Operation Control Center


The Suffolk Sheriff's Office maintains security in the Mills E Godwin, Jr. Courts building to ensure the safety of all citizens that enter. From 2008 to 2017 over 123,000 weapons and contraband were confiscated.

Entering the Courthouse

The Building Security Division is the primary division responsible for the safe operation of Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex.  As well as operating a secure lock up facility within building the Security Division assist the Courts Division with staffing courtrooms when needed and with the transporting of incarcerated adults and juveniles throughout the state.  The Security Division also monitors the vast number of cameras located throughout the building and serves as a dispatch center for the courts building and the Civil Enforcement Division.

Contraband Not Allowed in the Courthouse                                   

All persons who enter the courts complex are subject to search.  When entering, visitors will be required to have all packages, purses, bags, wallets and any other item deemed necessary to be scanned.  Those persons with a health condition or other medical issues may request alternative forms of search.

The items listed below are a sample of the type of items that would be considered contraband and are not allowed into the building. The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office will not secure any items deemed contraband as they must be removed from the facility.  

  • Ammunition
  • Cameras or any type of recording equipment
  • Guns (with or without concealed weapons permit)
  • Handcuff keys
  • Nail files / fingernail clippers
  • Tablets / Smart Phones / Smart watches or any other electronic device
  • Pocket knives
  • Tools
  • Forks
  • Lighters
  • Other items deemed to be contraband by the Sheriff or Director of Security