Security Officer

Security Officer

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 dedicated security professional, you are a frontline defender and guardian of peace and order utilizing developed programs to deter and limit opportunities for malicious acts, anticipate and prevent possible harm, and detect potential danger. We use common sense as our driving guideline to balance the level of security measures that appropriately address the degree of risk to reassure our judicial officers, employees, and visitors of their safety within our buildings. If you're ready to embrace a position where vigilance meets service and where your presence makes a difference, then join us in a role that goes beyond routine tasks and offers a chance to be an integral part of a community dedicated to safety and security.

The Superior Court of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing a safe, fair and impartial forum for resolving disputes, enhancing access to our services, and providing innovative, evidenced-based practices that improve the safety of our community and ensure the public's trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. The Superior Court in Maricopa County, one of the largest, most innovative and progressive trial courts in the nation, seeks innovative individuals to join our team who will embrace our vision of excellence and the principles inherent in the Rule of Law...every person, every day, every time. We fulfill these principles through a culture that values fairness, respect, integrity, innovation, and safety.

Position Qualifications

We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• One (1) year of security, law enforcement, or public safety experience

Other Requirements

• 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 the date of hire
• Must attain a passing score on the competency assessment within 90 days of completion of the Court Security Officer Training 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
• Assignments that require driving on behalf of the judicial branch require a valid Arizona Driver License

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 the perceived level of risk within policy guidelines
• Preparing clear and concise records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials
• The effective application of non-violent crisis intervention skills and techniques
• Effective oral and written communication

Ability to:

• Assess potential security risks and vulnerabilities and adapt security measures based on evolving threats and changing circumstances
• 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

Essential Job Tasks

(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)

• Prevents the entry of weapons and unlawful materials onto judicial branch grounds and disposes of confiscated items following established policies.
• Ensures restricted areas remain secure by preventing unauthorized access.
• Maintains order within assigned court facilities and surrounding areas, utilizing authorized physical force as outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13, Chapter 4.
• Manages unauthorized visitors and addresses misconduct, either escorting them off the premises or prohibiting entry.
• Responds to threats and emergencies related to judicial branch business, employing defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, or non-lethal tasers (Conducted Electrical Weapons) when required.
• Detains individuals on judicial branch property violating Arizona law when reasonable cause exists.
• Summons law enforcement assistance when necessary.
• Collaborates with law enforcement agencies per department guidelines, receiving and escalating information as needed.
• Performs security duties at fixed posts and conducts walking and mobile patrols of Judicial Branch facilities.
• Communicates and coordinates security service complaints to local supervisory personnel for investigation and resolution.
• Documents incidents, activities, and security-related information accurately.
• Adheres to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state statutes, the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration, and administrative orders related to court security services.
• Maintains up-to-date compliance with continuing education and annual training requirements set by the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration and the director.
• Monitors closed-circuit video security systems, electronic fire, and security alarm systems for effective surveillance.
• Responds to and administers appropriate emergency medical care, including First Aid, CPR/AED, during medical emergencies.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak clearly and hear; see details of objects that are less than a few feet away; stand for long periods of time; walk, use stairs, use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally push, pull or lift up to 50 pounds. Exposure to high noise levels and the potential of exposure to various contagions during the screening process are common.

All officers must "demonstrate, by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the defensive tactics training academy." The proficiency testing is based upon whether officers can perform the skills or tactics (or comparable alternatives) necessary for self-defense. Therefore, those selected for the position must successfully complete 40-hour Defensive Tactics Training Academy as soon as practical, but no later than 90 days from the date of employment.

• Forcefully raise arms above head (straight arm wristlock and takedown)
• Perform minor aerobic activity
• Stand for up to 2 hours at a time
• Engage in balanced movements
• Throw hand strikes (fist strikes and palm heel strikes)
• Use impact weapons (ability to swing arms in a striking action with a baton that weighs 16 ounces)
• Kick at targets below 24" (front snap kicks)
• Perform controlled falls and return to standing position unassisted (break falls and recovery)
• Complete hand strikes and kick drills at partial speed
• Engage in fighting techniques while on the ground
• Be able to bend knees, lower center and touch the ground with one hand (break fall recovery and baton closing technique)
• Be able to bend knees to a 45-degree angle (all ground techniques)

Additional Information

Judicial Branch Human Resources reserves the right to move forward candidates based on the information provided directly on the application. The hiring authority will select the successful candidate based on departmental needs.

Typically, successful candidates are hired at a salary rate up to the midpoint of the range, based on applicable experience, internal equity, and budgetary allowances.

All Judicial Branch offers of employment and continued employment are contingent upon passing a