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E-MAIL: PIO@USCP.GOV 

PHONE: 202-224-9806

LAST UPDATED: 03/12/2024

UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE

WASHINGTON, DC 20510-7218

Security Screening for Visitors with Disabilities, Medical Conditions, Medical 

Devices, or Medications

• Officers may not request or require visitors to remove, test, or disable any 

medical device that is attached to the visitor. 

• Only a visitor, or a companion, may disconnect medical equipment from the 

visitor ahead of security screening. 

• Visitors with medical devices who need assistance with the screening process 

may have a companion provide assistance; however, the companion must be 

screened first. 

 

Pregnant Visitors

• Visitors who are pregnant may opt to be screened by a full body pat-down, 

instead of the walk-through magnetometer or enhanced screening portal. Medical 

documentation is not required.

Pacemakers, Defibrillators and Other Implanted Medical Devices 

• Visitors who have a metal implant are required to pass through the walk-through 

magnetometer.

 

Medical Oxygen or Respiratory-Related Equipment 

• Medical oxygen and respiratory-related equipment will be x-rayed, if possible, or 

physically inspected. 

 

Diabetes-Related Supplies or Other Exterior Attached Medical Devices 

• Visitors with surgically implanted insulin pumps/sensors or other exterior 

attached medical devices will use the walk-through magnetometer.

• If a visitor has medical documentation, they may opt to be screened with the 

hand-held magnetometer or by a full-body pat down in lieu of the walk-through 

magnetometer.

• Diabetes-related supplies and equipment will be x-rayed or physically inspected, 

and screened with an explosive trace detector.

 

Wheelchairs 

• If a visitor is able to walk, they may use the walk-through magnetometer. 

• If a visitor can stand, but not walk, the visitor will be screened with the hand-held 

magnetometer, away from the wheelchair. 

• If the visitor cannot stand or walk through the magnetometer, the visitor may be 

screened in the wheelchair with a hand-held magnetometer.
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• There will also be a physical inspection of the wheelchair, to include all packages 

that are attached to wheelchair. Those packages could be removed and put 

through the x-ray machine. (Exception - augmentation devices are not required to 

be removed from the wheelchair, but will be physically inspected and screened 

with an explosive trace detector.

• Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Devices (EPAMD) will be physically 

inspected, x-rayed, and/or screened with an explosive trace detector. Packages 

attached to the EPAMD could be removed and put into the x-ray machine.

Walkers, Crutches, and Canes

• If a visitor can briefly walk without the assistance of their walkers, crutches, or 

canes, the devices should be x-rayed. Collapsible canes should be collapsed 

before they are placed on the x-ray belt. (Exception - visually impaired visitors 

will have their canes physically inspected so they may guide themselves through 

the walk-through magnetometer). 

• Attached baskets or bags must be x-rayed.

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing 

• Visitors who are deaf or hard-of-hearing do not have to remove their hearing aids 

or related devices, however the officers may do a visual inspection.

• A companion may assist a visitor with communication regarding the screening 

process. 

Prosthetic Devices, Casts, or Body Braces

• Visitors with prosthetic devices, casts, or body braces will not be required to 

remove them, however officers will perform a physical inspection of the prosthetic 

device, cast, or body brace. 

Orthopedic Shoes or Support Appliances

• Visitors will use the walk-through magnetometer.

Medical Dressings

• Visitors will not be required to remove a medical dressing, but a pat-down may 

be necessary if an alarm goes off from the magnetometer.

Medication and Supplies

• Medication and supplies will be x-rayed or physically inspected.

Service Animals

• All Service Animals will be subject to screening. 

• Visitors are requested to maintain control of their service animal using a harness 

or leash.

• If the animal is in a carrier, the visitors will remove the animal from its carrier and 

place the carrier on the x-ray machine. If unable to remove the animal from the 
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carrier, the carrier will be subject to physical inspection and/or explosive trace 

detection.

• Visitors can advise the best way for the individual and a service animal to pass 

through the walkthrough magnetometer (e.g. walking together or single file with 

the animal front or behind the individual).

• If either the individual or the animal cause the walk-through magnetometer to 

single alarm, both the individual and the animal will be screened with a handheld 

magnetometer. 

• Visitors will not be required to put their animal through the x-ray machine or 

enhanced screening portals.

Private Screening Areas

• Visitors have the option of utilizing a private screening area for the following:

o Private Screening for a limited pat-down of a sensitive area.

 Sensitive areas are identified as follows:

• Male – Genitals and buttocks.

• Female – Breast, genitals and buttocks.

o Private Screening for a full body pat-down.

• If private screening is elected, two screeners of the same gender as the visitor 

will conduct the screening. 

• Visitors with Infants and small children will not be separated from their party. 

Infants and small children will accompany the individual to be screened in the 

private screening area. 

• When electing Private Screening, the Visitor’s packages will be carried to the 

private screening area by a U.S. Capitol Police Officer. 

• NOTE: Private Screening is optional and at the discretion of the visitor.