Court Security Officer I-II

This is a career ladder position.

Court Security Officers provide protection and security services by monitoring and ensuring the security and safety of state property, judicial officers and other staff, and visitors within court facilities. Officers possess the power of arrest and carry additional security/safety equipment as provided by each court.

Employees enforce courtroom and court facility policies and procedures relative to safety, security, and orderliness. Work also involves activities such as giving directions to participants in court proceedings; setting up, operating, and maintaining electronic courtroom equipment; and marking, logging, and retrieving documents. Contacts include judicial officers, attorneys, jurors, witnesses, court personnel and the public to provide court information, explain court processes, provide court security, control behavior, and serve as a liaison between court participants.

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.

Uses computer software and automated information systems to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve, inquire or report on data.

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 I

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

Six months' experience in security such as providing protective services to persons, facilities or grounds from trespassing, theft and other conditions.

Six months' experience in record keeping such as maintaining records, logs, and managing filing systems used for such records.

Six months' experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Court Security Officer II

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

One year of experience in security such as providing protective services to persons, facilities or grounds from trespassing, theft and other conditions.

One year of experience in record keeping such as maintaining records, logs, and managing filing systems used for such records.

One year of experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.

Six months' experience in courtroom procedures such as seating, swearing in of witnesses, accepting, presenting and marking evidence and knowledge of legal terminology.

Additional Posting Information

This is a union-covered position.

Conditions of Hire

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.

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.