Full Text
County of Alpine Adopted: BAILIFF DEFINITION Under general supervision, the purpose of the position is to perform security work in safeguarding the conduct of those involved in official judicial proceedings in the civil and criminal courts by preventing or correcting disruptive behavior; maintaining care and control of jurors; transporting and controlling prisoners within the courthouse; serving legal documents as needed and to perform related duties as assigned. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a single classification. Incumbents in this classification ensure the smooth functioning and safety of the court system. Incumbents may be required to perform the full range of law enforcement assignments if necessary to uphold safety in the courthouse. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Keeping the courtroom secure and preserving the safety of all occupants. Searching the interior and exterior of the courthouse before and after proceedings and courtroom breaks to ensure building security and public safety. Searching persons entering the courtroom and confiscating prohibited items. Escorting prisoners to and from the courthouse and maintaining custody of prisoners at all times. Preserving a quiet and orderly and courtroom. Assisting judges and others in the courtroom by screening and handling exhibits and evidence during court proceedings. Announcing the entrance and exit of the judges, and providing instructions for those in attendance to insure they follow court protocols and proceedings. Notifying emergency personnel, including sheriff staff and medical personnel, in the event of emergencies. Serving process papers and enforcing court-ordered writs. Maintaining assigned weapons, vehicles, and equipment in proper condition and in compliance with departmental policies and standards. Operating law enforcement vehicles, safety equipment, firearms, and other law enforcement equipment; operating general office equipment including computers, telephones, teletypes, copiers, fax machines, etc. Maintaining proficiency in the use and care of firearms and other law enforcement equipment. ---PAGE BREAK--- Bailiff Page 2 Performing general administrative and clerical duties as required, including but not limited to attending meetings, preparing reports, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, entering computer data, etc. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: All pertinent federal, state and county laws, codes, ordinances, regulations and standards affecting Sheriff’s Department operations. Basic principles, practices, procedures, techniques, and programs common to modern law enforcement. Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the identification, marking, preservation and presentation of evidence. Firearms, automotive, radio and other law enforcement equipment. Basic mathematics. Basic report-writing and record-keeping methods. Safe work practices. Courtroom procedures and legal practices. Modern office procedures, practices and technology. The use of computers for word and data processing, and records management. Public / community relations techniques. Ability to: Learn, understand, interpret, apply and enforce pertinent policies, laws, rules and regulations. Plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Understand and follow oral and written instructions independently. Keep abreast of trends, technology and requirements in law enforcement operations. Perform responsible police work in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines. ---PAGE BREAK--- Bailiff Page 3 Work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others. Anticipate potentially unsafe situations. Observe, remember, and recall detailed information, names, faces and facts. Appraise situations and people accurately and quickly and adopt an effective course of action. Properly use firearms and other work-related equipment; operate motor vehicles in a responsible manner, on and off the road under a variety of weather conditions and circumstances. Properly apply self-defense tactics. Provide basic CPR and first aid medical assistance to injured persons. Provide credible testimony in a court of law. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Deal courteously, yet firmly and effectively with the public in police situations. Deal effectively with persons of various socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Maintain detailed, accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports as required. Use a computer for word processing and records management. Make required calculations accurately as required. Meet the physical requirements necessary for successful job performance. Analyze problems encountered in areas of responsibility, evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations. Plan and execute arrest warrants. Exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines. Effectively use computers for record-keeping and report preparation. ---PAGE BREAK--- Bailiff Page 4 Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Completion of college-level coursework leading to an Associate’s degree in criminal justice, police science or closely related field is desirable. Experience: One year as a Deputy Sheriff I in Alpine County or two years in other law enforcement. Other Requirements: Possession of a valid California driver’s license. Possession of a valid Basic P.O.S.T. certificate. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a public safety CPR certificate. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires the mobility to work in an office and field environment. Requires the ability to sit, walk, stand, run, jump, climb, balance, bend, squat, twist and reach while performing office duties and police work; lift and/or move the average weight of a person (approximately 165 pounds) and take physical charge of a person in rescue or restraint situations; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools and controls. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating firearms and other law enforcement equipment; must be able to hear normal speech and other audible events, even in combination with other environmental and equipment noise. Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means, to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen. Requires the strength and stamina to perform law enforcement duties, including handling firearms, pursuing suspects and making arrests, retraining uncooperative persons, performing search and rescue operations, and driving a motor vehicle.