Court Security Officer I

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Court Security Officer I is an experienced-level position providing protection and security services by monitoring and ensuring the safety and security of state property, staff, and visitors within court facilities. Officers independently perform the full range of essential functions under general supervision. Once trained and certified, officers possess the power of arrest and carry additional security and safety equipment as provided by each court. Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible for promotion to the next level. The role includes enforcing courtroom and facility safety, security, and order; responding to emergencies; inspecting courtrooms and facilities and searching individuals; operating security and audiovisual equipment; supporting court proceedings and juries; maintaining records; coordinating with law enforcement and state agencies; and providing emergency medical assistance. Officers complete required security and weapons qualifications and other training and certifications. Additional duties may include preparing evidence for jury presentation and managing courtroom supplies and equipment.

Requirements

Six months’ experience in security, such as providing protective services to people, facilities, or grounds against trespassing, theft, and other conditions.
Six months’ experience in record keeping, such as maintaining records and logs and managing filing systems.
Six months’ experience using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve or inquire about, and report data.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
Satisfactory criminal background check as a condition of hire.

Responsibilities

Enforce safety, security, and order in courtrooms and on court property in accordance with applicable policies and procedures, using defensive tactics and security devices when needed.
Observe individuals’ behavior, identify and de-escalate potentially disruptive or violent situations, and take appropriate action.
Respond to emergencies and anticipate or request additional security as needed.
Inspect assigned courtrooms and court facilities for explosives, firearms, and weapons; search individuals entering facilities; confiscate unauthorized weapons and contraband; and take custody of evidence.
Set up, operate, maintain, and monitor electronic security and courtroom equipment, including CCTV, paging systems, wireless microphones, audiovisual systems, recorders, projectors, two-way radios, metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and panic alarms.
Support court proceedings by notifying court personnel, attorneys, and parties to be present; seating individuals; accommodating special needs in compliance with the ADA; checking in defendants; and announcing the judicial officer’s entrance to open court.
Complete department-approved security, weapons qualification, and other training and certification programs, including annual recertification in defensive tactics, tasers, and OC spray.
Maintain records of proceeding events, including opening statements, witness names, examinations, and summations.
Communicate and coordinate with law enforcement and state agencies to assist with searching and handcuffing sentenced defendants.
Use computer software and automated information systems to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve, inquire about, or report data.
Provide emergency medical assistance to courtroom attendees, including CPR or use of an AED; Narcan may be administered in cases of suspected drug overdose.
Prepare evidence for jury presentation when needed, including installing gun locks, separating ammunition, and sealing knives.
When responsible for a jury during a trial, serve as liaison to the appointed judicial officer, transport and protect jurors, secure the jury room, and assist with scheduling and conducting offsite jury views.
Perform other related work as required, which may include managing necessary courtroom items and supplies for counsel tables and courtroom parties.