What does the job of a New York State Court Officer involve?

New York State Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order and providing security in courtrooms, court buildings, and grounds.  New York State Court Officers are assigned to all trial courts and court agencies. Court Officers are peace officers, required to wear uniforms, and maybe authorized to carry firearms, execute warrants, make arrests and may coordinate the activities of other court security personnel.

Duties per the New York State Unified Court System: A Court Officer: Provides security by standing in the courtroom and patrolling the courthouse.  Guards criminal defendants accused of both misdemeanors and felonies while in the courtroom and may escort them to and from detention pens.  Assumes a post or patrols the courthouse to maintain order by removing or calming disruptive individuals; bars entry into security areas or courtrooms of people not properly attired or behaved; talks to potentially disruptive prisoners or spectators to calm them.  Physically restrains unruly individuals.  Arrests individuals according to established procedures.  Escorts, guards, and delivers material to sequestered juries.  Escorts judges, juries, witnesses and prisoners to and from the courtroom.  Administers first aid and assistance to individuals during emergencies, accidents or illnesses.  Provides assistance in emergency situations.  Operates security equipment, including magnetometers, handheld screening devices and package x-ray machines.  Uses established search procedures to assure that no weapons or electronic or photographic equipment are brought into the courtroom.  Checks to ensure that all necessary documents are available prior to court sessions.  Checks bench to ensure that Judge has adequate supplies, proper forms, and other materials.  Displays and safeguards exhibits in the courtroom.  Maintains and updates court records.  Distributes and posts appropriate documents and court materials.  Checks any emergency or special equipment such as oxygen tanks, walkie-talkies, and other items to ensure that the equipment is in good working order; reports inoperative equipment to supervisor.  Provides general information to visitors on court premises.

New York State Court Officers make a difference everyday by serving the court system with pride and professionalism.  Is this the career for you?

Benefits Include: 20 days of paid vacation during the first year of service in addition to 12 paid holidays. Officers also accrue 13 days of paid sick leave annually.  Medical, dental, life insurance, retirement (pension) plans, uniform allowances, excellent promotional opportunities and job security. Does your current job offer these benefits?  If not then maybe it's time for a change!