Court Security Officer Curriculum
Well-trained court security staff are crucial for courts to provide a safe place for the public to peacefully settle disputes. This curriculum will give law enforcement and court security officers fundamental knowledge and skills to detect potential dangers and prevent or limit possible harm. Officers may take one or all of the following courses, depending on the scope of their job responsibilities.
Court Security Fundamentals - Webinar
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This course is designed specifically for court security officers. It gives an overview of the fundamentals required to ensure the safety and security of all judges, court staff, and the public who conduct business with the court. In addition to a review of the fundamentals, discussion with attendees will identify policies and procedures used around the state.
Essential Communication Skills - Webinar
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Effective communication is a necessary skill that applies to all aspects of a court security officer’s responsibilities within the Court. From providing guidance to the public to assessing and de-escalating situations, the role of the court security officer is critical to the core functions and safety of the courthouse. In this course, faculty will help officers enhance their verbal and report writing abilities and ability to remain composed, professional, and effective in the midst of stress.
Ethics and Civil Process - Webinar
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Knowing the legal foundation that supports court security officer’s actions will empower them to provide legally compliant, safe, and consistent court service. During this course, faculty will define the statutory authority and powers given to bailiffs and court security officers to carry out their duties and obligations. Faculty will also explain best practices for officer safety in the court and field as well as review the civil process for hearings and service.
Court Security Screening
Local courts can request and schedule local trainings by contacting Ryan J. Fahle, Court Security Director, Supreme Court of Ohio, 614.387.9951.
Spring Conference
Wednesday, April 30 – Friday, May 2, 2025 | Newark, Ohio
Fall Conference
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 | Newark, Ohio
Court Officer Firearms (40 hours), Six days, split into two parts | OPOTA TTC, London, Ohio
Spring Offering: May 6-8 (part 1) and May 13-15, 2025 (part 2)
Fall Offering: Sept. 9-11 (part 1) and Sept. 14-16, 2025 (part 2)
This six-day, 40-hour course is designed to provide basic semi-automatic pistol training for bailiffs, court security officers, court constables, probation officers, and other applicable court personnel. The training will include weapon manipulation, weapon retention, fundamentals of marksmanship, reloads, malfunctions, multiple targets, use of cover/concealment, and alternative shooting positions. Students will also participate in decision-making training that will include threat identification and force on force scenarios.
Note: This course is broken up into six days over multiple weeks. There will be three consecutive days of training followed by several days off. Then the final three consecutive days of training.
Any questions regarding the schedule can be sent to aaron.coey@ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
Note: Ammunition will be provided. Required equipment:
- semi-automatic pistol
- duty holster
- three magazines
- magazine holder
- eye protection
- hearing protection
- ball cap
- handheld flashlight/holder
- body armor
Students must wear appropriate clothing for possible weather changes. Students must also bring a coat, jacket, sweatshirt, or other long sleeve shirt for use during scenarios.
(OPOTA tuition of $1,050, includes ammunition)
CPR/First Aid and Taser
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the many individuals who have given of their time and expertise to design and deliver this curriculum. Special thanks to members of the Supreme Court of Ohio's Court Security Curriculum Committee, Ohio Attorney General's Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, and the full Court Security Committee with representatives from the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association, the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, and Ohio judicial associations.