Career Overview
Maintain order in courts of law.
Also Known As
- Bailiff
- Court Bailiff
- Court Officer
- Court Security Officer
Alternate Job Titles
- Armed Bailiff
- Bailiff
- Bailiff Deputy
- City Bailiff
- County Bailiff
- Court Bailiff
- Court Constable
- Court Deputy
- Court Officer
- Court Security Officer
- Courtroom Deputy
- Deputy Bailiff
- Deputy Court Services Sheriff
- District Court Bailiff
- Grand Jury Deputy Sheriff
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Screen persons entering courthouse using magnetometers, x-ray machines, and other devices to collect and retain unauthorized firearms and other contraband.
- Escort prisoners to and from courthouse and maintain custody of prisoners during court proceedings.
- Maintain order in courtroom during trial and guard jury from outside contact.
- Provide security by patrolling interior and exterior of courthouse and escorting judges and other court employees.
- Guard lodging of sequestered jury.
- Enforce courtroom rules of behavior and warn persons not to smoke or disturb court procedure.
- Arrest persons in court when arrest warrants have been issued.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
- Law and Government
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Social Perceptiveness
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Speech Clarity
- Oral Expression
- Selective Attention
- Speech Recognition
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Trunk Strength
- Inductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Breathalyzer units
- Digital recording equipment
- Digital still cameras
- Digital video disk DVD players
- Digital video recording equipment
- Electronic whiteboards
- Expandable batons
- Handheld metal detector
- Laptop computers
- Laser facsimile machines
- Law enforcement handguns
- Metal handcuffs
- Mobile radios
- Overhead data projectors
- Passenger cars
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $32,950 |
| Median | $57,050 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $93,950 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 16,910
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $76,290
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $57,970
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $105,980
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $93,580
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $76,310
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.