atmosphere for everyone in the building.

Cameras & Recording Equipment

Cameras and audio recording/transmitting devices are only permitted upon specific judicial approval. Cameras that are embedded in other approved devices (i.e., cell phones) may not be used in The Federal Building without specific judicial approval.

Laptops in the building

Laptop computers and other appropriate electronic devices may be used in the courtrooms for presentations to the Court, to view case documents through the PACER system, and to access other appropriate information.