Judiciary Special Police Officer (SPO)

Location: Annapolis, MD 21401

Salary: $63,851

About the Role

The Maryland Judiciary Special Police Officers (SPOs) provide security to judges, visitors, employees, and the public by maintaining secured ingress into and egress from the Courts of Appeal Building and other assigned Annapolis Complex posts. Duties include patrolling rounds inside and outside the facilities, operating X-ray machines, inspecting packages and bags for prohibited items, operating magnetometers, and screening persons for weapons and other contraband. SPOs notify the proper authority and properly dispose of all contraband discovered during the screening process.

SPOs operate CCTV video surveillance systems, including the selection of views and operation of Pan Tilt Zoom and IP cameras, and monitor alarm systems. They respond to all alarms—duress, burglar, medical emergencies, etc.—with appropriate action, which may include calling for emergency law enforcement or medical assistance, using an AED, performing CPR, administering basic first aid, or intervening in volatile situations. SPOs must de-escalate potential conflicts, restrain or arrest individuals to prevent violence, and interact professionally to address security concerns from judges, visitors, employees, and the public.

Additional responsibilities include evacuating buildings during emergencies (requiring rapid movement up and down stairs in buildings up to five floors), communicating with first responders, working rotating shifts (including weekends), conducting training (e.g., CPR, Active Attacker), providing security at off-site locations, and driving state-issued vehicles for Judiciary personnel transport. SPOs may also complete periodic projects such as Home Security Assessments, Courthouse Security Reviews, and other assigned tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate X-ray and magnetometer equipment to screen visitors, members of the public, mail, and deliveries.
• Prohibit dangerous possessions or contraband from entering facilities.
• Report deficiencies and inoperable equipment throughout the facilities.
• Patrol the interior and exterior of buildings to protect and preserve peace and order.
• Serve as first responder and essential personnel for safety of Judiciary property, employees, and visitors, including responding to medical and security emergencies (e.g., bomb threats, active shooters, fires).
• Restrain full-size combatants and respond to security threats.
• Assist in safe evacuation of court facilities during emergencies.
• Operate and monitor activity captured on CCTV cameras.
• Complete all other assigned duties, including off-site security, driving assignments, and security assessments.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of previous law enforcement experience.
• Certificate of graduation from an accredited Federal, State, County, or Municipal Police Training Academy.
• Must have had powers of arrest or apprehension during prior law enforcement employment.
• Must have separated from law enforcement agency in good standing.
• Valid driver’s license with 2 points or less.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the following certifications:
  • Special Police Officer License (renewed every three years).
  • Handgun permit (renewed every three years).
  • Taser Certification (renewed annually).
  • First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications (obtained within first six months of employment and renewed every two years).
  • Annual demonstration of competent and safe weapon handling, including firearms qualification.

Skills

• Operational knowledge of X-ray machines, walk-through and hand-held metal detectors.
• Ability to recognize and de-escalate difficult situations promptly.
• Ability to accept direction from directors, deputy directors, and executive staff.
• Ability to work varying shifts, including weekends.
• Professional, courteous, and tactful communication with judges, citizens, and co-workers.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Proficiency in PeopleSoft products for timekeeping.
• Knowledge of Genetec or similar access control and CCTV systems.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Working knowledge of administrative procedures and teamwork.
• Knowledge of and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures for emergency incidents.
• Good judgment and composure under pressure.
• Considerable knowledge of state and local criminal laws.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to run between building locations to respond to emergencies or life-threatening situations.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods.
• Ability to restrain a full-size combatant and defend against disorderly or combative individuals.
• Ability to assist an adult from a wheelchair for screening with a hand wand.
• Ability to ascend and descend up to five flights of stairs quickly during emergencies.
• Ability to relocate a dead-weight body to a safe location in an emergency.
• Ability to lift packages up to 50 pounds from the floor to a height of 32 inches (X-ray machine height).
• Ability to hold and discharge a firearm at arm’s length repeatedly until a threat is eliminated (both left and right-handed).
• Ability to use a hand-held magnetometer repetitively to screen individuals from head to toe.
• Ability to hear and differentiate multiple voices and directions to respond promptly in emergencies.
• Ability to provide detailed descriptions of people, vehicles, and other identifiers (e.g., color, size, height).
• Ability to operate, listen, and respond to directions from a hand-held radio.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to conduct security assessments in private homes and courthouses.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance and continuing education programs.
• Employee assistance programs.
• State Retirement and Pension plans.

Schedule

• Full-time position.
• Rotating shifts, including weekends.