Associate Court Officer-Suffolk Superior Court

Title: Associate Court Officer-Suffolk Superior Court

Pay Grade: N2

Starting Pay:  $47,181.16

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: http://www.mass.gov/courts/admin/security.html

Notes:  This position is covered by the NAGE bargaining unit. 

Position Summary: The Associate Court Officer (ACO) is primarily responsible for access control, screening of incoming persons, parcels and incoming belongings, and external/internal perimeter security in the courts across Massachusetts. The Associate Court Officer protects and safeguards court grounds, buildings, employees, public, and visitors that work in and utilize state courthouses. The Associate Court Officer serves as the first line of defense for all Massachusetts Trial Court courthouses and is a member of an integrated security team. The Associate Court Officer works with fellow ACOs, court officers, and the Security Department management team to identify and address security concerns, assists with medical emergencies, and maintain logs and records to ensure the safety and security of all Massachusetts Trial Court facilities.

Duties:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Protects and safeguards Trial Court buildings, grounds, courthouse staff and courthouse visitors;
• Provides a visual security presence at court entrances/security screening stations and throughout the building;
• Screens persons who wish to enter court buildings for weapons and other items of contraband;
• Operates metal detectors (to include but not limited to handheld and walk thru metal detector equipment) and x-ray machines to perform screening functions;
• Ability to manipulate the x-ray keyboard to enhance the visual color pattern of potential contraband and have a keen eye;
• Patrols assigned areas, making periodic rounds and security checks of court buildings and grounds;
• Takes steps to effectively control emergency situations by summoning assistance, managing traffic in the courthouse, and participating in searches of the court premises;
• Complies with and demonstrates an understanding of all Trial Court policies, Security Department policies and procedures and all state and federal laws;
• Demonstrates an understanding of the Associate Court Officer Policies and Procedures Manual and other Massachusetts Trial Court policies;
• Maintains security logs and performs equipment checks as directed;
• Attends all associate court officer training programs required by the Trial Court and must successfully pass all training requirements;
• Assists in medical emergencies as needed;
• Monitors CCTV cameras to ensure safety of the public and court employees;
• Prepares and submits reports on the occurrence of fires, disturbances, accidents or any other emergency occurrences;
• Utilizes emergency security equipment such as radios, keys and card access;
• Summons assistance, manages traffic in the courthouse and participates in searches of the court premises;
• Assists in building evacuations, re-entry procedures and crowd control;
• Engaging in the use of force and using defensive tactics to remove or subdue an unruly individual;
• May be assigned by the Security Department to perform Associate Court Officer duties throughout the various Departments and Divisions of the Trial Court; and
• Performs other duties as required.

Impact of Actions/Independent Judgement:

This position operates under immediate direction with short-term impact on the organization.

Working Conditions:

Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments and outdoor environments.

Work requires frequent exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds.

Physical Demands:

This position requires medium work:

Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Job Competencies: 

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.

Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.

Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.

Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

Applied Knowledge: Understands basic security operations, with some understanding of the various court departments and divisions.

Managing Conflict: Acts quickly and decisively to address antagonistic situations, using interpersonal skills and training methods to diffuse a conflict.

Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Minimum Requirements: Education and Experience

• High School diploma or an equivalent; and two (2) years prior experience in security, customer service, law enforcement, corrections, loss prevention, emergency medical services, direct care social services, or military service; or
• An Associate Degree, from an accredited educational institution may substitute for required work experience, and one (1) year of experience in security, customer service, law enforcement, corrections, loss prevention, emergency medical services, direct care social services, or military service; or
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited educational institution may substitute for required work experience.

Knowledge and Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:
• Security, law enforcement and corrections measures and practices;
• Intercommunication skills and teamwork;
• Report writing;
• Customer Service;
• Applicable State and federal laws.

Skill in:
• Attention to detail;
• Multitasking;
• Adherence to Policy;
• Verbal and written communication;
• De-escalation;
• Observation.

Ability to:
• Interact with public in a calm manner;
• Maintain situational awareness;
• React quickly and professionally;
• Travel within the Commonwealth if necessary;
• To work dependably and professionally with co-workers, supervisors, judges, court employees, attorneys, and members of the public;
• Operate Security equipment including but not limited to handheld metal detectors, x-ray screening equipment, walk thru metal detectors, keys, radios and other access control and security equipment;
• Obtain CPR/First Aid Certification;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Serve and protect internal and external stakeholders