4.2 Firearms and weapons

1. It is illegal to possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a federal court facility with or without the intent to commit a crime (Title 18, U.S.C. § 930). Firearms, knives, explosives, and other weapons are prohibited in federal court facilities and subject to confiscation.
2. Exceptions to this rule include:
   
   1. judicial officers, the United States marshal, deputy marshals, court security officers, and employees of the Federal Protective Service;
   2. federal law enforcement agencies having offices in a federal court facility are exempt from the provisions regarding the carrying of weapons while entering the building and while going to and from the floor where their offices are located;
   3. employees of United States Probation and Pretrial Services who are authorized by law and agency regulations to carry firearms in the performance of their official duties may possess firearms in this facility to the extent necessary to transport such firearms by the most direct route available to and from their offices. In accordance with regulations of the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, all firearms shall be secured while present within their offices. The Chief U.S. Probation Officer will notify the United States Marshals Service in writing of all officers authorized to carry firearms. Employees of the United States Probation and Pretrial Services are prohibited from carrying firearms into courtrooms; and
   4. state, county, and local law enforcement officers who are:
      
      1. escorting prisoners to and from court under the direction of the United States Marshals Service, or
      2. assisting the United States Marshals Service by supporting or providing additional security, as directed, in and around federal court facilities.
3. All other federal, state or local law enforcement officers are required to identify themselves and store their weapons in weapons lock boxes maintained by the United States Marshals Service. For security purposes, officers may be required to be screened after securing their weapons.
4. The handling of firearms as exhibits in trials is governed by an administrative order issued by the court.
5. An exception to this rule regarding weapons or firearms may only be made by the Chief Judge or the judge in whose courtroom the proceedings are occurring.