In re: Court Security

This order replaces LAO 1997-1 because of the addition of an access point at the Macomb County Administration Building, One South Gratiot, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. It is the consensus of the Court, Macomb County, and the Macomb County Sheriff that it is in the best interests of justice and of citizens, employees, and elected officials to establish a no-weapons zone in the Macomb County Circuit Court building and the attached County buildings, which can only be implemented through a search of persons and objects entering the buildings. Therefore:

Weapons (other than those carried by authorized law enforcement personnel and authorized Macomb County personnel), dangerous objects and explosives are prohibited in the Macomb County Circuit Court and County buildings located at 40 North Main, 10 North Main, and One South Main, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. "Weapons, dangerous objects and explosives" include but are not limited to, firearms, edged weapons and explosives as these objects are defined by common usage.

Security personnel under the control of the Circuit Court may search the person and belongings of any and every person who wishes to enter the Macomb County Circuit Court building and the attached County buildings. Any person who refuses to cooperate may be removed from the buildings.

The initial screening of individuals entering the buildings will be by metal detecting equipment and the X-ray screening of personal property. The intrusiveness of any additional search and the length of detention, if any, shall be based upon reasonable suspicion that a further search of the person or object to be searched will reveal a weapon or other dangerous object that could be used to harm or injure.

Administrative Order 1997-1 is REPEALED. This order shall be effective on and after August 2, 1999, until modified by the Court.

Peter J. Maceroni, Chief Judge
Dated: July 29, 1999

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