Court Security Officer Supervisor

State-of-Delawar; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Delaware is seeking a Supervisory Court Security Officer to oversee security operations in court facilities, protecting staff and the public while enforcing court policies. You will supervise frontline security, manage incidents, and coordinate with law enforcement as needed.

The role requires experience in courtroom procedures, security protocols, and equipment operation, including CCTV, radios, and access control, with a focus on safety and compliance across all case types.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Behavioral Science or related field.
• Two years’ experience in security such as protective services to persons, facilities or grounds.
• One year of experience in ensuring compliance with courtroom safety and security laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, or procedures.
• One year of experience in courtroom procedures such as seating, swearing in of witnesses, presenting and marking evidence and knowledge of legal terminology.
• One year of experience in narrative report writing.
• Experience or coursework in staff supervision with lead-worker responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Enforces safety, security, and order in courtrooms and property.
• Observe and de-escalate potentially disruptive situations and respond to emergencies.
• Inspect court facilities for weapons and confiscate unauthorized items; secure evidence.
• Set up and operate CCTV, paging, radios, microphones, and other security equipment.
• Direct court proceedings, seating, and checking in defendants per ADA guidelines.
• Complete security training, defensive tactics, tasers, and OC spray certifications.
• Maintain records of proceedings and coordinate with law enforcement for searches and handcuffing sentenced defendants.
• Provide emergency medical assistance, CPR, AED, Narcan administration if needed.
• Assist with jury management and transport, scheduling, and offsite views as needed.
• Perform related duties including courtroom management of items for counsel tables.

Job description

Summary Statement

This is the supervisory level of court security officer work providing protection and security services by monitoring and ensuring the security and safety of state property, staff, and visitors within court facilities. In addition to work performed at the Court Security Officer II level, employees provide first line supervision of court security work, resolve escalated issues, and enforce courtroom and court facility policies and procedures for all case types and levels of risk. Officers possess the power of arrest and carry additional security/safety equipment as provided by each court.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental and core functions common to all positions in the class series. This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Enforces safety, security, and orderliness of courtrooms and property in compliance with applicable policies and procedures using defensive tactics and devices such as subduing and handcuffing individuals, using chemical propellants, tasers, or other equipment.
• Observes behavior and conduct of individuals to identify and de-escalate potentially disruptive and violent situations and takes appropriate action. Responds to emergencies and anticipates the need for/requests extra security.
• Inspects the assigned courtroom and court facility for explosives, firearms, and weapons, and searches individuals entering the court facility, confiscates unauthorized weapons and contraband, and takes custody of evidence in court which may include securing guns, ammunition, and knives.
• Sets up, operates, maintains, and monitors various electronic equipment such as CCTV (closed circuit television), paging systems, wireless microphones, audiovisual systems, audio and video recorders, overhead projectors, two‑way radios, metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and panic alarms.
• Directs individuals in court proceedings by notifying court personnel, attorneys, and parties involved to be present, seating individuals, attending to special needs in compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), checking in defendants, and opening court by announcing the entrance of the judicial officer.
• Completes department approved security, weapons qualification, and other training programs/certifications such as completing and annually re‑certifying on defensive tactics, tasers, and oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray.
• Maintains record of proceeding events such as opening statements, witnesses’ names, direct and cross examinations, and summations.
• Communicates and coordinates with law enforcement and state agencies to assist with the searching and handcuffing of sentenced defendants.
• Provides emergency medical assistance to courtroom attendees such as performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or using an automated external defibrillator (AED). May administer Narcan for individuals experiencing a drug overdose.
• May prepare evidence for Jury by safely installing gun locks, separating ammunition, and sealing all knives to enable presentation to the Jury.
• May be responsible for the Jury during the trial including acting as liaison for the Jury to the appointed judicial officer, transporting the Jury to and from the courtroom, securing the jury room, protecting the Jury, and assisting with scheduling and conducting offsite jury views.
• Performs other related work as required which may include courtroom management of necessary items and supplies for counsel tables and parties in the courtroom.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Court Security Officer Supervisor

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in the area of Criminal Justice, Behavioral Science or other related field.
• OR Two years’ experience in security such as providing protective services to persons, facilities or grounds from trespassing, theft and other conditions.
• One year of experience in ensuring compliance with courtroom or other safety and security laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, or procedures.
• One year of experience in courtroom procedures such as seating, swearing in of witnesses, accepting, presenting and marking evidence and knowledge of legal terminology.
• One year of experience in narrative report writing.
• Coursework, training, and/or work experience in staff supervision which may include performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call [phone]. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.