Cell phones will not be allowed in Vermilion Parish courthouse starting next month

Starting in February, cell phones will not be allowed in courthouses in Vermilion and Acadia parishes. A court order recently was signed by Judge Marilyn Castile banning cell phones from the two courthouses.
The district court in Lafayette Parish already does not allow cell phones.
When a person walks into the Vermilion Parish courthouse, the first thing they have to do is go through security.
Two Rivers Security Guards greet the courthouse visitors and then ask them to empty out their personal belongings. The popular items placed into the plastic box are keys, money, jewelry and cell phones.
Now, when a cell phone is dropped into the plastic box to get scanned, it will be given back to the owner and told cell phones are not allowed in the courthouse.
The person will then have to walk back to their vehicle where they will leave their cell phone.
Don’t try to sneak a cell phone through the security check because it won’t work, either.
A cell phone accidently left in a pocket or purse will activate the walk-through security machine. If that happens, the security guards will tell you to take the phone back to your vehicle. The security guards will not hold your cell phones because they do not want to be responsible for them.
If you do sneak a cell phone in and are seen talking or texting on it, security will be contacted, and you will be removed from the courthouse.
Linda Duhon, the administrator for the Vermilion Parish Police Jury, said signs will be placed at the front entrance of the courthouse to remind people, not to bring their cell phones.
Courthouse employees and attorneys will be allowed to bring their cell phone into the courthouse.
No reason was given as to why cell phones are no longer allowed in the courthouse. Duhon said the police jury is following the court’s order.