Polk County, IA Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) (Polk County, IA). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Iowa Judicial Branch District Court Decorum Order (Polk County). No lockers are needed at Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide Iowa court rule to Polk County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (515) 286-3772 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines)
- Address
- 500 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (515) 286-3772
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~1,804 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.iowacourts.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Polk County Juror Parking Facility (Des Moines Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Polk County Juror Garage in downtown Des Moines. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Des Moines local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Polk County)
Authority: Iowa Judicial Branch District Court Decorum Order (Polk County) · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (Iowa); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Polk County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Allowed (silent mode in courtrooms) | “Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) Courtroom Decorum Rule: "Cell phones are permitted in courthouse common areas and the jury assembly room, but must be silenced or powered off inside courtrooms."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones allowed on silent | “Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) Courtroom Decorum Rule: "Cell phones are permitted in courthouse common areas and the jury assembly room, but must be silenced or powered off inside courtrooms."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | No lockers needed (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Polk County Juror Parking Facility (Des Moines Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Polk County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Polk County Juror Parking Facility (Des Moines Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) Courtroom Decorum Rule: "Cell phones are permitted in courthouse common areas and the jury assembly room, but must be silenced or powered off inside courtrooms."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Polk County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches allowed (silent) | “Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) Courtroom Decorum Rule: "Cell phones are permitted in courthouse common areas and the jury assembly room, but must be silenced or powered off inside courtrooms."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Polk County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 500 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers | Validated free (Polk County Juror Parking Facility (Des Moines Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Polk County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
You may bring your cell phone inside on silent mode. Do not take your phone out inside a courtroom unless the judge explicitly asks you to display digital proof of insurance or exhibits.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Polk County, IA
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Polk County, IA, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Polk County Courthouse in Des Moines, IA?
Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) (Polk County, IA). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Iowa Judicial Branch District Court Decorum Order (Polk County).
Does Polk County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
No lockers are needed at Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security.
Where do I park for jury duty at Polk County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Polk County Juror Parking Facility (Des Moines Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Polk County Juror Garage in downtown Des Moines. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Polk County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Polk County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Polk County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (515) 286-3772 or consult a local Polk County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Other County Courthouses in Iowa
Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Polk County Courthouse (Des Moines)? Submit a verified update.