Title: Chief Court Officer - Barnstable Complex

Pay Grade: Management

Starting Pay: $112,499.41 

Departmental Mission Statement: The mission of the Massachusetts Trial Court Security Department is to provide safety and security for all those who work in or come to our courthouses. The Security Department seeks to ensure a safe and secure environment in which to conduct court business while maintaining professionalism, order, and decorum in the courts. Using a comprehensive training regimen, coupled with the implementation of state-of-the-art security system technologies, the department strives to ensure public safety, access to justice, and the highest customer service in the courts of Commonwealth. The Security Department is committed to employing a high quality workforce to meet the diverse needs of those who utilize the courts.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE: 

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/trial-court-security-department

Notes:

This position is ONLY for current Trial Court Officers who have taken and passed the Court Officer Promotion Eligibility Exam. 

Position Summary: Chief Court Officers are responsible for the management, assignment, supervision, and effective utilization of court officers and other security personnel working in their court or assigned area of coverage.
Responsibilities include
• Developing and implementing plans to ensure the safety and security of the assigned court(s).
• Assisting the Security Management Team in the development and/or implementation training programs for assigned court officers and security personnel
• Evaluating the performance of security personnel.
• Maintaining personnel accountability records and performing other administrative functions.
• The Chief Court Officer is responsible for developing and implementing written local policies, procedures, and rules, consistent with the policies and directives established by Security Management Team and the Trial Court.
• The Chief Court Officer is responsible for formulating goals and objectives regarding security services performed within a courthouse or assigned area of coverage in accordance with standard Security Department policies and procedures.
• Delegating specific responsibilities to supervisory members of his/her staff; informing the Director of Security or his/her designee of the operational conditions and needs of security personnel
• Communicating to his/her security staff all administrative directives issued by the Security Management Team, the Court Administrator, Chief Justices, and First Justices.
• The Chief Court Officer works in collaboration with all judges, department heads, and other court officials of the Trial Court ensure the efficient administration of the court.

Supervision Received: 

Duties:

• Supervises and manages court officers and other security personnel working in his/her court, and/or assigned area of coverage. Implements assignment policies, procedures, and best practices to meet court officer and security personnel requirements and assigns personnel as needed.
• Coordinates all court officer assignments and transfers as appropriate with the First Justice(s) and other Justices working in the court(s) under his/her supervision.
• Maintains communications with Justice(s), court administrative officials, key court personnel, county and other local government officials, and members of the bar relative to court officer and other security related matters.
• Develops, implements, updates, refines safety and security plans for courthouse(s) under his/her jurisdiction.
• Assists the Security Management Team in the implementation of security training programs for court officers, security personnel and other Trial Court personnel; and assigns individuals to such programs.
• Collaborates with the Human Resources Department and the Security Management Team on collective bargaining and employee relations involving safety and security, grievances, disciplinary actions and other personnel actions pertaining to court officers and security personnel.
• Maintains personnel records, monitors and tracks time accountability records for assigned court officers and other security personnel.
• Supervises court officers assigned to his/her Departmental court or assigned area of coverage. Implements assignment policies and procedures to meet court officer requirements; assigns personnel as needed.
• Coordinates court officer assignments and transfers as appropriate with the First Justice(s) and other justice(s), working in the court(s) under his/her supervision.
• Provides security for prisoners, witnesses, jurors, court personnel, and the public in the courtroom and other areas of the courthouse including the following requirements:
• Taking appropriate action in disruptive situations in the courtroom, public areas, holding areas and other designated areas, including for assaultive behavior, where persons may be armed or otherwise posing a danger; and subduing and/or apprehending escaping prisoners; and providing first response in other emergency situations.
• Identifies security concerns and works with his/her supervisor to address and resolve these concerns.
• Exercises arrest powers if warranted, responds to and manages disturbances and medical emergencies, produces reports, maintains logs and records to ensure the safety and security of all Massachusetts Trial Court facilities.
• Cares for, controls, and maintains custody of all prisoners and persons taken into custody and held at a court facility.
• Provides security in all prisoner detention areas which includes monitoring, securing and feeding prisoners.
• Accepts defendants into custody and holds them or releases them pursuant to the direction of the court.
• Escorts prisoners from the holding area to the courtroom or other designated areas.
• Provides a visual security presence in courtrooms, public and employee areas, throughout the building and court premises.
• Documents, secures, and returns prisoner property in accordance with Security Department policies and procedures; Protects the privacy and ensures the safety of judges and court personnel.
• Inspects courtrooms, lobbies, jury deliberation rooms, and public areas for explosive devices and other contraband.
• Assists in building evacuations, re-entry procedures and crowd control as appropriate.
• Locates trial participants, informs participants of the court's action, transports papers within the courthouse, notifies the judge that the session is ready to proceed, announces the opening and closing of court sessions.
• Ensures that judges' and Trial Court guidelines regarding weapons, noise, food, smoking, photography, cell phones, and note taking are adhered to: Collects, receives, maintains, verifies, and transfers documents needed to accompany prisoners.
• Provides court approved information regarding court procedures to the public, witnesses, litigants and defendants.
• Participates in all management training programs required by both the Security Department and Trial Court.
• Maintains security logs and performs equipment checks as directed.
• Monitors CCTV cameras to ensure safety of the public, court employees and prisoners.
• Complies with all Trial Court Personnel Policies, Security Department Policies and Procedures, and all state and federal laws.
• Oversees and ensures proper operation and functioning of court security technology and equipment; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
• Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Security Department and the Trial Court.
• Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Security Department missions.
• Applied Knowledge Understands all court officer operations, knowledge of the various court departments and divisions, and a security supervisor's role in the criminal justice system.
• Managing Conflict Acts quickly and decisively to address an antagonistic situation, using interpersonal skills and training methods to diffuse a conflict.
• Team Building (Motivating Others) Fosters a sense of shared goals and accountabilities through the development of positive relationships in order to promote a healthy work environment.
• Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Performance Measurement Understands the value and importance of performance measures as a basis for both individual and departmental assessments
• Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direct supervision of a Regional Assistant Director of Security in performing duties which require advanced professional and independent judgment, decision making ability, supervisory skills, and increased accountability in resolving problems within guidelines, standards and established procedures.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Chief Court Officer:

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's Degree and (3) three years of experience as a Court Officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court; or An Associate's Degree and (6) six years of experience as a Court Officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court; or High School Diploma or equivalent and (12) twelve years of experience as a Court Officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court;

Management background:
• Experience as a Trial Court Assistant Chief Court Officer or comparable position is preferred. Demonstrated experience in directing and conducting security evaluations of public or governmental facilities, particularly court facilities; and demonstrated ability to organize, direct and coordinate security service programs.
• Professional Development: Must have a record of regular participation in professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the application of advanced security measures.
• Ability to supervise and a direct staff in accordance with Court Officer policy and the directives of the Security Department Management Team.
• Ability to evaluate the performance of security personnel and address disciplinary issues as necessary in compliance with Trial Court policies and Procedures.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the Court Officer Policies and Procedures Manual and other Massachusetts Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Ability to use data to diagnose problems and drive enhancements and efficiencies in departmental operations.
• Ability to demonstrate respect, courtesy, sensitivity and discretion in dealing with court personnel, attorneys, jurors, litigants, public and the media.
• Ability to interact calmly with individuals who are under physical and emotional stress.
• Ability to understand and execute all policies and procedures of Court Officers as well as Massachusetts Trial Court Personnel Policies.
• Ability to meet and maintain physical fitness to perform court officer duties when necessary.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and to maintain security logs.
• Ability to work dependably and professionally with co-workers, supervisors, judges, court employees, attorneys, and members of the public; and
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced and stressful environment; and Ability to travel within the Commonwealth if necessary.