Bailiffs

What the job really is

Maintain order in courts of law.

At a glance

• Sector: Protective Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 33-3011
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Report need for police or medical assistance to sheriff's office.
• Check courtroom for security and cleanliness and assure availability of sundry supplies, such as notepads, for use by judge, jurors, and attorneys.
• Stop people from entering courtroom while judge charges jury.
• Screen, control, and handle evidence and exhibits during court proceedings.
• Provide assistance to the public, such as directions to court offices.

Tools and technology

Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Word, Breathalyzer units, Case management system software, Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Court docket management software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
• Correctional Officers and Jailers
• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
• First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
• Transit and Railroad Police
• First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Bailiffs — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.