MISSION STATEMENT FOR COURT SECURITY

To insure the safety and security of the court buildings and

insure the safety and security of the persons who appear and work in them;

facilitate and maximize the efficiency of judicial and other courthouse functions;

present an image of concern, competence, and professionalism to the bench, bar and all other users of the courthouse;

and deliver all in-custody defendants to court in a safe, secure and timely manner.

Government Code, Article 31, Section 74784 seq., mandate the Sheriff's provision of security service to Superior and Municipal courts in Stanislaus County. The mandated services include:

Notice and process services

Court security

Prisoner transportation

Prisoner escort

Bailiff services

Execution of court orders and bench warrants requiring immediate presence of a defendant or witness

The Government Code further addresses the administration of the Sheriffs Court Security Bureau.

ORGANIZATION

The Government Code requires the appointment of a Sheriff's Lieutenant to head the Court Service's Bureau. In addition, the Sheriff has assigned the following personnel to this function:

2 Sergeants, 27 Deputies, and 5 County Security Officer

Although the Court Security Division represents only about 10 percent of the department’s sworn strength, there are strong interrelationships with the four other services areas. Correctional Services coordinates with Court Security to insure that inmates are transported and available for court appearances. Investigative and Patrol Services provide necessary support to Court Security and appear frequently in courts to present evidence in criminal proceedings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties of various Court Security Personnel are detailed in the Procedures Manual. Generally, the Lieutenant is responsible tor liaison between the Sheriff's Department and the Presiding Judges. The Lieutenant provides for the administration and management of the Bureau. The lieutenant oversees the preparation of the divisional budget, insures that department policies are properly interpreted, and investigates internal complaints.

The two sergeants supervise the specific areas. They provide periodic performance evaluations for employees assigned to their respective work areas. Any concerns or comments, positive or negative, may be directed to the appropriate sergeant by contacting the Court Service's Bureau in the Courthouse, (209) 236-7898.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS OF DEPUTIES

Typically, the deputies have experience in one or more divisions of the Sheriffs Department before requesting assignment to Court Services. In addition to basic academy training, each deputy receives advanced training each year in a wide variety of job-related subjects.

When experienced deputies are transferred to Court Services from other service areas, they receive orientation and training specific to court security functions.

The Court Security Division is responsible for security in the following sites:

STANISLAUS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURTS (DEPARTMENTS 1-15, 25)
800 11th Street
Modesto, CA. 95354

The three story structure covers half a city block. It is occupied by an average of 3,000 people per day, 200 of which are jurors, 600 employees, and 1,000 litigants and attorneys. These courtrooms handle a wide variety of legal process including arrangements, preliminary hearings, misdemeanor and felony trails, family law cases, and civil writs. There is a security screening checkpoint at the entrance to the courthouse which is designed to keep weapons from entering the building.

FAMILY COURT SERVICES (DEPARTMENT 16)
801 11th Street, 1st Floor
Modesto, CA. 95354
Phone: (209) 567-4271

Family Court is located on the corner of 11th and J streets. It also deals with conservatorship and guardianships. FCS is a family counseling service operated by Stanislaus County that makes recommendations regarding changes in child custody cases and visitation.

STANISLAUS COUNTY TRAFFIC COURT (DEPARTMENT 20)
2260 Floyd Ave.
Modesto, CA. 95355

STANISLAUS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUVENILE DIVISION (DEPARTMENTS 17-18)
2215 Blue Gum Ave.
Modesto, CA. 95358
Department 9, Phone: (209) 525-4581
Department 10, (209) 525-4583

This single story structure is attached to the county's Juvenile Hall facility. General Juvenile criminal and traffic matters are handled at this site. Three deputies from Court Services are assigned, two to the adjoining courtrooms and one for lobby security.

CIVIL COURTS (DEPARTMENTS 21-24)
801 10th Street, 4th & 6th Floors
Modesto CA  95354