Court Security & Bailiffs
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office has a Memorandum of Understanding with the El Dorado County Superior Courts to provide security services within the jurisdiction of El Dorado County. There are a total of five courthouses within the county jurisdiction. Assigned employees at those facilities consist of nine deputies assigned to bailiff duties, ten security officers assigned to work perimeter security, and two sergeants to supervise day to day operations.
Court Security screens people and their belongings at security check points to prevent unauthorized items, firearms, weapons, contraband or animals into the facilities and maintains the physical perimeter security. The employees that work in this unit must be diligent in their duties to prevent all contraband such as this knife that was found built into a belt buckle.
Bailiffs are responsible for maintaining order within the courtrooms while protecting judges, jurors, personnel, members of the public, plaintiffs, and defendants. When threats are detected, staff initiate an investigation immediately and work towards a resolution of the matter. Non security duties include announcing the Judge’s presence, calling witnesses to the stand, taking charge of jurors in criminal and civil trials and keeping other members of the public informed of the court’s proceedings.
Bailiffs and security officers go through extensive training to maintain their skills. Training is provided in all areas of law enforcement to include the use of firearms, handling terrorist threats and active shooter responses.
In December of 2018, their training was tested during a bomb threat affecting multiple locations within El Dorado County and the State of California. The Superior Court, located on Main Street in Placerville, was evacuated according to plan, ensuring the safety of all employees and members of the public. A thorough search of the facility was conducted and an investigation into the matter was initiated. The threat was cleared and the facility was reopened to the public. This is another example of staff responsibilities and is a true representation of the Sheriff’s “Total Care, Total Professionalism” approach to the community.
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Custody
Winnie, the therapy pig of a local family law attorney, often stops by the courthouses.