COURTROOM SECURITY OFFICER

Summary: The Court Security Officers ensure the security for the circuit judge, officers of the court, the general public, and prisoners. He/she is responsible for supervising and maintaining order/security in the courtroom, administering oaths, and other incidental and related duties at the direction of the judge. He/she announces the opening of court, calls witnesses for testimony, calls cases and litigants for hearings, and announces the close of court. He/she protects the courtroom from violence and interruption, and also maintains the general order of the Court. In addition to handling the security of the courtroom, Court Security Officers are required to operate several court related audio and video responsibilities. This includes the scheduling, set up, and operation of all audio and video equipment ensuring that online court proceedings run seamlessly and efficiently. The Court Security Officer shall at all times be in compliance with §ACA 16-10-1004 (Pocket Part). The Court Security Officer shall be responsible for the safety of jurors while attending court. Some of the duties the supervising Circuit Judge may assign are described below. Essential Duties and Responsibilities, specific to Circuit Court Division 8, include the following (Other duties may be assigned as needed): Courtroom Security Oversee security and decorum policies in the courtroom and/or facility. Provides security for the courtroom and has the authority to direct/assist law enforcement to follow security practices and procedures of the Court as well as to affect an arrest in accordance with Arkansas Law. Applies knowledge of law enforcement methods and procedures to prevent incidents that may cause injury to an individual or disruption of the court proceedings. Administer oath to witnesses. Monitors all suspicious objects and packages left or carried into the Court facility Checks all public areas of the Court facilities for suspicious or unlawful activity. Carry out all lawful orders issued by the circuit judge. Direct the opening and closing of the Courtroom facility. Provide basic first aid when required. Participate in controlling emergency situations such as fires or bomb threats. Secure the area during hostage situations. Remain in the courtroom to monitor and provide security during the proceedings, unless directed otherwise by the Judge. Remain positioned in the courtroom so as to be able to observe the actions of those in the courtroom and where the Judge can summon if needed. Maintain quiet within the courtroom and immediate vicinity outside the proceedings, and allow conversations only to the extent they do not disrupt or distract from the proceedings. Upon direction of the Court, exclude witnesses from the courtroom. Take immediate action to quiet and/or control any disruption within the courtroom or the immediate vicinity outside the courtroom. Upon the conclusion of business each day, examine all areas of the Court and secure the courtroom. Serve Court Orders/Summons. Assist Judicial Protections Officers at Front Entrance as needed. Regular and reliable attendance. Administrative Responsibilities: Maintain list of D8 defendants incarcerated in other facilities; arrange for virtual court appearances. Receive search/arrest warrants from law enforcement agencies to pass on for judge's review. Assist Court with budget. Order and receive all supplies for courthouse. Order and maintain jury supplies. Maintain security and privacy for jury. Maintain court exhibits; arrange for their return to appropriate agency or department. Arrange for court reporters to prepare transcripts. Monitor and maintain adequate supplies in the courtroom (such as tissues, legal pads, pens, etc.). Assist attorneys in obtaining supplies or equipment as required for their case (such as video equipment, easels, markers, etc.). Prior to leaving, the Court Security Officers should check with the Judge and/or Case Coordinator. Assist TCA and Court Orders Clerk as needed. Audio, Video, and Digital Equipment Responsibilities: Operate digital court reporting system. Retain Court audio / video recordings. Set up and operate AV equipment such as video monitors, laptops, microphones, speakers, projectors, and other AV gear, maintain all electronics, and dismantle AV equipment when finished. Test equipment before court to ensure everything functions properly. Coordinate with attorneys, Benton County Jail, thirteen Arkansas Department of Correction prisons, Benton County Juvenile Detention Center, Arkansas State Hospital, and countless drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities across the country to determine specific AV needs and requirements to ensure seamless online court hearings. Provide on-site technical support, troubleshooting issues, and make adjustments as needed. Train other Bailiffs, court staff, and attorneys on the use and operation of audio/video equipment in your courtroom. Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance. Continual monitoring of equipment, managing live feeds, and documenting necessary proceedings. Performing routine cleaning and minor repairs on AV equipment and diagnosing more complex problems for the IT department. Emergency Preparedness : Assist agencies of the state and local governments with the development and adoption of security and emergency preparedness plans for the circuit courts. Assist in the development and provision of training and education on court security and emergency preparedness to judges, court employees, and court security officers. Conduct periodic assessments of state and local security and emergency preparedness plans for courts and note deficiencies and stress of improvements. Serve as the point of contact of state court security and emergency preparedness issues for the judicial branch of government. Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Appearance and Demeanor: When on duty, the Court Security Officers will maintain a neat, well-groomed, and professional appearance in dress prescribed by the Judge. The Court Security Officers shall conduct themselves both on and off duty so that his/her actions and conversations will not reflect adversely upon the integrity of their office, the Court, or the officers of the Court. Assists in the efficient performance of the Court’s functions in a dignified, diligent, cooperative, and impartial manner. Assist witnesses, litigants, counsel, and the public with general information about courtroom procedures. The Court Security Officers shall not discuss the merits of any case, shall not attempt to give legal advice, and shall not give the impression that he/she can or would influence the Court in any of its decisions. Court Security Officers must possess excellent interpersonal skills to coordinate with court personnel from several state agencies and interact effectively with them. Firearms and Protective Gear: The incumbent shall carry an approved firearm and shall be proficient in the use of said weapon. The Court Security Officers must be Certified Law Enforcement. The person in this position must have the knowledge, the physical and mental stamina to fire weapons, must possess the ability to communicate effectively both orally and written, often under adverse conditions, and must possess good judgement and good powers of observation and memory. Must complete the Taser Training / Certification Course through the Benton County Sheriff's Office before carrying a Taser electronic control device. Specialized Responsibilities: Domestic relations cases are probably the most sensitive in the judicial system. Many of the persons involved in domestic cases are under emotional stress. The Court Security Officers assigned must be constantly alert for emotional and/or violent outbursts and strive to maintain an even and objective demeanor and to maintain order. The Court Security Officers must be alert to situations for violence and attempt to quell them before they escalated. It is important that the Court Security Officers are aware of the type of cases on the daily docket and which cases require additional security or attention. It is the Court Security Officer's duty to arrange for additional personnel, through the cooperation of other Court Security Officers, security officers, or law enforcement agencies, as necessary. The Court Security Officers shall provide the daily docket to the Deputies at all entry points of the courthouse. The Court Security Officers shall be cognizant that in these cases hostility may often be directed at the lawyers, Court personnel, and litigants. In cases of imminent conflict, the Court Security Officers shall immediately take action to neutralize the danger. Self-defense and physical constraint procedures are also required. Language Skills: Must have excellent communication skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and general public. Knowledge of Spanish is useful. Reasoning Ability: The Court Security Officers must be able to quickly assess and mediate potentially difficult situations. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing conditions, especially during court. DIGITAL LITERACY This role demands a blend of technical know-how, acute attention to detail, and exceptional troubleshooting abilities. Experience with live streaming platforms and technologies Proficiency with various audio and video equipment and software. Strong ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues quickly and efficiently. Time management skills to handle projects concurrently. Supervisory Responsibilities: While the Court Security Officers do not have direct supervisory responsibility, he/she is responsible for the supervision of the courtroom and all those observing the court proceedings. Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); College hours in criminal justice or law enforcement is preferred; Certified law enforcement officer or qualifications of a deputy sheriff and be commissioned by the Benton County Sheriff. Additional training in areas of negotiations, controlled use of force, and threat identification and awareness is helpful. Must complete and maintain all training required by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to taste or smell. The employee must regularly life and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color, vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee may need to restrain emotionally charged individual. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to stressful situations and occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee Benefits Overview: Benefits are an important part of the overall compensation package. We are pleased to offer a comprehensive array of valuable benefits. County Paid Insurance Benefits Employee Medical Basic life and ADD Insurance Long‑term disability insurance Access to voluntary benefits, including: Medical (Spouse/Children) Dental, and Vision coverage Supplemental life insurance Short‑term disability Critical Illness coverage Accident insurance Hospital indemnity plans View the Benefits Guide for more information Retirement & Financial Security Participation in the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) pension program Voluntary Nationwide Deferred Compensation 457(b) Retirement plan Time Off & Work–Life Balance 11 Paid Holidays annually Paid Sick Leave (up to 12 working days per year) Paid Vacation Leave (up to 10 working days per year) Paid Personal Day annually #J-18808-Ljbffr