Court Security Officer

Livingston County was named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County.

With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 5 elected offices, and 5 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary :

Under the supervision of the Lead Court Security Officer, this position is assigned four primary duties including judicial safety / security, courtroom safety / security, building safety / security and ancillary safety and security functions.

From an overall perspective, this position is responsible for public safety and security enforcement aspects of a courthouse, ensuring that judges, employees, citizens, and dignitaries visiting the courthouse are provided a safe environment in the facility to which he / she is assigned.

The Court Security Officer may be assigned to any county court facility or function.

Pay Rate Information :

The Court Security Officer role is a non-union position and starting pay is $23.05 / hr . This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 5 Wage Scale.

Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $29.20 / hr .

Benefits :

• Retirement plan includes a 401a with up to 8% employer contribution
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional HSA with an employer match
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Short-term & Long-term disability & Basic Life & AD&D insurance
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & 13 Holidays. Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment .
• Voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies
• Employee assistance program
• Pro-rated based on DOH

Essential Job Functions :

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• Responsible for the opening and closing of the secured facilities to the public.
• Performs security patrols and conducts contraband / weapons searches of the courtrooms and additional interior areas within the courthouse / assigned building.
• Provides protection for judicial officials / jurors / witnesses / public during proceedings.
• Performs security and contraband searches of exterior areas of the courthouse.
• Directs the opening and closing of courtrooms.
• Provides public safety response in emergency situations and makes requests for needed assistance.
• Assumes custody of individuals remanded into custody by the Judge.
• Monitors public and private entrances and corridors.
• Maintains control of prisoners in the courtrooms and adjacent holding areas and while moving prisoners in and out of court as needed.
• Maintains public safety, order, and decorum in an assigned courtroom. Remains positioned in a location that enables the officer to monitor all persons and activities in the courtroom.

Controls and coordinates with the media in the courtroom.

• Coordinates with other law enforcement agencies when a potential threat or safety concern is learned of or made to a judge, court staff, employee, citizens, or court property.
• Conducts investigations and prepares reports on incidents that happen within the courts. Documents and disseminates security threats and assessments when appropriate, with all information obtained from in-house records and from law enforcement agencies or other methods.
• Enforces court or facility policies and / or rules, or Local Administrative Orders, as approved by the Chief Judge(s).
• Renders basic emergency care to citizens and or employees when appropriate.
• Assists the Court with Preliminary Breath Test, Swab Drug Test, and other various tasks.
• Ensures that no weapons are brought into the courthouse and that the public complies with Judicial Court rules and orders which may include removal of people that are unruly and / or disruptive.
• Makes physical apprehensions and arrests of individuals with outstanding warrants or that may pose an immediate threat to the public safety and security of persons or property, which may include removal of people to enable court business to be carried on without interference or delay, maintain order and secure the safety of any person in the court building.
• Uses proactive de-escalation skills to neutralize escalating or potential violent events.
• Performs other security and security-related tasks and duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications :

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following :

• High school diploma and a minimum of ten years of experience in a law enforcement setting.
• MCOLES certified preferred .
• The Court, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Deputized by the Livingston County Sheriff's Department.
• Valid Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Must have no prior or expunged felony convictions.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of law enforcement and security protocols.
• Knowledge of, and ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, policies and regulations.
• Ability to use sound independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with court personnel, juries, County employees, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials and the public.
• Ability to assess situations and work effectively under stress and in emergency situations.
• Basic skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including some knowledge of Microsoft Suite applications, with the ability to learn any necessary features of the court's software programs and applicable state software databases.
• Qualify and or maintain proficiency when or as required in the following court issued items but not limited to : Firearm, Taser, CPR, Narcan, AED, Pepper Spray, Handcuffs, and Belly- chains.
• First Aid, CPR, Narcan, AED, Annual Firearms Qualification, Graduate of a Law Enforcement Academy, MI Concealed Carry Permit License (CPL).

Physical Demands and Work Environment :

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view, and produce written and electronic documents, inspect materials, and explain procedures.

The employee must be mobile with the ability to stand, sit, stoop, and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must lift or push / pull objects of up to 75 lbs. without assistance and be physically able to restrain unruly individuals.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a courtroom or security setting, possibly in dangerous law enforcement situations.

The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to loud, depending on the assignment.