Motorcycle helmets, pointed objects and shopping bags were out ? anyone carrying such items was being politely told they would not be allowed to enter the Magistrates? Court building with them.

For those who were able to enter the courthouse, the experience was something akin to going through an airport security check.

A newly installed metal detector doorway, glass ?holding zone? and turntable exit were put into operation for the first time yesterday.

Three security guards ensured that all those entering complied with the rules and there seemed to be little fuss or problem as the new court security was introduced.

Indeed, one of those who went through the new screening process joked he was disappointed to find only court rooms and not an airplane on the other side.

Attorney Rick Woolridge, who has been practising in the UK for the past five years, was one of those impressed by the new security arrangements.

?This is probably even more advanced than the systems they have at the courts in England. It?s time it was done. In this day and age you need to protect your judges and court staff. It?s nice that Bermuda is stepping up to the plate,? said Mr. Woolridge.

Court visitor Lakersha Bovell was not troubled by having to go through the extra screening process at the door. She said: ?I?ve not experienced anything like this except at the Airport. It is a necessary precaution and I feel safer.

?It will stop the troublemakers at the door. You shouldn?t have to fear being assaulted in a public building.?

Lawyer Llewellyn Peniston said: ?It is first class. It is overdue and we need to have them in other public buildings.

?It provides safety and comfort to the Crown counsel, court staff and all parties concerned.?

The new system has been introduced as a precaution and also as a result of an incident last year when a machete was brought into the court building. It was put in place over the weekend and is of a similar configuration to those found in North American court houses, according to Safeguard International Security chief executive Carlton Crockwell.

Court acting administration officer Sharon Michael reported that most people were taking the new security arrangements in stride.

?I believe the public have accepted it and they are being cooperative. The only area that may be a challenge is when it comes to crash helmets. You can?t bring crash helmets into the building, or pointed objects or shopping,? she said.

?We have nowhere to secure such items so we are telling people to secure their helmet on their bike or ask someone outside to keep a hold of their helmet or shopping while they are in the court.?