What Does a Bailiff Do?

A Bailiff, also known as court security officer, is responsible for maintaining security in the courtroom. They are responsible for the safety of judges, lawyers, court personnel, and participants. Some bailiff duties include announcing judges’ entry into the courtroom, ensuring that people present in the courtroom are not armed, and keeping order during the trial.

Job Duties of a Bailiff

The day-to-day duties of a bailiff are administrative in nature which include:

  • Keeping the schedule up to date.
  • Preparing bond forms.
  • Maintaining courtroom supplies.
  • Ensuring the courtroom is ready for judges.
  • Calling witnesses and administering oaths.
  • Relaying messages from the jury to court and families.

Operating courtroom equipment.

Education & Career Info

Education & Career Info

Education RequiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Training RequiredModerate-term on-the-job training
Key SkillsActive Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness. Monitoring, Public Safety and Security
Job Growth (2020-2030)0%
Average Mean Salary (2021)$52,340 per year

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020) and O*Net Online

Steps to Become a Bailiff

In the United States, modern day bailiffs serve as the security officers of the court. From maintaining courtroom order to providing security to judges, jurors, and others present, it’s the job of a bailiff to help facilitate court procedure, such as announcing the arrival of the presiding judge. In practice, the responsibilities of a courtroom bailiff can vary, depending on the courthouse and state in which they serve. The following steps will guide you in how to become a bailiff.

Meet Minimum Education Requirements

  • A bailiff candidate must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Should be of minimum 21 years of age.
  • Must clear background check and pass fitness test.
  • Should have some knowledge about law enforcement.

Pursue a College Degree or Specialized Training

  • While this is not a prerequisite but acquiring special training makes the candidate more qualified.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice improves chances of more competitive jobs.
  • In some jurisdictions, it’s mandatory to get firearms training, learn self-defense, and acquire skills in behavior studies and communication.

Complete On-the Job Training

  • The eligibility requirements vary for different positions and states. It’s best to research beforehand and find out what are the prerequisites for different roles.
  • Some positions require courtroom administration experience or supervised bailiff training.
  • For more challenging courtrooms, it’s recommended to pursue entry-level positions to gain on-filed experience.

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Start Working as Bailiff

• Apply for bailiff position in your area.
• The application process is followed by interview and screening
• Start on-the-job training.

Bailiff Salary and Career Outlook

The possible job titles for this role are bailiff, court room officer, correctional officer, court officer, and sheriff’s deputy. The salary of a bailiff or similar jobs depends on the location, and also experience. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the United States, the average annual salary for a bailiff is $52,340 (2021). BLS forecasts little or no increase in employment opportunities (0%) for bailiffs in the US. Below are the top paying states for a bailiff.

 

StateAnnual Mean Wage 
Connecticut$ 98,930
California$ 79,760
Alaska$ 72,230
Massachusetts$ 70,380
Maine$ 68,090

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected a 0% increase from 2020 to 2030 in the overall employment of bailiffs. Below are the states with the highest employment level for bailiff.

StateEmployment 
New York3,960
Ohio1,710
Massachusetts980
Florida830
Michigan770

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

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