Introduction of enhanced security measures at High Court Building
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The Judiciary today (January 4) announced that enhanced security measures under a pilot scheme will be introduced at the High Court Building (HCB) starting from January 31.
"The introduction of enhanced security measures aims to help ensure the safety of all judges and judicial officers, Judiciary staff and court users in the HCB," a Judiciary spokesman said.
The pilot scheme will cover the users of floors with courtrooms on LG4/F, and from 1/F to 14/F. Persons accessing these floors will be required to undergo security screening before they can gain access. Archway metal detectors will be installed and bag inspection will be conducted for court users. Additional staff and security guards will be deployed to provide guidance and assistance for court users.
For users going to 1/F to 14/F, security screening will be conducted on G/F of the HCB, while those for the courtrooms at LG4/F will be screened on LG4/F.
In general, screening will be carried out from 7.45am to 6pm on weekdays and from 7.45am to 1pm on Saturdays. Screening will also be arranged for urgent court hearings held outside the normal court hours.
The spokesman said, "A dedicated lane will be in place to facilitate the screening for frequent court users such as legal representatives and members of the media to access the floors with courtrooms more expeditiously."
Out of security consideration, court users will not be allowed to bring water or drinks into the floors with courtrooms upon implementation of screening.
The spokesman said, "The Judiciary will provide drinking water on the floors with courtrooms and, in the interest of protecting the environment, we encourage court users to bring their own cups.
"In addition, they may buy bottled water through the vending machines on court floors or buy drinks at the canteen on 1/F."
In implementing security screening in the HCB, the Judiciary will make every effort to minimise inconvenience to court users. However, it is inevitable that more time will be required for court users to gain access to courtrooms. The Judiciary urges the relevant parties and other court users to arrive at the HCB earlier, in particular during the peak hours in the mornings or after the lunch breaks.
The spokesman added, "The Judiciary has all along been attaching great importance to security matters. We have carefully taken into account all relevant matters including operational efficiency and the convenience of court users when implementing such screening."
Security arrangements for the Family Court have been enhanced from November 15, 2017. The enhanced arrangements have been working smoothly.
Having regard to the operating experience of the pilot scheme at the HCB, the Judiciary will consider how and when the security screening may be extended to users of the registry floors from LG3/F to G/F of the HCB.
Appropriate security measures may also be gradually implemented in other court premises. Details will be announced in due course.
Ends/Thursday, January 4, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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