Court Security

Entrance of the courthouse seen from the inside.

The Sheriff's Office is responsible for the safety and security of the courthouse as well as the transportation of inmates to and from courts.

In the fiscal year 2021 to 2022, the Sheriff's Office provided security for 536 court sessions and transported 289 inmates, traveling a total of 47,781 miles. Deputies also completed a total of 31 mental health transports; 29 of which were outside of our jurisdiction.

The Sheriff's Office uses both standing and hand-held metal detectors, as well as an x-ray machine to ensure that weapons are not introduced into the courthouse. When entering for business or for court, you should expect to pass through this checkpoint where you will be asked to remove all items from your pockets, belts, bulky jackets, hats, and any other item deemed necessary by the deputy. Prior to entering, it is advised to leave the following items in your vehicle as they are not allowed in the secure environment of the Salem courthouse. There were a total of 35,052 visitors that entered the courthouse in FY19-20.

Items Restricted from Courthouse

  • Guns
  • Pocket knives
  • Box cutters
  • Pepper spray or mace
  • Scissors
  • Handcuff keys (with the exception of law enforcement)
  • Fish hooks on hats
  • Spiked belts
  • Any concealable weapon as defined by Code of Virginia 18.2-308
  • Cell Phones, Laptops, I-pods/I-pads, and any other electronic devices as of November 2010 per Circuit Court order; include, smartwatches.
  • Any other item deemed to be a weapon by the deputy may also be restricted from the courthouse

All persons entering the courthouse are subject to search.