What is the purpose of a metal detector in a court building?

The primary purpose of a metal detector in a court building is to screen for weapons. This function is crucial for maintaining the safety and security of the courtroom, which is a public space where legal proceedings and sensitive interactions take place. By using metal detectors, court officers and security personnel can identify and prevent unauthorized weapons from entering the courtroom, thereby protecting judges, court staff, attorneys, litigants, and the public from potential harm.

Screening for weapons is vital because courtroom environments can be emotionally charged, and ensuring that no firearms or other dangerous metallic objects are present contributes to a more secure and orderly proceeding. The presence of metal detectors reinforces the importance of safety protocols in high-stakes legal settings.

In contrast, while monitoring for suspicious activity, controlling access to restricted areas, and detecting fires are all important aspects of overall security in a court building, they do not directly align with the specific function of metal detectors. Metal detectors are explicitly designed for weapon detection rather than broader security concerns.