Contraband includes unauthorized possession of weapons as listed in 171(b) PC, which includes Switch Blade Knife 653(k) PC and Weapons listed in 12020 PC. Also prohibited are knives or similar type weapons, Tear Gas (O.C. Pepper Spray) 12401 PC or any item deemed an offensive weapon by Sheriff’s personnel, will not be allowed in the building. In addition, knives or similar type instruments capable of being used as weapons or to deface court property, shall be excluded from the courthouse regardless of size or blade length.
A private citizen shall not be allowed to bring into a County Court Facility, or possess a dangerous weapon. This includes all items mentioned in 171(b) PC, 653(k) PC, 12020 PC, 12401 PC, 12402 PC and 12403.7 PC. Any weapon attempting to be brought into the court will be immediately confiscated and a supervisor called to the scene. If warranted the subject should be placed under arrest and the weapon placed into evidence.
Note: Items deemed and seized as evidence, shall be booked into evidence.
Any person seeking courthouse or County facility entry, while lawfully possessing a weapon, is not subject to arrest, but will not be allowed to enter the facility while still in possession of the weapon. Persons possessing a concealed weapons permit (CCW) will be allowed entry only if the court facility's Presiding Judge has issued an order allowing these persons to enter. Duly-appointed peace officers showing appropriate identification (i.e., pictured identification and badge) will be allowed to enter the facility armed.
Note: Peace officers shall not be armed if they are a party in a court proceeding not related to their official capacity as a peace office. Refer to CSDM, 4-04/025.00 - Suspicious Items or Packages; and 4-04/025.05 - Securing Peace Officer’s Weapons Appearing on Personal Business; for further details.
All other items on the "Restricted Items List" shall be denied entry into the courthouse. The owner may dispose of the item, return the item to their vehicle, or have the item held by court security staff and issued a personal property receipt.
Refer to CSDM, 4-04/040.05 - Retention and Disposition of Restricted Items
Any person transporting weapons to be used as evidence in court will be escorted to the court. The bailiff shall be notified and the evidence, if a weapon, shall be rendered safe by the bailiff and then given to the court clerk.
A private citizen authorized to carry tear gas (Mace), pepper spray; stun guns or other similar self-defense weapons shall not be permitted to enter the courthouse with the weapon.
These weapons and all others not specifically mentioned shall be confiscated or surrendered to Sheriff's personnel for safe keeping unless the person decides to leave. Any weapons left for safe keeping shall be handled in accordance with current Division policy (CSDM, 04/040.05 - Retention and Disposition of Restricted Items). Arrests for violation of weapons or other applicable laws are at the discretion of the Sheriff's Department.
Note: A standardized list of contraband items can be found on CSDNet "Forms" under the title: "Restricted Items List".