Storage of Weapons While In A Courthouse

[normanvin]

Originally Posted by knight0334

One thing to note is, if its a Federal Court house, they are not required by PA law to provide storage and just simple entering a Fed court with the gun is a crime. Only state level and lessor courts are required under the law.

Good point..

[Statkowski]

Yes, federal court houses are a different breed, but you'll note that the original poster referred to a county court house, where storage facilities are required.

Best way to do it is just show up there and ask where to store your handgun. "Store it in your car" is not an acceptable response.

[HiredGoon]

Originally Posted by GHF

According to my sister, the postings are up, but there is no storage facility. She is in there almost every day, and has no idea where they might be.

Has anybody had any direct contact with the Washington County Sheriff's Office that might shed some light on this?

Maybe there are no lockers, but the sheriff locks the guns up in his office????

[pyld]

Originally Posted by GHF

According to my sister, the postings are up, but there is no storage facility. She is in there almost every day, and has no idea where they might be.

She should ask. That's probably the best place to start. If they don't have them, then it will turn into more work.

[sdsorrentino]

Per the Washington County Sheriffs office, just tell the Deputy at the metal detector. they'll store it and issue a receipt. He asked that you bring your drivers license and "permit." I believe that is so he can write down your info for the receipt.

I didn't feel like explaining the "permit" thing, or lack of one for OC. He said it takes a bit of time so show up a little earlier so you won't be late. I think he believed i had a court date or jury duty.

[poseidon5]

Westmoreland has lockers, and is kind of amusing. I've only used them once, but when I informed them that I had a firearm, I was directed to walk through the metal detector (now in the sterile zone) and walk over to the desk and let them know that I need to store a firearm (that was still holstered on my hip) I was taken to the locker, stored it, and kept the numbered key. Then I was directed to walk back to the front of the metal detector, and proceed through again. I want to point out that the desk is about 20 feet from the metal detector, but seemed a little goofey to me all the same.

[Statkowski]

You might want to write to the Westmoreland County Sheriff and point out the oxymoron presented by his checkpoint. Indiana County has the checkpoint before the metal detector.

[akapjr]

Was at Columbia county courthouse yesterday.Walk through front door and let guard know I need to check a firearm.She tells me look to my right.There are four mailboxes.She says take your pick.I store gun in holster and extra mag. in box and take the key.No problems.

[djturnz]

Originally Posted by poseidon5

Westmoreland has lockers, and is kind of amusing. I've only used them once, but when I informed them that I had a firearm, I was directed to walk through the metal detector (now in the sterile zone) and walk over to the desk and let them know that I need to store a firearm (that was still holstered on my hip) I was taken to the locker, stored it, and kept the numbered key. Then I was directed to walk back to the front of the metal detector, and proceed through again. I want to point out that the desk is about 20 feet from the metal detector, but seemed a little goofey to me all the same.

This is similar to how Adams County was. After a few emails to all the important people, it was changed.