Sheriff's Office
Dustin D. Heuerman, County Sheriff

All visitors entering the Courthouse shall be processed through the metal detectors as follows:

• Place any bags or personal belongings on the x-ray belt or in the container provided for scanning, including purses, watches, jewelry, backpacks, belts and pocket contents.
• Place overcoats or jackets on the belt of the x-ray machine.
• Walk through the metal detector.

By order of the Champaign County Sheriff, the following items cannot be brought into the Courthouse:

• Firearms, ammunition, or explosives
• Knives of any size (to include swords, box cutters, pocketknives or any edged weapons)
• Personal protective spray (mace) or any aerosol spray
• Any item whose possession is prohibited by Illinois State Statute (controlled substances, illegal weapons)
• Any item that could reasonably be considered threatening (this may include manicure kits, knitting needles, scissors, or laser pointers)

If the metal detector sets off an alert or alarm, an officer may perform another scan using a hand-held wand. The officer may also conduct a physical search of personal articles or conduct a pat down of the outer surfaces of a person’s clothing to determine the cause of the alert or alarm.

You may be asked to temporarily remove a hat, hood, mask or similar item(s) during security screening, as allowed by law. This does not apply to religious head coverings.

Before leaving the security checkpoint, please ensure that you retrieve all personal possessions.

Champaign County Sheriff’s Office will not hold any personal property that is not permitted in the court facility including, but not limited to, electronic recorders, cameras, weapons, knitting needles, or any other item not permitted in this Courthouse.

It is recommended you only bring into the Courthouse what you need for your visit. If you are unable to leave unneeded items in a vehicle, there are lockers located near the pay station in the parking lot east of the Courthouse that may be used to store items while you are in the Courthouse. Each locker costs $0.25 to use, and the quarter is non-refundable (Note: a $10.00 replacement fee will be accessed if you lose a key to a locker).

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDs)

Portable electronic devices, which include personal computers, tablet computers, mobile phones, electronic calendars, e-book readers, smartwatches and similar devices, may be brought into the Courthouse under the following guidelines:

• Must be turned off or on silent mode;
• May be used in common areas including lobbies and hallways as long as it:
• does not disrupt others;
• does not interfere with operations of Courthouse business; or
• does not threaten the safety and security of others.
• Use of PEDs is prohibited in courtrooms unless authorized by the Judge.
• Photographs and audio/video recordings are prohibited, unless otherwise authorized by law.
• No person may use a PED to communicate or attempt to communicate with a potential juror or harass, intimidate or communicate about given testimony with any witness at any time.

A device may be confiscated and held until the possessor leaves the Courthouse if used in violation of this policy. Court personnel shall not be held responsible or liable for any damage to or loss of a confiscated item.

GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT

Loitering is prohibited both outside and inside the Courthouse.

Any behavior which threatens the orderly and secure environment of the Courthouse and its visitors is prohibited.

Violation of Courthouse rules or possession of a prohibited item may result in removal from the Courthouse, Contempt of Court, and/or arrest.

ONLINE OPTIONS

Want to skip the line at the Courthouse? Certain fines and fees, including traffic citations, can be paid online at https://mychampaigncourts.payitgov.com/auth.