The purpose of  court security it to keep the public, the judge, and anyone entering the courtroom safe from any possible danger.  Court security staff arrives approximately an hour before court convenes to conduct a search of the facility and to test certain devices.  Their goal is to ensure safety by examining anything out of the ordinary that may pose a potential threat (i.e., hidden weapons, items or materials within the perimeter that may have suffered tampering, blocked emergency exits, etc.).  Searching within the court room, around the building and in the court house parking areas is all part of the normal procedure exercised on a regular basis by the court security staff.

Contingency plans are in place to address security concerns for "high profile" trials.  These trials would include cases that generate a significant increase in media attention, and those that carry a significant risk to either party regardless of the outcome of the case.

With the completion of the new judicial center in December 2010, the sheriff's staff was increased to four part time court security deputies.  These officers are Sgt. Frank J. Boyer, III, Rex Leftridge, Steve Sorenson, and W.H. Smith.  Sgt. Boyer is in charge of the court holding section and prisoner transports on court days; Deps. Leftridge and Smith typically work in the district court rooms; Dep. Sorenson typically conducts the screening of persons entering the building for court appearances.

Boyer previously served as a jail shift supervisor; Smith is a retired Virginia State Trooper; and Sorenson is a retired Richmond City Police homicide investigator.  

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