A court marshal’s responsibilities include overseeing the courthouse’s operations and grounds maintenance. Court security operations, making arrests, and maintaining buildings and grounds are all common marshal responsibilities. In the United States, a court marshal is also in charge of the jury pool. The marshal unit in most courthouses is managed a supervisory team of marshals.
The primary responsibility of a court marshal is to ensure the security of a building. In an emergency, marshals are the first line of defense, and they’re in charge of keeping the peace inside the courthouse. On security detail, they patrol courtrooms and other court offices. They are also in charge of the prisoners in the jail and transporting them to and from the jail during trials. They also keep track of who has access to courtrooms setting up security checkpoints at the entrances. A court marshal may also keep an eye on security cameras to ensure the safety of courthouse employees and visitors.
Other court officers are also protected as part of the security responsibilities. During high-profile cases or times of heightened security, court marshals assist in the protection of judges, attorneys, and other officials. If specific threats are made against court officers, protection duties may be a regular responsibility or an added one.
Certain police activities are part of a court marshal’s job duties in areas where he or she has authority similar to that of a sheriff. Marshals have the authority to arrest suspects, prepare arrest reports, conduct body searches, and take fingerprints and mugshots in these jurisdictions. They may also assist in the execution of search warrants, the delivery of subpoenas, and the service of other legal documents.
A court marshal’s job description often includes management of buildings and grounds on the administrative side. This is a supervisory position with no responsibility for upgrades or repairs. Instead, court marshals assist in the development of budgets for the maintenance and upgrade of court facilities. During rounds, marshals may notice maintenance issues, particularly those affecting court security, and direct personnel to resolve the problem.
Marshals in the United States and possibly other countries may have an additional administrative job duty of jury pool management. Court marshals may assist in the maintenance of a pool of qualified jury members, the distribution of juror questionnaires, and the selection of names for jury service. While the court is in session, marshals are the primary point of contact for jurors, ensuring that they follow the rules and have their needs met.
The education and experience requirements for becoming a court marshal differ depending on the jurisdiction. A high school diploma and several years of experience in security or as a sworn police officer are usually required. Some courts also demand that marshals complete a law enforcement academy. Court marshals must be physically fit, capable of physically restraining suspects, have excellent communication skills, be able to work cooperatively with others, and possess firearms certification. A clean criminal record is also required.