Courthouse Security Deputy

Courthouse Security Deputy

Salary

$59,057.00 - $74,104.00 Annually

Location

Smith County Courthouse, 100 N. Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

00661

Department

Sheriffs Office

Opening Date

06/18/2026

Closing Date

6/27/2026 5:00 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary/Objective

The Courthouse Bailiff's and Security Deputies within the Smith County Sheriff's Office Courthouse Security Division is a Certified TCOLE Peace Officer in good standing. Having a Licensed or Temporary Licensed Detention Officer certification is preferred. At times, this position is responsible for the care and custody of the inmates under his or her charge. This requires close and courteous interaction with inmates under normal and potentially volatile circumstances. The Bailiff and Security Deputies are required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while being mindful of security operations. This position requires assignment to three different roles. The Courthouse Security Deputy oversees security for Judges, Jury, and Court Officers. When assigned, the Courthouse Security Deputies transports inmates to the Smith County Jail and Courthouse as needed. When assigned to security, the Security Deputies operate a security checkpoint at the Smith County Courthouse, Annex, Cotton Belt, Juvenile and Adult Probation Buildings.

Due to the unpredictable and critical nature of the work, the Courthouse Security Deputy must be willing and available to work additional hours beyond assigned shifts, sometimes with little or no notice.

Pre-Employment Requirements: These minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) must be met in order to qualify for licensure as a Peace Officer and Detention Officer in Texas.

• Citizen of the United States of America.
• Earned a High School diploma or a G.E.D.
• Have never been convicted, pled guilty, nor have been on a court-ordered community service or probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class A misdemeanor or a felony.
• During the last 10 years, have not been convicted, pled guilty, been on community service or probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor in this state, other state or while serving in the military.
• Have never had a military court martial that resulted in a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver License at the time of hiring.

Background Investigation: All candidates for full-time employment with the Sheriff's Office undergo a comprehensive background investigation prior to being made a final offer. The investigation may include but is not limited to a records check, credit review, verification of credentials and interviews with personal and professional references.

Psychological Evaluation: To meet the minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a psychologist will interview and test the candidate using various cognitive assessments. The psychologist will summarize the clinical impressions and make recommendations regarding the candidate's overall psychological makeup and compatibility with the position.

Medical/Physical Screening: To meet the minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a physical and drug screening exam is conducted by an employer-approved physician. A pre-employment drug screening exam is in accordance with the Smith County Sheriff's Office intent and commitment to provide a drug-free workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviewing daily court and appointment listings and developing the daily transport schedule in conjunction with the Courthouse Security Sergeant.
• Ensuring building security by checking building daily (internally and externally), operating x-ray equipment and hand-held metal detection devices, monitoring security cameras, and other tasks related to keeping weapons or destructive devices from entering the facility;
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries with inmates; Restraining unruly inmates using force and restraining devices; remaining alert at all times, and prepared to protect self and others from harm;
• Responding to emergencies, including medical emergencies;
• Documenting incidents, movement, rounds and inmate discipline;
• Performing person, property, and facility searches; interacting with the public during entry and exit;
• Complying with all policies and procedures of the Smith County Sheriff's Office;
• Demonstrates a good working knowledge of federal and state laws, county ordinances.
• Interacts with the public during entry and exit from the Smith County Courthouse, Annex, Cotton Belt, Adult Probation, and Juvenile.
• Fosters positive working relationships with other law enforcement agencies.

Other Responsibilities

• Occasionally supporting Smith County Jail positions when needed;
• Performing additional duties as assigned

Required Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to learn existing software programs such as Microsoft Office and Odyssey, and Spillman Flex.
• Must be able to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Formal education in human services or criminal justice desired.
• At least two (2) years of experience as a Smith County Jailer, or experience in criminal justice or related field, or any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience of required knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities.

Licenses and Certifications

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Peace Officer in good standing required.
• Permanent Jailer license in good standing preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver License.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Visual Capabilities

• Ability to detect abnormal behavior and extraordinary activities when observing the actions of an inmate or group of inmates.
• Ability to prepare a written description of personal property and accurately observe inmates. Ability to detect smoke from cigarettes, electrical fires, etc.
• Must have sufficient vision without glasses to defend self and others and perform mandatory life safety functions.
• Ability to properly identify colors utilized in descriptions.
• Dual vision is required.
• Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better with uncorrected vision of 20/200 or better.

Auditory Capabilities

• Ability to hear alarms.
• Ability to hear and understand information received over the telephone, handheld radio and intercom.
• Ability to distinguish between normal sounds and sounds indicating impending, improper or unacceptable behavior such as altercations, fights, assaults, etc.
• Hearing must be within normal range as defined by nationally recognized audiometric standards, or that surpasses the normal range.

Olfactory Capabilities

• Ability to detect the presence of smoke from cigarettes, electrical fires, etc.
• Ability to detect the presence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.

Physical Capabilities

• Physical requirements include lifting, carrying, struggling and pulling inmates or equipment weighing approximately 150-200 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to lift weights up to 40 pounds when lifting and positioning Scott Air Pack on back.
• Ability to climb stairs when moving within cellblocks.
• Ability to work in a standing position for extended periods of time when observing and monitoring inmates, security screening stations, and court operations.
• Ability to bend, stoop and kneel when checking under tables, beds and mattresses during cell searches.
• Finger dexterity, and hand and arm steadiness when adjusting knobs and switches, and operating computer keyboard.
• Eye, hand and arm coordination when fingerprinting individuals.
• May be required to physically restrain inmates in order to maintain discipline among other inmates when necessary.
• Must use hands or feet in self-defense, physically place inmates in or remove inmates from cells.
• Ability to use restraint devices (waist chains, leg irons, handcuffs, etc.) to control inmates, run after fleeing prisoners, drag immobile people, grip people tightly with hands to prevent their escape, crawl on hands and knees to avoid smoke.

Work Environment

Working conditions are at times inside a jail environment with occasional exposure to hostile of violent people, bodily injury, contagious diseases, high noise areas and unfavorable fumes and odors.

HOLIDAYS

Smith County employees enjoy 12 holidays a year. These are:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Administrative Day (Employees Choice)

Each year, Commissioners Court sets the official holiday schedule.

VACATION LEAVE

1 day earned per month (12 days per year). After 5 years of service, 1 1/4 days earned per month (15 per year). After 10 years service, 1 1/2 days earned per month (18 per year).

SICK LEAVE

1 day given per month. Allowed to accrue maximum of 80 days.

SICK LEAVE POOL

Smith County has established a Sick Leave Pool on a voluntary, contributory basis.

MILITARY LEAVE

Granted up to 15 calendar days per year.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

Unpaid leave may be granted by Department Head for up to 60 days (over 60 days requires Commissioners Court approval) for purposes of:

(1) education that may contribute to the benefit of the County,

(2) public service assignment,

(3) attending to important personal business.

CITIZENSHIP LEAVE

Provides that employees receive normal pay during period called for jury duty which includes both the jury selection process and, if selected, the time the employee actually spends serving on the jury; serving as a subpoenaed witness; and for the purpose of voting.

FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

Provides for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons during a 12-month period, and up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Smith County offers a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan to its employees and employees eligible dependents. The plan is administered by The Health Plan.

DRUG CARD COVERAGE

Employee prescription costs are $10 Copay for Generic, $30 Copay for Formulary Brand, $45 Copay for Non-Formulary Brand. Mail service is available for maintenance prescriptions. 90-day max supply retail or mail order.

• Mandatory Generic - if generic is available, you will pay the difference between the generic drug and the Brand, plus the Brand copay.

DENTAL INSURANCE

Preventative checkups and cleaning (2 per year) at no cost to employee. Dental work after a $50 deductible per year (maximum of $150 per family) has maximum benefit of $2,000 per year per covered person. Basic services are covered at 80%, major services at 80% and orthodontics (up to age 19) at 50% up to $1,500 lifetime benefit.

LIFE INSURANCE

Up to $10,000 paid for by County. Additional supplemental coverage available at employees expense.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE

Furnished at no cost to employee. Pays 50% of life amount for loss of limb or eye; 100% for loss of 2 limbs or death due to an accident.

RETIREMENT

Employees are eligible to retire: after 20 years of service regardless of age, at age 60 with at least 8 years of service or when age plus service equals 75.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

A payroll deduction savings plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary before Federal taxes - to invest in a tax-favored supplemental retirement program.

For additional benefits information click on the link below:

https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/human-resources/benefits

01

What is your Date of Birth? This question is required for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing.

02

Have you ever been terminated or asked to resign from a job within the past ten (10) years?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you ever had your Driver License suspended?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you had any Drug Use within the past two (2) years?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have Dependable Transportation?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have Auto Insurance?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you ever been involved in Civil Litigation?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you ever been Arrested or Detained by any law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

09

Are you currently in the hiring process for any other agency?

• Yes
• No

10

Are any of your family members currently incarcerated in the Smith County Jail?

• Yes
• No

11

Are you willing to be examined by a physician and/or psychologist, selected by the appointing or employing agency, who is licensed by the Texas Medical Board to be declared physically sound and free from any defect which may adversely affect the performance of duty; and show no trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use after a blood test or other medical test; and declared in satisfactory psychological and emotional health?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you a US Citizen? This question is required for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing.

• Yes
• No

13

Are you at least 18 years of age? This question is required for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing.

• Yes
• No

14

Please note that a conviction or deferred adjudication is an automatic bar to employment with the Smith County Sheriffs Office. Except minor traffic violations, have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor (Class A/B) in ten (10) years preceding the date of your application?

• Yes
• No

15

Have you ever been convicted or deferred adjudication for any assault charge, including family violence?

• Yes
• No

16

State Issued and Drivers License Number? (Example: Texas 12345678)

17

Are you currently under investigation or indictment for any criminal offense?

• Yes
• No

18

Are you a Certified Peace Officer through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)?

• Yes
• No

19

Do you hold a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Advanced Peace Officer and Advanced Jail License or higher certification?

• Yes
• No

20

Are you a licensed Texas Peace Officer in good standing?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Smith County

Address 200 E. Ferguson Street

Suite 202

Tyler, Texas, 75702

Phone 903-590-4641

Website http://www.smith-county.com