GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To serve as a law enforcement officer engaged in the custody, safety, discipline, and well-being of prisoners and defendants while being transported to and from the various courts, state facilities, prisons, jails, cell blocks, etc., or while with prisoners and defendants when within those locations; to provide and maintain an effective court security program; to provide for effective inmate/prisoner management that includes the transport of prisoners and inmates to and from District Court, Family Court, Superior Court, state facilities, hospitals, jails, prisons, and/or cell blocks; to execute Writs of Process, both civil and criminal, and to summon witnesses to appear in court; and to do related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a superior from whom general and specific assignments are received.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Usually none.
Illustrative Examples of Work Performed
To serve as a law enforcement officer engaged in the custody, safety, discipline, and well-being of prisoners and defendants while being transported to and from the various courts, state facilities, prisons, jails, cell blocks, etc., or while with prisoners and defendants when within those locations.
To provide and maintain an effective court security program by maintaining the integrity of courtroom chambers and anteroom(s) through daily checks.
To provide for effective inmate/prisoner management that includes the transport of prisoners and inmates to and from District Court, Family Court, Superior Court, state facilities, hospitals, jails, prisons, and/or cell blocks.
To execute Writs of Process, both civil and criminal, and to summon witnesses to appear in court. To make proper returns of writs, summonses and other legal processes.
To be responsible for the custody, safety and welfare of prisoners and defendants (including suicidal and high risk persons); to exercise constant vigilance over such prisoners and defendants to protect them from injury and to prevent their escape.
To coordinate clearing the courtroom of judge, jurors, court personnel and the public during evacuations; to monitor order and decorum in the courtroom, including the removal of persons from the courtroom or their arrest.
To supervise the conduct of and maintain order and discipline among prisoners; to ensure the custody and safety of defendants and prisoners during transport and while detained in a courthouse, cell block, hospital, state institution or other location.
To participate in extradition details, hospital details and other related detail assignments.
As authorized, to collect fees for services performed as officers of the court.
To serve Writs of Arrest, requiring the body attachment of the defendant(s), including apprehension and detention of the person(s) being served.
When appropriate, to carry firearms in the course of duty and to maintain proficiency in their proper use and maintenance.
To operate security vehicles to transport inmates, prisoners and defendants.
To do related work as required.
Required Qualifications for Appointment
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:
A working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of judicial and court security; a working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques required in the control of the conduct of persons under restraints, and to maintain order and discipline among them. A working knowledge of Rhode Island general law, criminal law, criminal arrest and search and seizure procedures. A working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques required in the apprehension and detention of person(s) being served with arrest warrants. A working knowledge of security measures required in the transport of prisoners and defendants; the ability to exercise constant vigilance in order to prevent escapes, security lapses, and/or inappropriate courtroom behavior. The ability to communicate effectively; skilled in the proper use and maintenance of firearms in the performance of assigned duties. The ability to operate a motor vehicle in the transport of prisoners and defendants. And related capacities and abilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Qualified candidates must possess a high school diploma or have obtained a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) issued by a State Department of Education and must satisfy one of the following additional requirements:
Option 1
EDUCATION: Such as may have been gained through: graduation with an Associate Degree (or 60 college credits) or higher in law enforcement or criminal justice from a college of recognized standing.
Option 2
MILITARY EXPERIENCE: Such as may have been gained through: two (2) years of active military service or four (4) years of Military Reserve, National Guard or Coast Guard duty.
Option 3
CORRECTIONAL EXPERIENCE: Such as may have been gained through: three (3) years of full-time employment as a correctional officer.
Option 4
ACADEMY TRAINING EXPERIENCE: Such as may have been gained through: successful completion of the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy, State Police Academy, Providence Police Academy or comparable certified program offered by any state or municipal police departments.
Option 5
PROTECTIVE SERVICE EXPERIENCE: Such as may have been gained through: two (2) or more years of full-time employment in a position requiring the maintenance of law and order and the protection of life and property, includes the responsibility for the arrest and detention of persons in violation of law.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be capable of performing (with or without reasonable accommodation) the essential duties as evidenced by a physician’s certificate from a physician designated by the Division of Sheriffs. Must submit to a full background criminal investigation (BCI) prior to participation in the Deputy Sheriff Training Program. Must have successfully completed the Deputy Sheriff Training Program prior to appointment. At the time of appointment, must have been evaluated and tested by a certified psychologist, and receive a satisfactory rating in writing. Must meet the State of Rhode Island qualification requirements to carry weapons used in the performance of duty, and must maintain such qualification requirements as a condition of employment. Must possess and maintain a valid Operator’s License. May be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License, and must maintain such licensure as a condition of employment.
Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
*ALL CORRESPONDENCES REGARDING RECRUITMENT WILL BE DONE THROUGH EMAIL. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS CORRECT AND CURRENT IN YOUR APPLICANT PROFILE. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE EMAILS IN YOUR IN-BOX, PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR JUNK FOLDER BEFORE CONTACTING THE DIVISION.*
In order to participate in the physical agility test phase of the process, all candidates MUST provide a certified Physical Fitness Test Medical Certificate (Download PDF reader)signed by a doctor certifying that the candidate has been examined within the last six (6) months and is of sufficient physical conditioning to allow the candidate to participate in the physical fitness test. Applicants invited to participate in the physical agility test must print the certificate and information booklet from the Division of Sheriffs website at http://sheriffs.ri.gov/documents/SheriffsPTtestbookletA2020A.pdf(Download PDF reader) . It is incumbent on the candidate to bring the physical agility test standards booklet found at the Division of Sheriffs website along with the certificate so the doctor can review the requirements for the test.
