Bailiff

The Bailiff is an armed, uniformed position whose primary responsibility is court security. Court Security includes but is not limited to: the protection of Judges, controlling inmates and providing physical security for the county court buildings. The Bailiff oversees courtroom activities, maintains order and ensures safety of the public, Judges, attorneys, employees and prisoners. He/she will make arrests on Bench Warrants or at the direction of a Judge at both the Port Huron and Marine City locations.

The Bailiff will use proper discretion and judgment while facing potentially violent and complex situations involving persons with extreme anger or mental illness.

• Screen persons and their possessions upon entry into the Court house. Confiscate prohibited or dangerous items.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of all court equipment utilized in the performance of the weapon screening program.
• Utilize observation skills achieved by years of law enforcement experience to diffuse potentially dangerous situations before they occur.
• Enforce courtroom rules and maintain order.
• Utilize verbal commands and physical force as needed to restrain disruptive prisoners or members of the public.
• Immediately respond to any incidents such as assaults, disturbances or other situations threatening the security of the court.
• Appropriate response may include the use of a Taser and/or the use of deadly force.
• Respond to emergencies within the court building and provide whatever assistance is necessary. This may include medical assistance, intervention in physical altercations, bomb threats etc.
• Document all incidents in written form and submit same to the Court Security Coordinator.
• Assists law enforcement officers and court officials in emergencies by following established procedures for the evacuation of personnel from the building, lock down of building, conducting searches etc.
• Responsible for the care, custody and control of jurors assigned to the court.
• Maintain and submit juror records of attendance as necessary.
• Assist in preparations for court sessions, prepare and post daily court schedules and call court to order.
• Arrest individuals who have outstanding Bench Warrants or are remanded to jail by a Judge. Perform a thorough search of same, prepare paperwork and secure the individual before turning them over to the Transport Deputy.
• Assist in preparation for court sessions; maintain custody of prisoners during court proceedings. May act as a Transport Deputy/Corrections Deputy and provide security for prisoners in the deputy's absence.
• Assist Transport deputies and MDOC officers in securing prisoners. Move prisoners from lock-up to courtrooms as needed.
• At the direction of the Judge, execute warrants and produce warranted people to the court.
• Must remain vigilant to prisoner activities. Detect unusual behavior to ensure the safety and security of employees, defendants and the public.
• Communicates with jail personnel electronically to receive transfer sheets and prisoner information. The Bailiff may assist the Transport deputies conveying prisoners to/from the court building and will escort prisoners between the courtrooms when needed.
• Bailiffs will assist Friend of the Court, District Court Probation and Circuit Court Probation with bench warrants and drug tests and take defendants into custody when appropriate.
• Maintain issued equipment.
• Prepares written records and reports related to the work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Court Security Coordinator.

• Supervision may be exercised over any person entering the building during the course of the court's business. This includes, but is not limited to: the public, law enforcement, employees, attorneys or persons in custody.

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable) required.
• An Associate's degree with a major in Criminal Justice or a closely related field preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of work experience in a relevant professional law enforcement or security capacity, or in one of the branches of the military required; experience in a court environment preferred.
• Certified police officer with prior law enforcement experience preferred.
• The Bailiff must have knowledge to operate x-ray and metal detection equipment.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records,…