Chief Court Officer

With general direction from the Court Administrator/Deputy Court Administrator, the Chief Court Officer oversees and directs the daily activities of court security staff to ensure proper decorum, order and flow are maintained during courtroom proceedings and throughout the courthouse. Responsible for identifying, prioritizing and implementing improvements in courthouse security and proceduralizing best practices related to court security, access control, emergency procedures, in-custody transport and training and development.

A Chief Court Officer may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (These examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform.)

• Supervises the daily activities and performance of court security staff by managing assignments, responsibilities and workflow for the division. Establishes and communicates performance expectations related to the assigned responsibilities. Coordinates assignment and leave requests within assigned department to ensure efficient operation and adequate coverage.
• First point of contact for court personnel regarding security related concerns.
• Review and revise emergency manual and incorporate procedures related to preventing dangerous items and people from entering the building, minimizing the risk of security incidents, and protocols for responding to duress and emergency situations.
• Routinely evaluate court security practices related to building security, access control, cash handling, duress communication, emergency response, in-custody transport, docket flow to identify gaps in current operating procedures. Develop and recommend procedural enhancements for identified needs.
• Establish a court security committee to assist in organizing and prioritizing security needs and develop a long- term framework for implementation.
• Identify training needs for staff, develop training strategies and coordinate participation in appropriate training and development programs.
• Utilize magnetometer and X-ray equipment to inspect, monitor and screen the public entrance of the court building ensuring weapons and contraband items posing a threat to court staff and patrons do not enter the building.

• Visually oversee the public lobby and monitor security feed to quickly identify and assist with escalating and/or volatile situations with the potential to cause harm to court staff and/or patrons.

• Provides general assistance to the Judge and court staff by locating, delivering and transporting case files, directing parties to the appropriate areas and performing related functions, in addition to courtroom activities.

• Escorts and provides for juror protection and sequesters the jury as necessary.

• Assists court staff by calming or restraining unruly persons and fulfilling other security related functions.
• Processes and escorts prisoners to and from the courtroom.
• Responsible for security of prisoners and for assisting attorneys requiring access to prisoners.
• Communicating and cooperating with fellow court officers, the court administrator, deputy court administrator and judges to ensure all security duties are properly covered in and around the court facility.
• Act as a liaison between the court and local law enforcement agencies.
• Ensuring courthouse first aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, defibrillator and other emergency equipment are properly maintained and certified.
• Transporting daily bank deposits and intra-agency mail as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

A Chief Court Officer, upon application, shall have the following experience and training:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, corrections officer or court security officer.
• Eligibility for a concealed pistol license and ability to qualify with a firearm.

Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications and applicants best qualified will be interviewed.

If selected for the position, you must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen. Applicant must have no serious misdemeanor, assaultive or felony convictions.

This is a full-time position, offering vacation, sick time and other customary benefits. New employees must successfully complete a one year probationary period. Employees of the 44th District Court are at-will employees.

Application deadline: October 31st, 2025