Judiciary Special Police Officer (SPO)

Division/Department Administrative Office of the Courts, Operations Job Title Judiciary Special Police Officer (SPO) Division/Department Administrative Office of the Courts, Operations Security Administration Closing Date June 15, 2026 Location Annapolis, MD 21401 Salary $62,907 FLSA Status Non-Exempt At Will Yes Position Type Fulltime Benefits The Maryland Judiciary offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, continuing education programs, employee assistance programs, and State Retirement and Pension plans. Main Purpose Of Role The Maryland Judiciary Special Police Officers (SPOs) provide security to judges, visitors, employees, and the public by maintaining secured ingress into and egress from the Courts of Appeal Building and other assigned Annapolis Complex posts. Duties also include patrolling rounds inside and outside the facilities, operating X‑ray machines, inspecting packages and bags for prohibited items, operating magnetometers, and screening persons for weapons and other contraband. SPOs notify the proper authority and properly dispose of all contraband discovered during the screening process. SPOs view and operate the CCTV video surveillance systems, which includes the selection of views and the operation of Pan Tilt Zoom and IP cameras and monitoring alarm systems. SPOs respond to all alarms—duress, burglar, medical emergencies, etc.—with appropriate service that may include calling for emergency law enforcement or medical assistance, using an AED, performing CPR, administering basic first aid, or intervening in any potential volatile situation. SPOs must be able to de‑escalate any potential volatile situation, restrain and arrest persons to prevent any further escalation of violence, and may need physical interaction with a subject that may need to be subdued in compliance with a use‑of‑force policy. SPOs interact and satisfactorily address any security concerns addressed by the judges, visitors, employees, and the public, and conduct investigations as necessary. SPOs evacuate buildings in emergencies, which includes quickly ascending and descending stairs in buildings with up to five floors. SPOs communicate with first responders to provide and receive information during emergencies. SPOs work rotating shifts and may be required to work on weekends. SPOs may be required to do presentations for Judiciary staff and conduct various training (CPR, Active Attacker, etc.). SPOs will provide security duties at off‑site locations and drive a state‑issued vehicle to designated locations while transporting Judiciary personnel. SPOs will be given periodic projects to complete that may require research and development in preparing a final product, and perform tasks such as Home Security Assessments, Courthouse Security Reviews, driving assignments, and other tasks as assigned. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Operate X‑ray and magnetometer equipment to screen visitors, members of the public, mail, and all deliveries; disallow dangerous possessions or contraband; report deficiencies and inoperable equipment. Patrol the interior and exterior of buildings. Protect and preserve peace and good order as outlined under Maryland law and authorized in commission; serve as first responder and essential personnel for the safety of Judiciary property, employees, and visitors; respond immediately to medical and security emergencies in multiple buildings; restrain a full‑size combatant and respond to other security threats. Assist in the safe evacuation of court facilities in emergencies. Operate and observe activity captured on cameras. Complete all other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education: High School diploma (or GED equivalent). Experience: Three (3) years of previous law enforcement experience. Licenses and Certifications required: Certificate of graduation from an accredited Federal, State, County, or Municipal Police Training Academy; must have had powers of arrest or apprehension in the course of employment. Note: Applicant(s) must have separated from their law enforcement agency in good standing. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Operational knowledge of x‑ray machines and walk‑through and hand‑held metal detectors. Ability to recognize and diffuse difficult situations by taking appropriate action promptly. Ability to accept direction from directors, deputy directors, and executive staff. Ability to work varying shifts, including weekends. Professional, courteous, and tactful with judges, citizens, and co‑workers; willingness to assist the public and co‑workers as needed. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information. Knowledge of PeopleSoft products for time keeping. Ability to pass a vigorous background check, including references (must have separated from law enforcement agency in good standing). Knowledge of Genetec or similar access control system and CCTV system. Professional communication skills: verbal, written, and presentation. Knowledge of administrative procedures and system; ability to work as a member of a team. Knowledge of Standards Operating Procedures relative to emergency or unusual incidents; use good judgment and maintain composure under pressure. Considerable knowledge of state and local criminal laws. Physical Requirements Run between building locations to respond to an emergency. Stand or sit for long periods of time. Restrain a full‑size combatant and defend employees and visitors against disorderly or combative persons. Assist an adult person up from a wheelchair to screen them with a hand wand. Ascend and descend up to five flights of stairs as the first responder in any emergency (fire, bomb threat, active shooter). Relocate a dead‑weight body to a safe location in an emergency. Lift a package from the floor up 32 inches (height of x‑ray machine) up to 50 pounds. Operate a firearm at arm’s length and discharge repeatedly until threat is eliminated—both left and right‑handed. Use a hand‑held magnetometer repetitively to screen the body of a person from the floor up and down, side to side, until all persons are screened. Hear and differentiate multiple voices and directions for prompt response in emergencies. Provide a thorough description of people, vehicles, and other identifiers including color, size, height. Operate, listen, and respond to directions from a hand‑held radio. Safely operate a motor vehicle. Conduct security assessments in private homes and courthouses. The SPO Must Maintain a valid driver’s license with 2 points or less. Obtain and maintain a Special Police Office License, renewed every three (3) years. Demonstrate competent and safe weapon handling, renewed every (1) year. Pass firearms classroom, written test, and qualification. Obtain and maintain a handgun permit, renewed every three (3) years. Obtain and maintain Taser Certification, renewed every (1) year. Obtain First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications within the first six (6) months of employment and maintain certifications every two (2) years thereafter. Selection Process Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. If you have held more than one (1) position at the same employer, you must list each position that you held, the length of time that you held each position, and the corresponding duties. Description of duties that state, "see resume," will negatively impact consideration for this position. Applicants will not be contacted for additional information. Only applicants considered for this position will be contacted. Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. For further information please contact Talent Acquisition at View email address on click.appcast.io. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Maryland Judiciary is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, familial status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. Applicants who need an ADA Accommodation during the application and/or interview process should send their request via email to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. The Maryland Judiciary is a drug‑free workplace. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr Maryland Judiciary