Court Security-Bailiff

Sevier, County of (TN); Sevierville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Sevier County in Tennessee seeks a Court Security Deputy to supervise criminal offenders and others with business before the courts. The role includes maintaining order in court, escorting inmates, and providing security for courthouse offices. Aggressive or dangerous situations may occur and officers must intervene swiftly and safely.

Certification, driver’s license, and weapons training are required. The position demands strong decision making, organizational ability and physical stamina to

Qualifications

• Must be a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officer in Tennessee.
• Possession of a valid Tennessee Driver’s License with F endorsement.
• Proficient in the use of small firearms.
• Thorough knowledge of safety and security procedures utilized in courtroom proceedings.
• Knowledge of the legal issues involved with intake and custody of criminal offenders.

Responsibilities

• Opens and closes the courtroom and maintains a constant presence during all court proceedings.
• Maintains order and decorum in the courtroom and provides security while court is in session.
• Arrests defendants in the courtroom and places them in custody.
• Provides written notices to defendants regarding future court dates.
• Provides instructions and information to individuals attending and/or participating in court proceedings.
• Conducts searches of criminal offenders to inspect for weapons, illegal drugs, etc.
• Transports criminal offenders to and from appearances in general sessions, criminal, juvenile and/or civil court.
• Intervenes in disruptive and/or unruly behavior by defendants, associates and/or family members.
• Explains policies and procedures to individuals taken into custody and notifies them of their rights and responsibilities.

Skills

POST Certified

Interpersonal skills

Decision making

Public communication

Court security experience

Education

High school diploma required

Associate/Bachelor in Criminal Justice preferred

Job description

This is responsible work involving the supervision of criminal offenders and other individuals having business before the courts in Sevier County and assisting with the security of the offices located in the courthouse. The primary activities associated with the job include maintaining order and security during general sessions, civil, juvenile and criminal court proceedings and accompanying inmates to and from correctional facilities and the courtroom. Additional duties involve taking individuals into custody when necessary, diffusing any potentially dangerous or volatile situations between inmates, family members and witnesses and providing general assistance to the judge, family members and the public. Deputies are subject to potentially life-threatening situations involving criminal offenders, associates and family members. Job responsibilities require certification as bonded police officer, strong interpersonal, organizational and decision-making skills and sufficient strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job. Job performance is evaluated by the Judges having jurisdiction in Sevier County and the Court Security Corporal and/or the Court Security Sergeant through review of the control of courtroom proceedings, supervision of inmates while in custody, security of the court house and interactions with defendants, family members, witnesses and the public.

• Opens and closes the courtroom and maintains a constant presence during all court proceedings.
• Maintains appropriate order and decorum in the courtroom and provides security while court is in session.
• Arrests defendants in the courtroom and places them in custody.
• Provides written notices to defendants regarding future court dates.
• Provides instructions and information to individuals attending and/or participating in court proceedings.
• Conducts searches of criminal offenders to inspect for weapons, illegal drugs, etc.
• Transports criminal offenders to and from appearances in general sessions, criminal, juvenile and/or civil court.
• Intervenes in the event of disruptive and/or unruly behavior by defendants, associates and/or family members.
• Explains policies and procedures to individuals taken into custody and notifies them of their rights and responsibilities.
• Serves warrants and related court documents when not in court.
• Maintains courtroom supplies and transports documents to and from the jail and other correctional institutions.
• Completes forms and documentation required by federal and state laws and regulations, and departmental procedures.
• Performs various administrative tasks when required including answering the telephone, copying files, etc.
• Interacts with correctional officers, family members, guardians, counselors, and associates of individuals taken into custody or having business before the court.
• Provides general security for all offices located in the court house and responds to alarms and/or emergency situations.
• Performs related duties as required.

Necessary Requirements of Work

Graduation from an accredited high school (mandatory) or graduation from an accredited college (preferred) for higher education (Associate or Bachelor Degree) in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement; and/or considerable experience in law enforcement; experience working in correctional facilities; sufficient physical ability and agility to perform the job in a variety of weather conditions; ability to interact effectively with the public; strong decision making and organizational skills; considerable knowledge of criminal and civil law or any equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Must be a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officer in the state of Tennessee.
• Possession of a valid Tennessee Driver’s License with F endorsement and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
• Must be proficient in the use of small fire arms.
• Thorough knowledge of safety and security procedures utilized in courtroom proceedings.
• Thorough knowledge of the legal issues involved with providing courtroom security.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to the intake and custody of criminal offenders.
• Knowledge of general sessions, civil, juvenile and criminal court proceedings and protocols.
• Knowledge of standard documents utilized in courtroom proceedings.
• Knowledge of basic first aide, universal precautions for exposure to blood borne pathogens and CPR.
• Knowledge of radio communication procedures and protocols.
• Ability to operate commonly used office equipment including FAX machines, telephones, copiers, etc.
• Ability to remain attentive and aware of potentially dangerous situations during courtroom proceedings.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with correctional officers, family members and the public.
• Ability to react in an appropriate and timely manner to emergency situations.
• Ability to generate and maintain required documentation for detention facility intake and operations.
• Ability to perform the physically demanding aspects of the position and control defendants and/or family members when necessary.

Preferred Special Requirements

• All Sheriff's Office personnel are required to maintain the highest standards of integrity, honesty and ethical behavior and conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times whether or not they are performing job related duties.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Certification by a qualified professional in the psychiatric or psychological fields as free of all apparent mental disorders as described in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
• Certification by a licensed physician designated by the agency as physically capable of performing necessary duties.
• Fingerprints must be on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Cannot have been convicted or plead guilty, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances.
• Cannot have been released or discharged under any conditions except an honorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States Military.
• Possession of a valid Tennessee driver’s license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
• Should attend courtroom security seminars and briefings.

Certifications

• CPR/AED certification annually (preferred).
• P.O.S.T. certification.
• Firearms certification.
• Radar gun certification (preferred).
• Chemical Weapons certification.
• Intoximeter Operator certification.
• Taser certification.
• Baton certification.
• SFST Certification (preferred).

Note: Must obtain a minimum of 40 hours in service training per year to maintain certification(s).

Physical Requirements

• This is moderate to heavy work requiring considerable static, explosive, dynamic and trunk strength and requiring the exertion of up to 80lbs of force occasionally and up to 10lbs of force frequently to move objects.
• Work requires considerable flexibility, mobility and speed of limb movement.
• Work requires considerable effort and stamina.
• Work requires both gross body equilibrium and coordination for balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling and walking.
• Work requires considerable arm/ hand steadiness and manual and finger dexterity.
• Quality, in-person communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas.
• Hearing is required to receive information in both quiet and noisy environments and determine the direction of sounds.
• Visual acuity is required for the inspection of small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of office equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, color differentiation, and observing general surroundings and activities.
• The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.