To see the Emergency Response Guide, click here.  

Statehouse Security FAQs

Ohio Administrative Code 128-04-02(10) Weapons- with the exceptions of those carried by peace officers in the course of their duties and as expressly authorized under division (N) of section 105.41 of the Revised Code, firearms or other weapons, concealed or otherwise, are prohibited within the capitol buildings without the express written permission of the board. 

Q. Where can I enter the Statehouse?

A. The Ohio Statehouse has three public entrances located at Third Street, State Street and the southwest sliding-glass doors from the underground parking garage. 

Q. Does the Ohio Statehouse have ADA compliant entrances?

A. Yes, the Third Street and underground parking garage south sliding-glass doors entrances are ADA compliant.

Q. What items are subject to inspection?

A. All items brought into the Ohio Statehosue are subject to inspection.

Q. What items are prohibited that I will not be permitted to bring into the Ohio Statehouse?

A. Any device deemed unsafe or dangerous by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) or Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) will not be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, weapons, knives, explosives, signs on poles and chemical mace. 

Q. What items will be screened by the x-ray machine?

A. All bags, packages or personal items carried into the Statehouse are subject to inspection or x-ray screening.

Q. Is it safe to stand or walk near an x-ray machine that is producing x-rays?

A. The X-ray machines used to check bags and packages entering the Statehouse have safety mechanisms to prevent radiation from leaving the X-ray chamber inside the machine. The machines are inspected by the Ohio Department of Health to ensure these mechanisms are working properly, and there is no exposure of radiation outside the sampling chamber.  

Q. Do I have to empty my pockets prior to going through the metal detector?

A. Yes, all personal belongings (i.e. car keys, pocket change, mobile phone, etc.) must be removed from pockets prior to going through the metal detector. 

Q. Can I bring a backpack into the Ohio Statehouse?

A. Yes; backpacks are permitted inside the Ohio Statehouse after being inspected or X-rayed at one of the public entrances.

Q. Can I avoid having to go through secuirty screening (metal detector and bag check) when I enter the Ohio Statehouse?

A. All visitors of the Statehouse must go through secuirty screening. If you are a CSRAB employee, employee of a State of Ohio agency with offices in the Ohio Statehouse, State of Ohio elected official, State of Ohio agency director, Governor's cabinet member, OLCA press member or JLEC registered lobbyist you may request electronic ingress to the access control turnstiles at each entry. 

Q. If I have an Ohio Statehouse issued ID badge and I forgot it, do I have to go through the metal detector?

A. Yes, any individual without an Ohio Statehouse ID on their person must go through the metal detector.

Q. Are tour groups required to go through the metal detectors?

A. Yes, all visitors are required to go through the metal detectors. Tours scheduled with the Ohio Statehouse Museum and Education Center will be supplied with instructions to go through security and how to enter the building prior to their visit. 

Q. How long will it take me to go through the metal dectector?

A. As long as you remove metal objects from your person before walking into the metal detector, as instructed, the process only takes only as long as it takes you to walk through the metal dectector. 

Q. What are the hours of operation of the Ohio Statehouse?

A. Hours of operation for the Ohio Statehouse are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and weekends, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.