Bailiff Court Security

Alachua County Sheriff's Office (FL); Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Alachua County Sheriff's Office (FL) is seeking a certified Bailiff to maintain security and decorum in the courts and assist jurors with their needs. The role includes responding to emergencies, evacuations, and monitoring security equipment while operating security posts at courthouse entrances.

The Bailiff will work under the Court Security Sergeant, perform required duties in accordance with ACSO procedures, and support the judge and court staff as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s Degree preferred.
• FCJSTC/FDLE certification or equivalent may be required.
• Physically capable of meeting department standards and passing agility and firearms trainings.

Responsibilities

• Provide courthouse security for judges, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, prisoners, defendants, and the public.

Skills

Security procedures

Emergency response

Court security

Observation & reporting

English fluency

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Associate’s Degree

Tools

Firearms

Defensive Tactics

Job description

Highly responsible position requiring a certified Bailiff to be responsible for maintaining security and decorum in the various courts of the judicial system and handle the needs of the jurors assigned to the various court functions. Responds to emergencies within the courthouse and assists with emergency evacuations of the building. Responsible for operation of security posts at the main and employee entrances and for monitoring the security equipment located in the control room.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Court Security Sergeant. Performance is evaluated through observation, results obtained, appropriate employee performance appraisals, and oral/written reports.

• Abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics"
• Bailiffs shall only exercise their authority as a law enforcement official to perform arrests while at the courthouse, investigate complaints which are assigned or brought to their attention, and report or take law enforcement action in those cases under the jurisdiction of ACSO limited to the courthouse locations; in all other instances, an on-duty Deputy Sheriff will be dispatched to investigate calls for service
• Provide security for judges, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, prisoners in custody, defendants, and the general public
• Open court, including Circuit Court, County Court, Juvenile Court, and other judicial proceedings that require a bailiff
• Ensure the efficient day-to-day operations of the courtroom and other judicial functions
• Handle the jury including, but not limited to, checking to determine if all are present, catering to the needs of the jury, ensuring the seclusion of the jury, and obtaining meals and lodging when necessary
• Call witnesses in court
• Respond to emergencies or occurrences of a serious or unusual nature which arise within the courthouse and ensure the immediate response to alarms within the courthouse
• Take immediate police action or other action deemed necessary to resolve conflicts of a potentially violent nature and resolve any disturbance which might arise in the courthouse
• Conduct inquiries on suspicious persons and possible courthouse security problems
• Perform miscellaneous duties assigned by the judge
• Assist with service of civil process as required
• Perform additional duties as required by the Sheriff or through necessity of situation
• Apprehend and/or arrest people suspected of committing criminal violations or for whom a warrant has been issued in the courthouse
• Assist with the emergency evacuation of the courthouse and initial emergency inspection of the building during emergencies, such as a bomb threat
• Notify appropriate authorities and provide emergency assistance in disaster or other emergency situations
• Maintain an alert, business-like manner and military bearing upon the street or within the courthouse
• Observe all persons who arouse suspicion and investigate any person whose appearance, conduct, or presence seems suspicious
• Write all reports as directed in departmental procedures

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of specific job functions or tasks does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to, or inherent in the position.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma / GED
  Required
• Associate's Degree or better
  Preferred

Preferred Major(s): Law Enforcement or other related field

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Meet or exceed all applicable standards required by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (FCJSTC)
• Successfully complete all ACSO Field Training requirements
• Prior law enforcement experience desired

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

• Current, valid CJSTC/FDLE Law Enforcement Certification

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a citizen of the United States

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit/stand for extended periods of time
• See/hear at normal range
• Speak, read, write, and understand English fluently
• Ambulate independently
• Lift/carry 150 pounds
• Push/pull moderate to heavy loads
• Bend and squat
• Manual dexterity
• Pass ACSO’s standard Physical Agility test as required
• Pass ACSO’s Firearms and Defensive Tactics courses as required
• Pass all other courses/training as mandated by ACSO and/or FCJSTC

• Skilled in the use and care of firearms and other required law enforcement equipment
• Ability to maintain the physical condition needed to affect arrests, subdue resisting individuals, chase fleeing suspect, lift and carry both equipment and injured persons, force entry into buildings, climb flight of stairs, walk, stand, or sit for long periods of time, endure exposure to extreme weather, and perform lifesaving procedures such as Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support
• Ability to maintain the mental alertness needed to observe activities and implement appropriate action
• Ability to act effectively without direct supervision
• Ability to act effectively in extremely divergent inter-personal settings
• Ability to analyze problems quickly and take appropriate action under stress
• Ability to apply modern law enforcement principles and procedures to solve practical problems; to handle sensitive and hostile public contacts
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to comprehend and follow orders
• Ability to obtain relevant and accurate information through interview, interrogation, and observation
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others
• Ability to remember names, faces, and details of incidents and physical surroundings