4-04/020.10 Screening a Person with a Disability

Security personnel shall process persons with medical or physical disabilities with respect and dignity. Persons entering security screening with mobility devices, such as (crutches, wheelchairs, and prosthetic aids) shall be individually screened.

Procedures for Screening Persons
When a search by metal detector is ineffective due to the presence of a mobility device, security personnel shall conduct a search with either a handheld metal detection device, a physical (pat-down) search, or a combination of the two. In doing so, security personnel shall escort the person through or around the screening point so a thorough search can be conducted. A person, subject to individual screening under this policy may:

• Request that a physical search (pat-down) be conducted by security personnel of the same gender, unless unusual circumstances dictate otherwise
• Request a private screening away from public view at any time, and if so requested, a second Deputy, Security Officer or Security Assistant should be present during a search conducted away from public view or
• Have a companion, assistant, or family member accompany him/her into the private screening area (once he or she has been screened) and remain throughout the screening process

When a search by metal detector or handheld metal detection device is precluded, security personnel shall immediately contact a supervisor. The screening shall proceed in the following manner:

• If a person with a mobility device can neither stand nor walk, security personnel shall conduct a pat-down screening of the person while seated
• If a person with a mobility device can stand but cannot walk, the person may stand or sit near his/her mobility device, and security personnel shall conduct a pat-down screening
• The person’s hand-carried and removable items shall be screened in the usual manner

In conducting individual screenings of persons under this policy, security personnel:

• Shall ask the person if he/she has any difficulty raising his/her arms, remaining in the position required for a search using a handheld metal detection device or physical (pat-down) search, or any areas of the body that are painful when touched
• Shall not ask persons to remove or lift any article of clothing that may reveal a sensitive body area
• Shall accommodate a person if he/she needs a place to sit during the physical (pat-down) search or, while removing or putting on his/her shoes

No person shall be denied access to the courthouse solely because of the increased difficulty of screening his/her mobility device. If a supervisor determines that security personnel is unable to properly inspect the mobility device, the person shall be escorted to and from court business by Sheriff’s Department personnel.

Procedures for Screening Mobility and Medical Devices
The following is a representative, but not exhaustive, list of devices that are permitted in the courthouse facility, but may require additional screening by security personnel:

• Wheelchairs
• Scooters
• Crutches
• Walkers
• Canes
• Prosthetic devices
• Personal oxygen concentrators or tanks
• Service animals
• Medications and associated supplies
• Braille note takers
• Diabetes-related medication, equipment, and supplies

These devices must be X-rayed if they can fit through the machine, including seat cushions and any non-removable pouches or fanny packs. Any baskets or bags that normally hang from a walker must also go through the X-ray machine.

Medically-Prescribed Personal Transporters e.g. (Segways)
A person riding a medically-prescribed personal transporter e.g. (a Segway) may enter the courthouse. The person must provide credible assurance the device is used for a mobility disability. Credible assurance can be by verbal representation not contradicted by observable fact, or the presentation of a valid state issued disability card or parking placard. Security personnel shall consult a supervisor before prohibiting use of the personal transporter inside the court facility. Should the personal transporter be prohibited, security personnel shall offer the person with a mobility impairment a wheelchair, if available.