Allow extra time when visiting DuPage courthouse

Remember the adage, "Early is on time and on time is late?"

Undersheriff Frank Bibbiano hopes you heed that advice when doing business or visiting the DuPage County Courthouse over the next few months. The weather and an increase in the volume of cases on the docket are adding a significant amount of time to get through the screening process.

Generally, it's recommended you arrive at the courthouse a minimum of 45 minutes prior to your scheduled time. This normally will allow sufficient time to enter the facility, go through the security screening process, and report to your assigned courtroom or visit one of the many departments located within the facility.

The security screening process is very similar to that of passing through airport security. All visitors entering the facility will be screened through the use of magnetometers and items will be X-ray scanned.

However, the screening process time can be greatly impeded during times of inclement weather, the weeks preceding and following holidays, and the first two months of the new year.

With this in mind, officials are recommending you allow yourself sufficient time if you have a scheduled court time or appointment.

Possession of prohibited items also will delay your entry into the facility, especially cellular phones with cameras. Visit www.dupageco.org/Courts/2381/ for additional information.

A limited number of free lockers are provided on the first floor of the courthouse parking garage and at the bus stop across from and west of the building.