No cellphone, smartwatch policy coming to Luzerne County Courthouse
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new policy will soon be in effect at the Luzerne County Courthouse.
According to court officials, they’ve faced issues with people receiving phone calls or alarms going off during court. They’ve also dealt with people recording video or audio.
That’s why starting Thursday, those attending the Court of Common Pleas proceedings will have to turn off their cellphones and smartwatches and keep them in locked pouches.
A new no-phone or smartwatch policy is now in effect at the Luzerne County Courthouse and the Bernard C. Brominski building.
“Anyone entering a courtroom will be required when they enter the building, they’ll be asked the question where they’re going, and at that point, if they’re entering a courtroom, the phone will be placed in the bag,” said Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Michael T. Vough.
Judge Vough says visitors are allowed to keep the locked pouch with them.
Before leaving the building, the bag is unlocked using a device installed in the courthouse, and their items can be retrieved.
PSU Wilkes-Barre hosting eclipse viewing party
The pouches are then returned near security. He says there are a few exceptions.
“All employees are exempt from the phone bag situation. Anyone not going to a courtroom. So if you come into the courthouse to get a gun permit or you come to the courthouse to record a deed or go to the prothonotaries to pick up paperwork or file an appeal, you’re exempt,” Judge Vough said.
Also on that list are attorneys and their teams.
The court will also grant exemptions to those who need their phone or device for medical reasons.
People, 28/22 News spoke with say they aren’t on board with the bags.
“I don’t like it at all. What is this helping? Who is this helping? Not me. Not anybody that needs to come here. Because god forbid something happens and they’re not aware,” said Wilkes-Barre resident Jesus Rodriguez.
“I don’t think that it’s something that should be done. There are many reasons that people have their cell phones, carrying with them. And it’s as simple as you do have children and your kids are home and they need to talk to you and it’s an emergency. By the time you go find the security to have you unlock the bag so you can see what’s happening, it may be too late,” a concerned citizen said.
The bags are very difficult to open, but if you do manage to do so or you violate the policy in any way, you could face fines or jail time.
You can go out of the building during recess to take a phone call, but after re-entering, you will have to go through security and put your phone back in the pouch.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
