Court Security Officer

Summary: Under basic supervision, provides professional, responsive, and courteous security services for the Odessa Municipal Court and maintains peace and public order in the court.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Enforces state and federal laws, and City regulations; identifies, prevents, and terminates unlawful activities using experience and technical training; performs work according to OPD and municipal court policies to preserve the peace, solve problems, and provide the highest quality police services; duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Maintain the safety and security of the Municipal Court building.
• Exercise authority in preventing or defusing potentially violent situations involving court personnel, the mentally ill, and others.
• Communicate with Odessa Police Department personnel, Ector County Jail personnel,   Legal Department staff, attorneys, other court staff members, to obtain and disburse information necessary to court operations, transports, and arrests.
• Perform clerical work related to duties in a prompt, correct, and legible manner, including maintenance of logs, preparation of correspondence, and other tasks necessary for communicating and obtaining information.
• Perform fundamental tasks associated with service or process including telephone calls to defendants and others, verifying identifying information, addresses and other identifying documents, etc.
• Attend court sessions in both municipal court and Ector County Jail to assist judge, document dispositions, maintain order, and direct defendants, jurors, and witnesses.
• Conducts research on the computer using the Municipal Court Records Management System.
• Executes misdemeanor arrest warrants as time allows.
• Completes detailed reports and required paperwork; testifies in court as directed.
• Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, regional organizations and businesses, and federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations.
• Attends annual training specific to legislative changes affecting municipal courts and continued education as required by TCOLE.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the City, Municipal Court and Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED required; AND successful completion of Police Academy training.

Knowledge of:

• Municipal, Police Department and Municipal Court policies and procedures.
• City, county, state, and federal civil and criminal laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a Police Officer.
• Texas criminal justice and court systems, and the principles of criminal justice records management.
• Basic law enforcement methods and procedures, including case laws governing arrest, rules of evidence, probable cause, use of force, custody of evidence and property, and search and seizure.
• Basic law enforcement management principles, practices, and trends.
• Investigative and interrogative procedures, and protocols for observation of critical details.
• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.

Skill in:

• Interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
• Effectively managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.
• Exercising controlled discretion, and mediating difficult situations.
• Remaining alert at all times, and reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Interpreting and applying criminal laws to information, evidence, and other data compiled.
• The care, maintenance, and safe operation of a variety of firearms, impact weapons, chemical agents, and other law enforcement tools and equipment.
• Communicating with violators, recognizing suspicious behavior patterns, mediating difficult situations, and using effective arrest and control techniques.
• Working as a team member with other law enforcement and multi-jurisdictional agencies.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, and representatives from other regional agencies.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and certifications requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.  Basic Peace Officers License and certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is required.  Depending on the needs of the City, additional technical training and certifications may be required.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in a standard office environment; may be exposed to physical attacks, hazardous chemicals, infectious and communicable diseases; required to physically restrain persons; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet OPD standards.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/1144384-111610