Starting on September 15, 2005, the U.S. Marshals Service will no longer store cell phones and other electronic devices that visitors bring to the U.S. District Courthouse in Alexandria. You will be unable to enter the building if you bring these devices.

Cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants, cameras, tape recorders, laptop computers and other electronic devices have been prohibited in the courthouse for almost a decade. Visitors who mistakenly brought them have, until now, been able to store them in small lockers near the front door. The lockers are being discontinued for logistical and security reasons.

All visitors to the courthouse are covered by this policy. However, as is currently the case, attorneys who require laptops for their courtroom presentations can bring them provided they have prior written approval from a judge.