Texas Municipal Courts
Education Center
Bailiff/Warrant Officer 2015
Austin, TX
BAILIFF FUNCTION IN COURT
SECURITY
Instructor

Randy Harris




35 years in law enforcement, 5 Command
positions
24 years of court security experience
29 years of experience in training law
enforcement, security, court and judicial
personnel
Constable Tom Green County Pct 4
1
Bailiff Functions in Court
Security
Welcome to Section II of the
Court Security Specialist Program.
In this four hour block, we will look at the various
duties of court bailiffs and their role in court
security.
I hope that you find this course informative and
beneficial to your duties in court security.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, you should
be able to:
1. Identify the types of trials you will see as a bailiff.
2. Identify the bailiffs role in security and court service.
3. Identify the two types of juries and the bailiff’s
conduct.
4. Plan for security risks before, during, and after trial.
Bailiff Functions
Bailiff: (from Late Latin word “baiulivus”) is a governor or custodian; a
legal officer to whom some degree of authority, care or jurisdiction is
committed. Bailiffs are of various kinds and their offices and duties vary
greatly.
Many in the United States use the word “bailiff” to refer
to a peace officer providing court security. More often,
these court officers are Sheriffs Deputies, Marshals,
or Constables. This terminology varies among (and
sometimes within) states and counties.
2
TYPES OF TRIALS
Types of Trials
There are two main trial types:
•
Civil Trials
•
Criminal Trials
Everyone here is familiar with both types of trials.
Each one has its own set of characteristics and
dangers.
Types of Trials
Civil Trial Functions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lawsuits
Family Law
Probate Law
Nuisance Abatement
Dangerous Animals
Truancy
Contempt
Actual Trial
3
Types of Trials
Criminal Trial Functions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Suppression Hearings
Evidentiary Hearings
Custody Hearings
Pre-Trial Hearings
Sentencing Hearings
Revocation Hearings
Actual Trial
THREAT LEVELS
Threat Levels
The United States Marshals service devised
a threat level classification method for use
in determining the amount of security for
court cases.
They will be reviewed here as an example.
Each of you will have your own methods of
determining security and should follow your
own departmental rules on this.
4
Threat Levels

Level I: Civil proceeding with no
indications of potential disruptions or
violence in the courtroom. This level also
applies to criminal pre-trial proceedings
with no defendant present provided there
are no indications listed above present.
No officer is required.
Threat Levels

Level II: A civil proceeding that is
determined to be generally non-hazardous
but has indications of the potential for
disruption in the courtroom.
Criminal
proceedings and post-trial proceedings at
which the defendant is present start at
this level. The need for an officer will be
determined on a case by case basis.
Threat Levels


Level III: A civil or criminal trial or post-trial proceeding
that is determined to present a substantial opportunity
for disruptive or violent actions. One officer at minimum
is required.
Level IV: A particular criminal or civil proceeding is
determined to present a high risk of disruption or
violence in and around the courtroom.
This
determination should be based on an assessment of
indicators that collectively suggest that the proceeding
has this potential. More than one officer is required.
5
Threat Levels
Remember that these are only examples,
your own department policy should dictate
how you handle staffing.
BAILIFF’S ROLE
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
•
•
•
Pre-session Search
Courtroom Placement
What to look for
Staying Alert
Court Service
•
•
Acting as Valet
Enforcing Court Orders
6
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
Pre-Session Search
The pre-session search is a very important start of the court session and is
necessary to prevent breaches in security.
•
Uncontrolled Access to Courtroom
•
•
•
Most prevalent condition observed when doing
security
assessments.
Provides opportunity to plant weapons, recording devices, or
other harmful matter in the court facility.
Persons other than bailiff unlock the courtroom.
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
Pre-Session Search
•
•
•
Overall Security of Courtroom.
Intel suggesting escape attempt.
Defendant connection to organized crime.
These are only a few reasons to search. There are many more that we can
collectively come up with. The most important thing is that the bailiff do a
complete and thorough pre-session search for the safety of the court.
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
Pre-Session Search
Search Methods
•
•
•
•
Select a starting point in the room and use this same
starting point for each sweep of the room.
Stay with the same pattern of search so that you do not
miss anything.
Search in opposite directions for additional security.
Schedule bailiff early enough to allow time for the
search.
7
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
Pre-Session Search
Search Methods
•
Utilize available tools such as mirrors and flashlights.
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
Pre-Session Search
Circular Method - Use clockwise or counterclockwise
1.
2.
3.
4.
search floor to waist around the room.
search waist to Chin around the room.
search chin to ceiling around the room.
False ceiling
For optimum results repeat the search in the opposite direction that
you did the first search.
8
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
Pre-Session Search
Special Situations
•
Courtroom was unlocked prematurely by non-court
personnel and there are people already inside.
Suggested practice is to empty the courtroom, re-secure and do
an inspection behind closed doors.
•
Courtroom has no locking hardware to secure it between
sessions.
Suggested practice is frequent patrols into the courtroom and
regular between session searches and of course, install locking
hardware.
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
Pre-Session Search
What are you looking for?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Weapons
Communication Devices
Newspapers
Articles forbidden by Judicial Rules
Handcuff Keys
Anything Suspicious
9
Bailiff’s Role
Security
•
Pre-Session Search
Once you are satisfied that everything is clear you
may allow entry into the courtroom
Bailiff’s Role
Courtroom Placement
Your placement in the courtroom is key to your
ability to respond to a threat or be a visible
deterrent to threats.
• You should be in a place where you are visible to
the persons in the courtroom
• You should be able to view all entrances to the
courtroom from your location
• Your location should allow you to respond to
anyone rushing the bench or the jury box and
intercept them if possible
Bailiff’s Role
Courtroom Placement
Once situated, you are the eyes and ears in the
courtroom for anything out of the ordinary that
could be considered a threat.
10
Bailiff’s Role
Please take the diagram on the handout and
work in your breakout groups on the best
place for the bailiff to be located during
normal court sessions.
Bailiff’s Role
Bailiff’s Role
11
Bailiff’s Role
Bailiff’s Role
Bailiff’s Role
Courtroom Seating:
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Spectators
Family Members (Victim/Suspect)
Press
Prisoners
Lawyers
Officers/Agents
Legal Support Staff
Press
12
Bailiff’s Role

First several rows are your buffer rows.

Court Staff

Law Enforcement

Legal Support

Lawyers

Press
Bailiff’s Role

Prisoners

Away from family and victims

Away from court staff

At disadvantage to escape

Movement areas to avoid the above
Bailiff’s Role

Family Members

Away from in custody family members

Away from family members of the opposing side
13
Bailiff’s Role

Spectators

Whatever is left after you take care of security
concerns
Bailiff’s Role
Break up into your groups and put together
a seating diagram for the following
scenarios.
Bailiff’s Role
Scenario:
Court hearing where you have multiple
suspects and family members.
Criminal trial with defendant, victim and
defendant’s family members, press, legal
staff, law enforcement officers.
14
Bailiff’s Role
Bailiff’s Role
Bailiff’s Role
15
Bailiff’s Role
Bailiff’s Role
No plan is perfect as the courtroom
environment is ever changing. For those
changes you must be able to adapt and stay
alert.
Bailiff’s Role
What are you looking for?
•
•
•
•
Hand signals from persons in the audience to
defendants.
Looks of intimidation toward the jury.
Restless/nervous spectators.
Violation of court rules.



Reading newspapers/books
Chewing gum
Disruptions
16
Bailiff’s Role
What are you looking for?
•
Violation of Court Rules (cont.)



Improper attire
Electronic devices
Entering/leaving during prohibited times
What have you witnessed that has not been
covered?
Bailiff’s Role
Staying Alert
Who in this room has not fallen asleep
in court?
One has to admit, court is boring at times and
attentiveness can be a difficult task.
There are several techniques that you can use to stay alert but you
must use them in a manner that does not disturb the court.
Bailiff’s Role
Staying Alert
Stand up in the immediate area where you are.
Stand up and move to another security point in
the courtroom.
Call for relief if necessary.
Keep your supervisor informed if you are taking
any medications that make you drowsy.
Don’t:



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•
•
•
Do Crosswords
Play games on your phone
Do any activity that distracts you from your security
duties
17
Bailiff’s Role
Court Service
•
Acting as Valet
In addition to security duties Court Bailiffs are there to serve the
courts. The extent of this service varies from court to court.
These duties can include but are not limited to:
Delivering papers and court documents; retrieving
articles for the judge; summoning witnesses;
delivering messages for the judge.
Bailiff’s Role
Court Service
What are some other service duties that you have
experienced?
Bailiff’s Role
Court Service
•
Enforcing Court Rules and Orders
Judges rely heavily on bailiffs to enforce court rules and
court orders.
Some rules are written such as “local rules of court” while
others are verbal directives from the judge.
18
Bailiff’s Role
Court Service
•
Enforcing Court Rules and Orders
Many Rules and Orders Pertain to Behavior
•
•
•
•
•
Disruptions
Reading Material in Court
Dress Code Violations
 Hats, halters, shorts, jeans, tank tops, etc.
Entering/Leaving Court at Unauthorized Times
Others?
Bailiff’s Role
Court Service
•
Enforcing Court Orders


Know the preferences of the judge when enforcing
court orders. Some judges prefer not to be
bothered by the small rules and want the bailiff to
handle them. On the other hand, some judges
prefer to have complete control and direction of
their courtroom.
Knowing these things will help you to do a good
job as well as keep your job.
JURY HANDLING
19
Jury Handling
Jury handling may be the most underrated job that you
have as a bailiff.
It has more potential to cause serious consequences for
you and the court than any other bailiff duty.
Many bailiffs have been transferred or lost their jobs from
causing mistrials that cost the courts thousands of dollars.
Jury Handling
Generally you will deal with two different
types of juries as a bailiff:

Grand Jury

Petit Jury
Jury Handling
Grand Jury: a jury that examines
accusations against persons charged with
crime and if the evidence warrants makes
formal charges on which the accused
persons are later tried (Webster’s)
Petit Jury: a jury impaneled to try and to
decide finally upon the facts at issue in
causes for trial in a court (Webster’s)
20
Jury Handling
Job Description of Jury Handling:






Serve the jury.
Protect the sanctity of the jury from outside
influence.
Provide security for the jury and jury room.
Act as valet between the court and the jury.
Prevent intimidation of the jury.
What other job duties can you think of.
Jury Handling
There are some statutes that pertain to
bailiff duties:
Art. 19.37. BAILIFF'S DUTIES. A bailiff is to
obey the instructions of the foreman, to
summon all witnesses, and generally, to
perform all such duties as the foreman may
require of him. One bailiff shall be always
with the grand jury, if two or more are
appointed. (CCP)
Jury Handling
Art. 19.38. BAILIFF VIOLATING DUTY. No
bailiff shall take part in the discussions or
deliberations of the grand jury nor be
present when they are discussing or voting
upon a question. The grand jury shall
report to the court any violation of duty by a
bailiff and the court may punish him for
such violation as for contempt. (CCP)
21
Jury Handling
Art. 36.24. OFFICER SHALL ATTEND JURY.
The sheriff of the county shall furnish the
court with a bailiff during the trial of any
case to attend the wants of the jury and to
act under the direction of the court. If the
person furnished by the sheriff is to be
called as a witness in the case he may not
serve as bailiff. (CCP)
Jury Handling
Art. 36.27. JURY MAY COMMUNICATE WITH COURT. When the jury wishes to
communicate with the court, it shall so notify the sheriff, who shall inform the
court thereof. Any communication relative to the cause must be written,
prepared by the foreman and shall be submitted to the court through the
bailiff. The court shall answer any such communication in writing, and before
giving such answer to the jury shall use reasonable diligence to secure the
presence of the defendant and his counsel, and shall first submit the question
and also submit his answer to the same to the defendant or his counsel or
objections and exceptions, in the same manner as any other written
instructions are submitted to such counsel, before the court gives such answer
to the jury, but if he is unable to secure the presence of the defendant and his
counsel, then he shall proceed to answer the same as he deems proper. The
written instruction or answer to the communication shall be read in open court
unless expressly waived by the defendant.
All such proceedings in felony cases shall be a part of the record and recorded
by the court reporter. (CCP)
Jury Handling
Art. 36.05. NOT TO HEAR TESTIMONY.
Witnesses under rule shall be attended by
an officer, and all their reasonable wants
provided for, unless the court, in its
discretion, directs that they be allowed to
go at large; but in no case where the
witnesses are under rule shall they be
allowed to hear any testimony in the case.
(CCP)
22
Jury Handling
Art. 36.215. RECORDING OF JURY
DELIBERATIONS. A person may not use
any device to produce or make an audio,
visual, or audio-visual broadcast, recording,
or photograph of a jury while the jury is
deliberating. (CCP)
Jury Handling
Art. 36.22. CONVERSING WITH JURY. No person
shall be permitted to be with a jury while it is
deliberating. No person shall be permitted to
converse with a juror about the case on trial
except in the presence and by the permission of
the court.
Art. 36.23. VIOLATION OF PRECEDING ARTICLE.
Any juror or other person violating the preceding
Article shall be punished for contempt of court by
confinement in jail not to exceed three days or by
fine not to exceed one hundred dollars, or by both
such fine and imprisonment. (CCP)
Jury Handling
There are only a few duties listed in statutes
pertaining to jury handling. There are many
more that are dictated by local court rules,
judicial preference, and department policy.
As a bailiff it is your responsibility to know
and understand what the duties are in your
respective courts.
23
Jury Handling
Duties change during trial phases. We are
going to look at some of the duties that you
will be going through before, during and
after trial.
Jury Handling
Pre-session search of the jury room is an
important part of bailiff duties prior to jury
selection.
This should be done in
conjunction with the pre-session search of
the courtroom using the same method.
You should be looking for newspapers, old
juror notes or anything left behind that
could be cause for a mistrial.
Jury Handling
You should also be looking for anything that
could compromise the security of the jury in
any way.
If you should find any materials, they should
be secured immediately and the trial judge
should be notified.
24
Jury Handling
Your placement when the jury is being
selected is just as important for security as
it is when court is in normal session.
The same priorities should be followed but
you will also need to be in a position to
quickly serve the court during selection as
well as provide visible protection.
Jury Handling
Break up into your groups and work on the
best placement in the courtroom when jury
selection is in process.
Jury Handling
25
Jury Handling
Jury Handling
Jury Handling
26
Jury Handling
Just like in regular session placement,
nothing is perfect and you have to be
adaptable to the changing courtroom
environment.
Jury Handling-Conduct
Who can cause a mistrial just by their
conduct……………………..
YOU!!! This is where your actions can cause
issues you if you are not careful.
The actions of a bailiff during trial could have
an impact on the jury:



Facial expressions (frowns, smirks, rolling eyes,
shaking head).
Offhand Comments
Overall Improper Conduct
Jury Handling-Conduct
What is the best face to put on when
handling a jury?
Bland,
business
observant, etc.

like,
security
focused,
You can still be pleasant but businesslike. Your
goal is to make the jury feel at ease while still
providing proper security.

27
Jury Handling-Conduct
Arms length relationship:
•
•
•
•
This is by far the best approach when handling a jury.
Don’t get too close to them and don’t let them get too
close to you.
This is strictly business, they are not your buddies.
Even if you personally know someone on the jury,
keep them at this distance. (personally knowing a
prospective jury member should be taken up with the
judge prior to selection)
Jury Handling-Conduct
Avoid Common Mistakes
•
•
•
Do not spend too much time visiting with jurors, take
care of business and get away.
Do not engage jurors in conversation other than what
is relevant.
Remember that appearances are everything. Your
actions may have the most innocent intent but the
appearance can cause a mistrial.
Jury Handling-Conduct
•
•
Do not accept gifts from jurors, lawyers, or
anyone affiliated with the case
Do not discuss aspects of the case with jurors
before or during the trial, and even after the
jury has given its verdict and has been
dismissed.
These are just a few of the do not’s. What can
you add to this list?
28
Jury Handling
Serving the jury during trial is another key
part of your duties as bailiff.
This can include:
•
•
•
•
Helping seat the jury for selection.
Assist in the selection process as directed by the judge.
Managing a portable microphone for the jurors to use
when being questioned.
Assisting jurors into the jury box when selected.
Jury Handling
•
•
•
•
Escorting the jurors to the jury room and
familiarizing them with their surroundings at the
beginning of trial.
Ensuring that items furnished by the court are
kept at a constant level to supply the needs of
the jury.
Escorting the jurors to and from the jury room in
between sessions.
Assembling the jurors at the start of the court
day.
Jury Handling
•
•
•
Observe the jurors while they are on break to
insure that there is no improper contact with
court participants.
Keep the jury from seeing the defendant in
custody or in restraints.
Escorting jurors to their vehicles at the end of
the court day or at the end of the trial.
What other duties can you think of?
29
Jury Handling
Service during deliberation includes a
number of things to think about. Some are:
•
•
•
Do not provide the jury with anything not approved of by the judge
(tools, papers, research materials).
Do not enter the jury room at any time during deliberation. Always
make contact at an open doorway.
Do not answer questions about the case even though you know the
answer the judge is going to give.
Jury Handling
•
•
•
•
Keep close observation of anything the jurors bring into
the jury room. Report anything objectionable to the
judge immediately.
Be aware of comments jurors make, they may indicate
exposure to something prohibited.
Be aware of jurors that may have had a noon cocktail.
This could impair their service.
Do not deliver messages to the jury unless approved by
the trial judge.
Jury Handling
•
•
•
Immediately notify the trial judge of any perceived
violation of court rules or compromise of the jury.
If possible, sequester any juror suspected of compromise
from the rest of the panel.
Do not leave your post with the jury without proper relief.
30
Jury Handling
Examples of Behavior That Can Cause
Mistrial:
Jurors receive intimidating looks from defendant’s family in
a murder trial and ask for security resulting in mistrial. An
alert bailiff had admonished the family members outside
the presence of the jury but the looks had already caused
jurors to fear for their safety.
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2011/03/looks_from_
harvey_defendants_f.html
Jury Handling
Mistrial granted after woman in courtroom
makes an obscene gesture at a member of
the jury. Reported to the bailiff by the
juror.
http://journalnews.net/page/content.detail/id/568592/Attorney-mistrial-tough-but-right.html?nav=5006
Jury Handling
Mistrial declared after juror seen drinking
beer during lunch. Bailiff was informed of
the incident and reported it to the judge.
http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-0318/news/17414732_1_pepper-spray-crackcocaine-juror
31
Jury Handling
Mistrial declared after bailiff noticed juror
sleeping.
http://thomastontimes.com/bookmark/1675
687-Napping-juror-causes-mistrial
Jury Handling
Bailiff spots juror with law book in juror’s
possession during deliberation. Interview of
juror by judge caused no concern that it
influenced the jury, no mistrial. (Trial of
Susan McDougal on criminal contempt for
refusing to testify in Whitewater hearings
against
Bill
Clinton)
http://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/10/us/wh
ereas-a-studious-juror-nearly-causes-amistrial-for-mcdougal.html
Jury Handling
Waco, TX: Juror reports to bailiff that
information was received on the case from
an outside source. Mistrial granted.
http://www.kwtx.com/localnews/headlines/
Mistrial_Declared_in_Trial_Of_Man_Accused
_of_Shooting_Local_Police_Officer_1355197
78.html
32
Jury Handling
Bailiff called to testify in case. Mistrial
granted in one case but not in the other.
http://ftp.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F3/250/
250.F3d.1123.98-3659.html
http://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/appella
te-courts/ca11/09-10988/200910988-201102-28.pdf?1301264100
Jury Handling
Bailiff was feeling ill the day of the trial and
made the statement that he might feel
better if he beat up the defendant. Mistrial
was not granted but the statement was
definitely improper.
http://www.juryverdicts.net/Cosbyv.White.p
df
Jury Handling
Bailiff made comments to jurors on the judge’s
handling of cases involving firearms. The
motion judge found that the bailiff's conduct
was not attributable to mere negligence. He
found rather that she was motivated by "bad
faith or prejudice" against the defendant.
Mistrial Granted.
http://or.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocView
er.aspx/xq/fac.19790925_0040816.OR.htm/qx
33
Jury Handling
The defendant was left alone in the
courtroom with the bailiff and the jury. All
of them carried on a conversation pertaining
to the roosting habits of pheasants. The
State moved for mistrial which was granted.
Appearances are everything, it does not
matter what was said.
http://www.ndcourts.gov/court/opinions/20
110096.htm
Jury Handling
Other examples:



Bailiff commented to jurors "oh that wicked fellow,
he is guilty.“
Conviction and sentence of death reversed and
remanded because two deputy sheriffs who gave
crucial testimony were put in charge of jury, ate with
them, conversed with them and did errands for
them.
Murder conviction reversed because bailiff remarked
to jury that this was third person defendant had
killed.
Other Examples:



Capital defendant challenged mistrial from previous
sentencing hearing; mistrial found proper where
juror had claimed that court officers told her life in
prison meant at least 20 years.
Hearing granted where bailiff denied jury's request to
see judge without explaining that jury could
communicate with the court in writing.
Medical malpractice verdict was reversed and
remanded for a new trial because security guard,
placed in charge of the jury, stayed inside the
deliberation room.
34
Jury Handling
Other Examples:
Affirming reversal of conviction for sexual
battery where jurors asked bailiff for read
back of testimony and he told them to rely on
their memories.
There are many examples where bailiffs have
cause mistrials based on their actions. Your
integrity as a bailiff is one of the most import
assets you have. Don’t lose your integrity
over a small mistake.

SECURITY DURING TRIAL
Security During Trial
Security during and after the trial are two
more hats that you must wear as a bailiff.
We have covered some of the security
aspects before and during trial already but
now we will look at some more specific
issues pertaining to reaction to incidents.
35
Security During Trial
Do you have a plan in place if something happens during
trial that requires you to react? Here are some things to
consider for various responses.
Responses:
•
Active shooter outside the courtroom.
•
•
Lockdown the courtroom. This turns the courtroom into a
safe-room for all inside.
Evacuation of the court family to another safe area.
Security During Trial
Responses:
Active Shooter Outside the Courtroom.
• Do you engage the shooter or do you stay in the
courtroom to protect the occupants?
Active Assault Inside the Courtroom.
• Does the court staff have an evacuation plan to a
safe room?
• Do you intervene or do you insure that the court staff
gets out safely?
Security During Trial
Responses:
Active Assault Inside the Courtroom.
• Is the court staff trained in the location and use of duress
alarms (if you have them)?
• Does the court staff have access to phones or other
communication devices in the courtroom to call for help?
• If there is an evacuation plan in place for court staff, is it
practiced on a regular basis?
36
Security During Trial
In that video were several examples of
outbursts and assaults. That is why you
need a plan.
37
Security During Trial
Were the bailiffs able to intervene before
the subjects reached the bench?
SECURITY AFTER TRIAL
38
Security After Trial
Distraught Persons Remaining in Courtroom
or Hallway After an Adverse Verdict or Court
Decision
•
Do you have a plan to deal with this?
•
Evacuation of court staff, securing the courtroom
•
•
Call for assistance.
Ask family members or friends to take the distraught
persons away from the courtroom (this usually works and
you do not have to touch them).
Security After Trial
Juror Safety
•
Escorting jurors to vehicles after dark or after a tense
trial. Jurors are usually released before court is
adjourned which makes it easier to get them out before
they come in contact with parties to the case.
•
Protecting jurors from the news media.
•
What else can you add to this?
Security After Trial
Escorting parties to the trial to safety for the
same reasons as you would for the jurors.
This could include, witnesses, prosecutors,
defense attorneys, plaintiff attorneys, court
staff, defendants, or plaintiffs.
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Security After Trial
Post Session Search:
After each court session, the courtroom and
jury room (if used) should be searched
using the same methods to look for any
objects left behind or that may be a threat.
The courtroom should only be secured after
it has been determined that there are no
threats.
Security After Trial
What duties can you think of that we have
not covered in this section?
JUDICIAL RELATIONS
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Judicial Relations
You must have a good rapport with judges
your job efficiently.
This rapport comes through experience
working with the judges and learning their
expectations and policies.
The following examples are suggested
behavior. Your relationship with the judges
you work with may differ and you should
rely on your local policy to dictate behavior.
Judicial Relations
Duties
•
Protection
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Escorts to and from the building.
Escorts away from the facility when necessary.
Escort to and from the courtroom.
Protection during court.
Others?
Judicial Relations
Duties
•
Behavior

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

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Same arms length relationship as with jurors.
Don’t read or be nosy about things on the judge’s
desk.
Don’t eaves drop on conversations.
Don’t give your opinion unless asked or unless it
has to do with an impending security issue.
Confidentiality.
Other suggestions?
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Judicial Relations
Duties
•
Service




Errands in the courthouse related to the case you
are sitting in.
Standing by during in camera meetings in
chambers (remember privacy is a major
responsibility).
Standing by outside doorway during in camera
meetings for security reasons.
Others?
Judicial Relations
Other Duties as Assigned
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What may be asked of you?






Washing cars.
Running errands away from the courthouse.
Taking the football pool around the office.
Moving furniture in the office.
Filling water pitchers in the courtroom.
Others?
Judicial Relations
Other Duties as Assigned
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Ethical Considerations
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Is the request ethical or legal?
Is the request part of your duties?
Would your administrators approve of you
handling this type of request?
Is it something that would embarrass you or your
agency?
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Exam
1.
Threat level I court sessions have
some indication of potential for disruption.
2. You should inform your supervisor if
you are taking any medications that make
you drowsy.
3. The two types of juries are petit and
great.
4. Bailiffs are only concerned with security
before and during trial.
5.Your placement in the courtroom as a bailiff
is an important part of court security.
6.Threat level III trials have no indication of
potential for disruption.
7.Bailiffs should remain alert at all times during
court and should call for relief if they are
having difficulty.
8.Doors to the courtroom should remain locked
when the room is not in use.
9. The suggested method for searching
the courtroom prior to session is the
square method.
10. Bailiffs need to be visible in the
courtroom.
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11. Bailiffs can cause mistrials by which of
the following:
a. Facial expressions.
b. Offhand comments.
c. Leaving their duty post without relief.
d. All of the above.
12. Uncontrolled access to the courtroom
can do which of the following:
a. Provide opportunity hide weapons.
b. Provide the opportunity to plant
recording devices.
c. Provide the opportunity to hide harmful
materials.
d. All of the above.
13. Which of the following is not a
component of a pre-session search of the
courtroom or jury room?
a. Circular pattern.
b. Search floor to waist.
c. Search chin to ceiling.
d. Waist to chest.
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14. The components of proper courtroom
placement of the bailiff are:
a. Visible to persons in the courtroom.
b. View of all entrances to the courtroom.
c. Far from the judge’s bench.
d. A and B
e. A and C
15. Civil trial functions do not include:
a. Lawsuits.
b. Probate cases.
c. Murder trials.
d. All of the above.
16. When conducting a pre-session search
of the courtroom, you are looking for:
a. Weapons.
b. Disturbances.
c. Anything suspicious.
d. A and B.
e. A and C.
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17. Bailiffs perform a variety of services to
the court, they include:
a. Handling disruptions.
b. Enforcing court rules.
c. Protecting the court staff.
d. All of the above.
18. Jury handling duties include:
a. Serving the jury.
b. Providing security for the jury and jury
room.
c. Prevent intimidation of the jury.
d. All of the above
e. A and B.
19. Common mistakes when handling juries
are:
a. Keeping an arm’s length relationship with
the jury.
b. Engaging jurors in conversation that is
not relevant to your duties.
c. Limiting your time in the jury room to
just business of the court.
d. All of the above.
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20. Components of dealing with distraught
persons in the courtroom are:
a. Calling for assistance.
b. Asking family members to take the
distraught persons away from the
courtroom.
c. Doing nothing and let it work itself out.
d. A and B.
e. B and C.
Course Evaluations
TCOLE requires course evaluations for each
class that is reported for credit.
Your
opinion is important to us. Please be as
frank as possible on your course evaluations
so that we can improve our training.
Conclusion
Thank you for attending We hope that you
enjoyed the training.
Sometimes we get back to our workplace
and think of something that we would like to
see in the training. Do not hesitate to
contact us with such information as we want
to constantly improve the courses that we
provide.
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Conclusion
Randy Harris
Court Security Concepts
P.O. Box 1662
San Angelo, TX 76902
325 315-4209
[email protected]
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