CITY OF MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: MUNICIPAL COURT OFFICER

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this classification is to maintain security, safety, and order in the City’s municipal court building and courtrooms.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provides security in the court buildings and court rooms; observes and screens all persons entering the court building; operates metal detectors to detect and prohibit any concealed weapons or restricted objects into the court building; confiscates any prohibited objects or materials; conducts daily security search of interior and exterior of Municipal Court premises.

Serves as bailiff for the Municipal Court; attends court sessions; ensures all court room activities are conducted in an orderly fashion and that persons in the court rooms behave appropriately; enforces policies and procedures to maintain court room security; provides instructions to jurors and other persons involved in court proceedings; and removes persons who become disruptive or threaten the safety of jurors, attorneys, witnesses, court officials or other persons in the court room. Provides protection for victims and witnesses while attending court proceedings.

Serves arrest warrants; takes custody of defendants sentenced to jail time following trial; serves arrest warrants on those surrendering voluntarily on outstanding charges.

Investigates criminal activity committed on Court grounds; arrests violators; issues citations; files police reports; gathers and processes evidence; assists with prosecution.

Provides information and assistance to persons entering the court building; directs visitors to appropriate staff and/or building locations; explains policies and procedures; and answers questions.

Assists court officials and personnel; assists with coordinating court operational activities; records court proceedings; disseminates legal documents to appropriate parties as requested; maintains daily operational logs and records; conducts records maintenance activities in compliance with guidelines governing record retention.

Provides supervision, guidance, assistance and training to volunteers; coordinates and assigns work activities; answers questions regarding policies, procedures, and computer system software functions; checks work for accuracy and completeness; gives advice and direction as needed.

Maintains security equipment, such as panic alarms, metal detectors, security locks, radio equipment, etc.; conducts routine testing and calibration for equipment; washes and cleans equipment; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment for necessary maintenance work.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, incident reports, citations, work orders or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, tape recordings, citations, police bulletins, laws, ordinances, policies, procedures, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, City officials, Judges, lawyers, defendants, bonding agencies, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Maintains confidentiality of departmental documentation and issues.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in continuing education activities; attends shift meetings, workshops and seminars as appropriate.

Operates metal detectors, police equipment, a personal computer, general office equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Provides security and police presence for City Council meetings.

Reports maintenance requests in the Municipal Courts or Clerk’s offices. Contacts Building Maintenance Department or approved contractors as needed.

Performs other related duties as required by the Chief Municipal Judge.

Performs other related duties as required, requested and assigned.

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by three (3) years of experience in law enforcement. Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must obtain and maintain valid the following certifications: South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Class III officer and must be trained in CPR. Must be qualified to operate a firearm. May be required to attain and maintain other certifications as related to assignment.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as fire arms, violence, or rude/irate court visitors and/or defendants.