Lehigh County Government Center: Weapons policy ? Weapons check-in ?

[ett]

I've searched, but did not find any thread already covering this.

I have a need to go to the Lehigh County Government Center located at 17 S 7th St, Allentown, PA 18101.
Word-of-mouth is that they prohibit weapons there.
Anyone know if they have a weapons check-in procedure ?

Thanks;

[IronSight]

They put in a small Sheriff's Office, basically a staffed closet, just to enact the weapons ban legally under state law because some of their workers in the civil offices there demanded it. Yes, they have a weapons check-in procedure. Notify the deputy just before the metal detectors (right inside the door) that you have a firearm to check in and they will take you through it. I've done it multiple times.

My personal recommendation would be to not carry with one in the chamber when checking in at PA facilities like this. Don't trust the deputy to be following all the safety rules when you check in your firearm there.

[longcall911]

They put in a small Sheriff's Office, basically a staffed closet, just to enact the weapons ban legally under state law because some of their workers in the civil offices there demanded it. Yes, they have a weapons check-in procedure. Notify the deputy just before the metal detectors (right inside the door) that you have a firearm to check in and they will take you through it. I've done it multiple times.

My personal recommendation would be to not carry with one in the chamber when checking in at PA facilities like this. Don't trust the deputy to be following all the safety rules when you check in your firearm there.

Any idea as to what basis they use to claim authority to prohibit? I'll be going with ett and will see if they have a court or detention facility, but from what I've heard they don't. I'll also be asking the question of guards, but frankly, don't expect that anyone is going to be able to answer it.

[Sgt.K]

They put in a small Sheriff's Office, basically a staffed closet, just to enact the weapons ban legally under state law because some of their workers in the civil offices there demanded it. Yes, they have a weapons check-in procedure. Notify the deputy just before the metal detectors (right inside the door) that you have a firearm to check in and they will take you through it. I've done it multiple times.

My personal recommendation would be to not carry with one in the chamber when checking in at PA facilities like this. Don't trust the deputy to be following all the safety rules when you check in your firearm there.

Any idea as to what basis they use to claim authority to prohibit? I'll be going with ett and will see if they have a court or detention facility, but from what I've heard they don't. I'll also be asking the question of guards, but frankly, don't expect that anyone is going to be able to answer it.

Having a Sheriff's Office falls under the statutory definitions of "courthouse". Why they have the office is irrelevant, but - since they do - they need to have lockers.

[ett]

Thanks for the replies/info guys !

[PAMedic=F|A=]

I one argue that there is one Sheriff. They can only have one office.

[ett]

They put in a small Sheriff's Office, basically a staffed closet, just to enact the weapons ban legally under state law because some of their workers in the civil offices there demanded it. Yes, they have a weapons check-in procedure. Notify the deputy just before the metal detectors (right inside the door) that you have a firearm to check in and they will take you through it. I've done it multiple times.

My personal recommendation would be to not carry with one in the chamber when checking in at PA facilities like this. Don't trust the deputy to be following all the safety rules when you check in your firearm there.

Thanks again for the info !

I went to the Lehigh County Commissioners meeting last night.
And weapons check-in was exactly as you described.

1. Just before the metal detectors I notified the deputies I had a weapon to check in.
   (Since I was open carrying; my telling them was a bit redundant. BUT necessary.)
2. The deputy had me; like all people; empty the contents of my pockets and send them through the xray.
3. They had me walk through the metal detector with weapon still on my hip.
4. Once I passed through the metal detector, the deputy wanded me; like they do with all people.
5. They had me gather my pocket contents from the xray,
6. The deputy thanked me for being honest and informing them I had a weapon.
7. Another deputy escorted me to their office.
8. They asked for my LTCF as identification.
9. They noted my name, weapon make, and time on a duplicate receipt.
10. They had me place my holstered weapon and holstered extra mags into a cardboard box.
11. They taped the box shut and labeled it.
12. They had me sign the receipt.
13. And then gave me the pink copy of the receipt.

When leaving the process was similar.
So at no time did they physically handle my weapon.
They were very friendly and professional throughout the entire process.

[PAMedic=F|A=]

Thanks again for the info !

I went to the Lehigh County Commissioners meeting last night.
And weapons check-in was exactly as you described.

1. Just before the metal detectors I notified the deputies I had a weapon to check in.
   (Since I was open carrying; my telling them was a bit redundant. BUT necessary.)
2. The deputy had me; like all people; empty the contents of my pockets and send them through the xray.
3. They had me walk through the metal detector with weapon still on my hip.
4. Once I passed through the metal detector, the deputy wanded me; like they do with all people.
5. They had me gather my pocket contents from the xray,
6. The deputy thanked me for being honest and informing them I had a weapon.
7. Another deputy escorted me to their office.
8. They asked for my LTCF as identification.
9. They noted my name, weapon make, and time on a duplicate receipt.
10. They had me place my holstered weapon and holstered extra mags into a cardboard box.
11. They taped the box shut and labeled it.
12. They had me sign the receipt.
13. And then gave me the pink copy of the receipt.

When leaving the process was similar.
So at no time did they physically handle my weapon.
They were very friendly and professional throughout the entire process.

I hope they put that box in a locker, the way the law requires.

[donotknowme]

I hope they put that box in a locker, the way the law requires.

It was packing tape not masking tape so it was plenty secure. Locker not needed.

[Sgt.K]

Locker not needed.

ummm...

§ 913(e) Facilities for checking firearms or other dangerous weapons.--Each county shall make available at or within the building containing a court facility by July 1, 2002, lockers or similar facilities at no charge or cost for the temporary checking of firearms by persons carrying firearms under section 6106(b) or 6109 or for the checking of other dangerous weapons that are not otherwise prohibited by law.