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
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Log in by 9:45 a.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.
(Tuition free. Materials are provided electronically.)
Essential Communication Skills - Webinar
Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Log in by 9:45 a.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.
(Tuition free. Materials are provided electronically.)
Safety, Legal Authority, Ethics, and Civil Process - Webinar
Thursday, Oct. 21. 2021 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Log in by 9:45 a.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.
(Tuition free. Materials are provided electronically.)
Court Security Screening
Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Ohio Judicial Center
This course is designed to provide a general overview of court security screening procedures for court security officers and law enforcement. This class will include classroom and practical application in the areas of legal authority, verbal and non-verbal communication, equipment set-up/staffing, use of walk-through & hand-held metal detectors, and use of x-ray machines. This course will culminate with students applying critical decision making in a practical court security screening scenario.
(Tuition Free. Materials are provided electronically.)
Ohio Bailiffs and Court Officers Conference
Thursday, Sept. 23 – Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 | 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Location - TBD
Court Officer Firearms (40 hours)
May 11-20 (11,12,13 & 18,19,20) or Aug. 31-Sept. 9 (31,1,2 & 7,8,9) | OPOTA TTC, London, Ohio
This course is designed to provide basic semi-automatic pistol training for court security officers, 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 scenarios and the use of a simulator. Classes are offered as two, two-and one-half-day sessions instead of five consecutive days.
(OPOTA tuition of $850, 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.