Special Security Officer

Rate of pay: $26.606 per hour. Regular, full-time position within the Sheriff's Office, represented by the FMCE Federation of Missoula County Employees.

About the role

Performs general security work for the Missoula County Courthouse and adjacent County facilities as required. Performs Bailiff duties for District Court(s) per state statute. May perform Bailiff duties for Justice Court(s) as required.

Responsibilities

• Provides general security services for the Missoula County Courthouse and adjacent county facilities buildings, grounds, and parking areas.
• Uses presence and communication skills to facilitate and maintain orderly and efficient operations of the Missoula County Courthouse and adjacent facilities during normal business hours.
• Monitors and controls entry and exit points to County buildings as well as video surveillance camera systems.
• Maintains a highly visible presence within the Missoula County Courthouse, routinely patrols Courthouse and adjacent county buildings, grounds, and parking areas to deter crime, maintain community relations, and provide citizen assistance.
• Responds to emergencies and incidents promptly, taking appropriate action to ensure public safety, including communicating with and restraining uncooperative individuals and calling for assistance when required.
• Assists with coordinating and implementing emergency evacuation and safety plans.
• Provides emergency medical attention to citizens as needed.
• Assesses and makes decisions regarding the reasonable use of less lethal or lethal force.
• Maintains security and possession of a firearm and related equipment at all times.
• Prepares complete and accurate reports as required.
• Provides courtroom security by presence and calling for assistance from the Sheriff's Department when needed.
• Monitors and controls points of entry and exit to the courtroom.
• Performs bailiff duties at the direction of the court: calls the court to order, retrieves court files for the District Court Judge, clears the courtroom of spectators at the judge’s request, calls witnesses and jurors into the courtroom, and sequesters the jury when in deliberation.
• Conducts a physical inspection of the courtroom for security prior to and at the end of each court session and secures the courtroom when not in session.
• May facilitate transportation of jury to crime scenes and meals as required.
• May assist the District Court Judge(s) and Clerk(s) as required.

Requirements

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old.
• Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent GED.
• Must possess a valid MT driver’s license.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening, physical, and hearing test.
• Must pass a background investigation conducted by the Missoula County Sheriff's Department.
• Requires firearms certification course and successful completion of a pre-service training academy (see training details below).

Training

Entry-level training academy designed to give MCSO Special Service Officers a basic understanding of general sheriff office policy and procedures and related tasks (approximately 72 hours). Training classes include:

• “Use of Force” as it applies to lethal and less lethal force, including MCA laws governing Use of Force (Tennessee v. Garner, Graham V. Connor) – 8 hours (4 hrs. classroom, 4 hrs. practical exercises).
• Building Security and Searching – 2 hours.
• Active Shooter Response – 4 hours.
• Handheld Radio: use and protocols (incident codes, 911 procedures) – 2 hours.
• Handcuffing and escorting techniques – 4 hours.
• Weaponless defensive tactics – 4 hours.
• Less Lethal Force Options: Baton & Pepper Spray – 4 hours.
• Lost/Found Property Procedures – 2 hours.
• CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) – 8 hours.
• Basic First Aid and equipment (AED, CPR, Tourniquets) – 4 hours.
• Bailiff 101: Courtroom/Courthouse procedures overview – 6 hours.
• Firearms proficiency and qualifications – 24 hours (2 hrs. classroom, 20 hrs. at range).

Special Service Officers must successfully pass the pre-service academy by demonstrating the ability to receive instruction and retain information, perform basic tasks to Sheriff Office standards, including firearms qualifications, use of force decision-making, less lethal force options, handcuffing, escort techniques, basic first aid, and radio communications. Failure to meet minimum training standards may result in termination.

Working Conditions

• Requires long periods of sitting and standing, and some general foot patrol.
• May require working outdoors in inclement weather for limited periods.
• May require detaining and escorting subjects remanded to jail custody.
• May require transporting jurors using a county vehicle.