Security Officer

Maricopa County; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Public sector benefits

State retirement plans

Job summary

Maricopa County's Judicial Branch seeks a Security Officer to safeguard staff and visitors, monitor facilities, control access, and respond to threats while coordinating with local law enforcement and upholding court policies.

You will patrol posts, perform CCTV and alarm system monitoring, and maintain detailed incident records. A high school diploma or GED is required, plus completion of the Court Security Officer Training Academy and ongoing CPR/AED and defensive tactics certifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and character and fitness investigation as indicated in ACJA 5-303.
• Must attend and successfully complete the Court Security Officer Training Academy within 90 days of hire.
• Must attain a passing score on the competency assessment within 90 days of completing the Academy and complete 90 calendar days of on-post service.
• Must complete the JBSD Officer Certification Requirements by the 180-day mark from the date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Prevent entry of weapons and unlawful materials onto grounds and dispose of confiscated items.
• Ensure restricted areas remain secure by preventing unauthorized access.
• Maintain order within court facilities and surrounding areas, using authorized physical force as permitted by law.
• Manage unauthorized visitors and address misconduct, escorting them off premises or prohibiting entry.
• Respond to threats and emergencies, employing defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, or non-lethal tasers when required.
• Detain individuals violating Arizona law when reasonable cause exists.
• Summon law enforcement assistance and collaborate with local agencies per guidelines.
• Perform security duties at fixed posts and conduct walking and mobile patrols.
• Communicate security complaints to local supervisors for investigation and resolution.
• Document incidents and security-related information accurately.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court policies.

Skills

Security protocols

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Written reports

Independent work

Legal awareness

Defensive tactics

De-escalation

Defensive weapons

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Court Security Officer Training Academy

CPR/AED certification

Basic Life Safety certification

Defensive weapons certification

Job description

About the Position

The Security Officer embodies a commitment to safeguard and ensure the well‑being of others while maintaining a secure environment within the Judicial Branch. As a frontline defender, the officer utilizes developed programs to deter and limit opportunities for malicious acts, anticipate and prevent possible harm, and detect potential danger. The role requires balancing security measures with common sense to assure judicial officers, employees, and visitors of their safety.

Position Responsibilities

• Prevent the entry of weapons and unlawful materials onto judicial branch grounds and dispose of confiscated items following established policies.
• Ensure restricted areas remain secure by preventing unauthorized access.
• Maintain order within assigned court facilities and surrounding areas, using authorized physical force as permitted by law.
• Manage unauthorized visitors and address misconduct, either escorting them off the premises or prohibiting entry.
• Respond to threats and emergencies related to judicial branch business, employing defensive tactics, de‑escalation techniques, or non‑lethal tasers when required.
• Detain individuals on judicial branch property violating Arizona law when reasonable cause exists.
• Summon law enforcement assistance when necessary and collaborate with local agencies per department guidelines.
• Perform security duties at fixed posts and conduct walking and mobile patrols of judicial branch facilities.
• Communicate and coordinate security service complaints to local supervisory personnel for investigation and resolution.
• Document incidents, activities, and security‑related information accurately.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state statutes, the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration, and administrative orders related to court security services.
• Maintain up‑to‑date compliance with continuing education and annual training requirements set by the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration and the director.
• Monitor closed‑circuit video security systems, electronic fire, and security alarm systems for effective surveillance.
• Respond to and administer appropriate emergency medical care, including First Aid, CPR/AED, during medical emergencies.

Position Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of security, law enforcement, or public safety experience.
• Must pass pre‑employment drug screening and character and fitness investigation as indicated in Arizona Code of Judicial Administration (ACJA) 5‑303.
• Must attend and successfully complete the Court Security Officer Training Academy within 90 days of hire.
• Must attain a passing score on the competency assessment within 90 days of completing the Academy and complete 90 calendar days of on‑post service.
• Must complete the JBSD Officer Certification Requirements by the 180‑day mark from the date of hire.
• Must obtain certification as Basic Life Safety, and CPR/AED provider within six months of employment or appointment.
• Must obtain certification in defensive weapons tactics within six months of employment or appointment.
• Must qualify to carry and use restraints, batons, and Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) such as non‑lethal tasers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of security protocols, procedures, and best practices.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Applying common sense as a guiding principle to balance security measures in alignment with perceived risk within policy guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to assess potential security risks and vulnerabilities and adapt security measures based on evolving threats.
• Perform duties independently at remote or satellite posts or locations with little or no direct supervision as required and directed.
• Read, understand, interpret, explain, and strictly apply applicable Arizona laws, statutes, department post, general orders, court orders, policies, and procedures, including rights of citizens, search and seizure rules, rules of evidence, and regulations.
• Use emergency and defensive tactics, techniques, skills, and defensive weapons to achieve the most effective de‑escalation and control of situations.
• Balance the application of security measures with common sense, ensuring an appropriate and reassuring level of security without unnecessary intrusion.

Working Conditions

The officer regularly speaks clearly, hears, sees details of objects less than a few feet away, stands for long periods, walks, uses stairs, and occasionally pushes, pulls, or lifts up to 50 pounds. Exposure to high noise levels and potential contagions during screening processes is common. Officers must demonstrate competency through proficiency testing in defensive tactics and physical techniques. The Defensive Tactics Training Academy requires officers to perform and demonstrate physical and verbal defensive tactics, including striking, baton use, fall techniques, and basic hand‑to‑hand combat.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and 10 paid holidays.
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Coverage by state‑sponsored retirement pension plans.
• Employee assistance program and wellness incentives.
• Optional life insurance, disability, group legal plan, and pet insurance.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness under the PSLF Program for qualifying employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA reasonable accommodation employer.