Job Announcement

Court Security Officer

• DEPARTMENT: Sheriff’s Office
• STATUS: Per Diem

PRIMARY PURPOSE

A Court Security Officer (CSO) is a Per Diem highly confidential security position. CSO’s are assigned within a number of courthouses and court facilities located in Hillsborough County. CSO’s provide security in courtrooms, public spaces, judicial areas, cellblocks, interview rooms and other areas therein, in order to protect the integrity of the court, protect the rights of individuals before it, deter those that would take adverse action against the court or those participating in matters before the court, maintain custody and control of prisoners and detainees appearing before the court, and maintain decorum throughout courthouses and court facilities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general direction of the High Sheriff and the direct supervision of the Court Security Supervisor within established policies and procedures, the Court Security Officer performs the following functions:

GENERAL DUTIES

1. CSO’s shall maintain order, safety, and proper decorum throughout the courthouse.
2. Maintain familiarity with applicable New Hampshire statutes.
3. Protect the lives and safety of all those involved in the business of the court, to include judges, court staff, lawyers, litigants, witnesses and members of the public visiting the court.
4. Interact with all those involved in the business of the court, to include judges, court staff, lawyers, litigants, witnesses, co-workers and members of the public visiting the court in a professional, respectful and courteous manner.
5. Identifying and controlling agitated, potentially dangerous or mentally ill persons.
6. Taking into custody and securing persons remanded to the custody of the Sheriff and provide for safe movement of such persons to secure cell block areas.
7. Carrying out lawful orders of the court.
8. Maintain confidentiality regarding all matters that come before the court, attorney client discussions, Not discussing any matters pending before the court with any persons, except in connection with official duties. Questions posed by the media shall be referred to a supervisor or the High Sheriff’s designee.
9. Making arrests, as appropriate, for wanted persons or disorderly persons within the courthouse.
10. Maintaining a proper protocol with jurors by avoiding inappropriate interactions and avoiding non- court business discussions. Ensuring the orderly activities of jurors.
11. Maintaining proper protocol, ensuring the orderly activities, safety and security of jurors while traveling to and from jury views and while on location at the scene to be viewed.
12. Securing inmates/detainees with handcuffs, waist chains, leg irons or other restraints as authorized.
13. Securing any non-custody defendant that is taken into custody during a court proceeding.
14. Controlling movement of inmates/detainees in courtrooms, hallways, elevators, stairwells, cellblock, sally port and other areas of the courthouse as necessitated and authorized.
15. When assigned to a judicial security role, maintain a reasonable proximity to the judge, which will ensure a direct and quick approach, in the event that a threatening or potential situation arises. A CSO assigned to judicial security shall not leave a judge unattended in a courtroom that is occupied by other than the judge when the courtroom is unlocked.
16. Maintain situational awareness of all movements within the courtroom area.
17. Maintain situational awareness and remain highly alert when assigned to any post within the courthouse.
18. Being alert for any family/domestic disturbances in the public areas of the courthouse, and be prepared to handle such situations in an appropriate fashion.
19. Safely investigate any unexplained or suspicious packages or objects found in a courtroom, cellblock or other public area of the courthouse.
20. Conduct daily inspections of all security equipment, such as duress alarms, fire alarms, radios, telephones, intercoms, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, hand-held scanning devices, etc.
21. In the event of a medical emergency, notify Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center; activate the Emergency Medical Services system by calling 911. CSO’s should administer whatever assistance possible within the scope of their first aid training, while maintain custody, control and security of any inmates/detainees and the scene of the incident.
22. Conduct daily inspections of the courthouse for detection of contraband and complete room security checks for suspicious packages, devices, etc.
23. Inspect and search persons and personal effects of individuals entering the courthouse. CSO’s must be familiar with the operation of the magnetometer and may utilize the hand held magnetometer wand as required. CSO’s shall be familiar with the procedures governing the use of the magnetometer and the hand held magnetometer.
24. Provides security in corridors, chambers and/or other courthouse spaces.
25. Safeguards evidence when directed by the judge.
26. Complies and adheres to all firearms rules, regulations and policies of the Sheriff’s Office.
27. Review daily schedules of the court and the judge to determine if special security is warranted. If such a concern develops, the CSO shall immediately advise the supervisor of his/her security concern.
28. Perform all duties of a court bailiff.
29. Must maintain regular and punctual worksite attendance.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other similar or related duties as required or directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Understanding and working knowledge of NH laws pertaining to the duties and authorities of Court Security Officers after receiving requisite training. Ability to learn/understand new regulations, polices, procedures and laws.
2. Ability to communicate in an appropriate and professional manner with attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, inmates/detainees and the public in general. This may include persons who display hostile tendencies. Use of tact and diplomacy throughout all interactions is imperative.
3. Proficient in the handling and use of firearms, restraining devices, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray and other intermediate weapons as authorized (TASER, BolaWrap, etc.) after receiving requisite training. Court Security Officers are subject to firearms range qualifications annually.
4. Understanding and working knowledge of authorized defensive tactics techniques, inmate/detainee/suspect physical control tactics, de-escalation techniques and ability to restrain uncooperative individuals after receiving requisite training.
5. Ability to express or exchange ideas verbally and in writing.
6. Ability to complete written incident reports. 
7. Ability to operate computers, communication devices.
8. Ability to observe and monitor closed circuit television surveillance systems for long periods of time. 
9. Skilled in the use of communication devices, such as radios, telephones, alarms, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Possess and maintain the physical capabilities and stamina to engage in confrontational physical detentions and arrests of individuals under various situations.
2. Possess the physical ability to follow, report location, summon additional personnel and assist in subduing a fleeing inmate/detainee by apprehending and restraining the person by means consistent with standard law enforcement techniques and applicable NH laws governing the authority of Court Security Officers.
3. Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
4. Ability to remain sedentary and alert for prolonged periods of time.
5. Ability to safely handle, hold and manipulate a firearm. 
6. Ability to walk up and down several flights of stairs, repeatedly while maintaining custody and control of an incarcerated or detained individual.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Law enforcement/public safety background beneficial but not required.
• Other: Ability to successfully pass a background investigation. Have no felony conviction or crimes involving moral turpitude.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related, or a logical assignment to the position.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodations to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Please direct questions regarding this position to lisa.estey@hcnh.gov

Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.