PT- Police Bailiff

JOB SUMMARY

A Bailiff Officer is a sworn police officer who is assigned to assist in the operation and security of the Municipal Court of the City of Peachtree City.  The Bailiff Officers’ primary responsibility is court security to include: protection of the judge, controlling inmates, conducting and providing physical security for the court.  This position is assigned to and supervised by the Court Supervisor of the Police Department. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts a search of the courtroom before the court for weapons and contraband. 
• Responsible for locking the doors and turning off lights at the end of the court.
• Recognizes and handles suspicious packages/persons. Inspects packages and people coming into the courtroom in a reasonable manner.
• Announces the opening and closing of the Municipal Court.
• Summons officers and witnesses to testify.
• Provides general security for all people attending court.
• Provides security and safety for the Court, including keeping order in court and making arrests if necessary.
• Aids during any emergency situation, including medical, weather, fire, etc.
• Maintains custody and escort/transfer of prisoner(s).
• Attends to other court-related matters at the judge's direction or other authorized court staff.
• Maintains a dignified and professional atmosphere in the courtroom.
• Completes all paperwork and reports as required.
• Transports prisoners to and from court.
• Transports arrestees from various locations/jails in a safe manner.
• Researches, contacts and serves department warrants both in and outside the City.
• Performs the duties of a police officer, as required.
• Conducts a search before transport.
• Secures personal belongings of arrestees.
• Executes and explains warrants to arrestees.
• Maintains all necessary equipment.
• Communicates with dispatch as to location.
• Identifies wanted people.
• Writes and reviews all applicable reports due to current assignment.
• Administrative duties and other special assignments assigned by superiors.
• Completes all training requirements as set forth in department policies and procedures related to CALEA, GACP State Certification, and Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

·       Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and legal procedures.

·       Knowledge of or the ability to learn the department’s rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

·       Knowledge of or the ability to learn law enforcement investigation methods, procedures, and techniques and the ability to apply such knowledge to specific situations.

·       Knowledge of or the ability to learn the geography of the City and the location of important buildings and areas.

·       Knowledge of or ability to learn courtroom proceedings and related documentation.

·       Ability to deal courteously and fairly with the public.

·       Ability to analyze situations and to take quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action given due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances of each situation.

·       Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports.

·       Ability to operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night, in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.

·       Ability to obtain information through interviews, interrogations, and observation.

·       Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.

·       Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

·       Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City officials, and the general public.

·       Ability to drive and operate the department's assigned vehicles and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

·       Ability to work routinely under highly stressful conditions, including life-threatening situations.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

·       Operates under the general supervision of the judge.

·       Expected to perform duties independently within established court policies and procedures.

·       Exercises control over courtroom security and maintain order by directing the conduct of court participants, including litigants, witnesses, and the public.

·  Responsible for ensuring the safety of all courtroom occupants, enforcing rules of decorum, responding to disturbances, and coordinating with law enforcement or emergency personnel as needed. 

GUIDELINES

·       Performs duties in accordance with established laws, court rules, security protocols, and judicial directives.

·       Provides clear structure for courtroom conduct, detainee handling, emergency response, and public interaction.

·   Exercises discretion and sound judgment in dynamic or high-pressure situations, particularly when managing uncooperative individuals or responding to potential security threats. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

·     Maintains courtroom security, ensuring compliance with court procedures, and managing the conduct of a wide range of court participants, including the public, witnesses, defendants, attorneys, and jurors. 

CONTACTS

• Interacts regularly with judges, attorneys, court staff, law enforcement personnel, jurors, witnesses, defendants, and members of the public.
• Maintains order, enforcing courtroom rules, and ensuring the safety and proper conduct of all individuals within the courtroom.
• Communicates instructions clearly and assertively while remaining professional and respectful, particularly when dealing with individuals who may be upset, noncompliant, or unfamiliar with court procedures.      

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

·       Work typically demands standing, walking, sitting, and lifting over 100 lbs.  Work also may include carrying, pulling, climbing, kneeling, speaking, hearing, and seeing. 

·       This work may take place indoors or outdoors, under dangerous circumstances, and under conditions which may include moderate noise. 

·       The incumbent travels regularly within the City but has limited travel involving overnight stays.  

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

·     Exercises functional oversight of courtroom operations by managing the behavior and movement of court participants and maintaining courtroom order.

·    Provides direction and on-the-spot guidance to Court Ambassadors and other support personnel to ensure proper security procedures and courtroom protocols are followed.

·       Coordinates participant flow, responding to incidents, and ensuring compliance with the judge’s directives. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·       Must be at least 18 years of age or older.

·       Must be a citizen of the United States.

·       Must have no record of any felony conviction.

·       Must be willing to take an Oath of Office.

·       Must successfully complete a background investigation as outlined in the Peachtree City Police Department Selection Manual (PD-0087)

·       High School Diploma or recognized equivalent. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable.

·       Must possess a valid State of Georgia driver’s license (Class C) and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). 

·       Must have current Basic Peace Officer Certification through the State of Georgia or the ability to be recertified.

The qualifications listed below represent the credentials necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.  To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.