Court Security

Courts Screening Station

The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is tasked by the Code of Virginia with providing security at the Virginia Beach Courthouse and bailiffs to assist with the safe and orderly administration of justice within each courtroom. Rules and regulations for the Virginia Beach Courthouse are determined by the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court and enforced by the Sheriff’s Office.

All persons entering the Virginia Beach Courthouse are subject to search, and it is recommended that you allow additional time for security screening before your hearing time. Visitors may be asked to remove shoes, outer layers of clothing, jewelry, and belts.

ALL PERSONS entering the Courthouse are required to go through the security screening process, including attorneys and employees. Only sworn public safety officers on official business are exempt from screening.

The following items are prohibited inside the Virginia Beach Courthouse:

  • Weapons of any kind, including knives and firearms;
  • Chemical agents; and
  • Liquids (excluding baby formula and hand sanitizers size two ounces or less).

Water fountains and vending machines are available inside the building. Small lockers are available to rent for the day (quarters required).

Effective Monday, July 27, 2026, visitors are now permitted to bring cellphones and other electronic devices inside the Virginia Beach Courthouse. During security screening, each cellphone will be turned off and placed inside a locked security pouch. Visitors will retain possession of the pouch while inside the courthouse. Before exiting, a VBSO staff member will unlock the security pouch so that the device can be retrieved. Larger electronics, such as tablets and laptops, must be turned off.

Those who need to access their cellphone for evidentiary purposes will first need permission from the presiding judge to have the pouch opened by Sheriff’s Office personnel. Cellphones and other electronics may ONLY be used in the designated area on the first floor of the courthouse between Traffic Court D and the Clerk’s Office.

These rules are to ensure compliance with the new Virginia law permitting visitors to bring electronic devices into court buildings while maintaining security, preventing disruption to court proceedings and ensuring the integrity of judicial proceedings, as well as protecting the safety and privacy of witnesses, jurors and other court participants. 

Any attempt to tamper with or defeat the security pouch locking mechanism, or any unauthorized use of an electronic device within the courthouse, may result the individual being removed from the courthouse and may result in legal or administrative consequences.

Security Orders