The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     The Judiciary announced today (January 12) that starting tomorrow (January 13), a new security screening area on the lower ground fourth floor (LG4/F) of the High Court Building (HCB) will commence operation to cope with the greater number of court users arising from increased court facilities.
 
     Court users of the HCB are currently required to undergo security screening before they can gain access to the controlled areas (including courtrooms, court lobbies and associated facilities) of the building.
             
     With effect from January 13, there will be a new security screening area with three channels on LG4/F in addition to the existing security screening channels on G/F. Court users going to the courtrooms on LG4/F or any floors from 1/F to 14/F may undergo security screening at either of the above screening areas. The new arrangement will bring about more flexibility and convenience to court users as those entering from LG4/F can be screened on that floor for direct access to the floors from 1/F to 14/F, instead of going to G/F for screening as at present. There will also be a new entrance on LG4/F for accessing the new security screening area. All court users should follow the directional signs and directives of the Judiciary staff or security personnel when entering the HCB.
 
     "Security screening, including body screening by metal detectors and bag inspection, aims to prevent prohibited items such as knives, scissors, liquids, etc from being brought into the controlled areas of court premises," a spokesman for the Judiciary said.
 
     To further enhance the security measures at the HCB, the Judiciary will introduce the use of X-ray baggage scanners on both LG4/F and G/F of the HCB, and extend the security screening to all court users of the HCB upon completion of the relevant preparatory work.
                  
     "In implementing the security measures at the HCB, the Judiciary is making every effort to enable the smooth and orderly access by the court users. However, as the screening procedures take time, the Judiciary urges all court users to arrive at the HCB earlier, in particular during peak hours in the morning or after lunch break," the spokesman added.

Ends/Friday, January 12, 2024
Issued at HKT 15:00

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