What is a Bailiff

Bailiffs may have different job duties depending on the municipality and court they work in. Some bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain order and security in courts of law to protect the integrity of the legal process. In Cuyahoga County courts, bailiffs are responsible for assisting juries with their roles by ushering them throughout the building, assisting judges/jurors with related questions, and completing related paperwork.

Basic Duties

• Ensure the security of the courtroom.
• Enforce courtroom rules.
• Serve as a neutral party and follow court procedures.
• Escort judges, jurors, witnesses, and people in custody into and out of the courtroom.
• May isolate juries from the public in some circumstances.
• Handle evidence and deliver court documents to ensure that only permitted evidence is displayed.
• Assemble jurors for orientation and courtroom assignment.
• Maintain jury pool status and statistics.
• Respond to questions about jury service.

Hiring Roadmap

Typical Entry-Level Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Apply to take civil service test.
• Additional interviews and evaluations may occur such as physical agility test, medical evaluation, criminal history/background check, and psychological evaluation.

Training

Complete training at an academy where you will receive instruction in self-defense, institutional policies, regulations, operations, and security procedures.

Advancement

May advance to Senior Bailiff or supervisory positions.

Average Pay & Benefits

National median average per US Bureau of Labor Statistics: $57,050 per year or $27.42 per hour.

Benefits will vary by department but often include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, holiday pay, overtime pay, uniform allowance, and retirement/pension plan.

Work Environment

Work in courtrooms and court buildings. May be required to stand for long periods and must be alert and ready to react throughout their entire shift. Work in shifts are typically when courts are open and in session.

Where Can You Work

Cuyahoga County has multiple levels of court services, including Common Pleas, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate, plus 13 municipal courts in surrounding suburbs. See local courts here.