Court Security Director

Position Title:                 Court Security Director                                                                             

Effective Date:                February 2026   

Salary Grade/Range:     Grade 18 / $110,000 - $146,211                                

FLSA Status:                    Exempt - Administrative                              

EEO Job Category:          Professional

General Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Administrative Director of Courts, the Director of Court Security is responsible for the coordination and enhancement of safety and security for all court facilities in Idaho: the Idaho Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the trial courts. The Court Security Director provides strategic leadership and operational guidance to ensure the protection of judges, court personnel, litigants, and the public while preserving the integrity and accessibility of the courts. This position works closely with internal stakeholders, the Idaho State Police, county Sheriffs’ Offices, and other local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.

The position also provides leadership for the Court’s emergency management and health and safety programs.

How We Work:

The Administrative Office of the Courts is committed to supporting the mission of the Idaho Courts using an approach that aligns strategy, work, and capacity. This approach empowers our employees to respond quickly and efficiently to meet the needs of our customers: citizens, courts, judges, employees, and other stakeholders. We believe in continual improvement of our services and products to better serve and support our customers and the evolving environment. Court employees are future-focused, take initiative, and are personally responsible for work delivery and professional growth. Our leaders are committed to professional development and growth of employees by empowering and supporting motivated individuals; providing clarity and focus for projects; giving those individuals the environment and support they need; and fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, learning, trust, and shared accountability.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: (The examples provided do not cover all the duties which the incumbent of this position may be required to perform.)

·        Provides statewide leadership for court security operations for all Idaho courts described in Idaho Code section 1-101. 

·        Is responsible for the implementation and ongoing administration of court security programs. 

·        Develops, implements, and evaluates comprehensive court security policies, procedures, and standards consistent with best practices and court needs.

·        Coordinates with local officials and law enforcement to ensure emergency procedures and evacuation plans are in place for all county court facilities.

·        Develops, implements, and tests emergency procedures and evacuation plans for the Supreme Court building and Supreme Court facilities. 

·        Serves as a liaison with the Idaho Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts, Idaho State Police, county Sheriffs, and other law enforcement and security partners regarding court security matters.

·        Serves as a security expert and principal advisor to the Chief Justice, Administrative Director, judges, and senior staff on all security matters.

·        Conducts security assessments of courthouses, court facilities, and judicial offices, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending mitigation strategies and addressing frequent changes and complexities of the courts’ large geographic presence and multiple locations across Idaho.

·        Assesses, responds to, and documents threats against judges, court staff, jurors, and court facilities, including coordination of protective measures and emergency response.

·        Performs research, prepares written reports, and serves as the public face of judicial branch security to other law enforcement agencies.

·        Builds and maintains effective relationships with judicial officers, court employees, local officials, and state and local law enforcement.

·        Develops policies, procedures, and training programs related to security operations.

·        Oversees, and in some cases develops, training related to court security, violence prevention, threat assessment, emergency preparedness, and incident response.

·        Provides guidance and support to local jurisdictions responsible for courthouse security, promoting consistency while respecting local operational structures.

·        Coordinates responses to emergent or high-risk security incidents, including on-site response when necessary.

·        Monitors trends, incidents, and intelligence related to judicial security and recommends proactive measures to address evolving risks.

·        Guides efforts to make better use of technology and tools to meet the safety and security needs of the judiciary.

·        Prepares reports, briefings, and recommendations for the Idaho Supreme Court and court leadership regarding security issues, incidents, and resource needs.

·        Supports security planning for high-profile trials, judicial proceedings, and special events.

·        Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

The Idaho Supreme Court reserves the right to consider an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience necessary to successfully perform the major responsibilities of the position.

Education and Experience:

·        Bachelor’s degree. Preference may be given to those with degrees in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field. The Court reserves the right to consider candidates with additional experience in lieu of the education requirement.   

·        Training or certification in threat assessment, emergency management, or physical security design such as the NTER Master Program, FLETC Physical Security Assessment Training Programs.

·        Five years of experience in law enforcement, court security, protective services, or a closely related field. Preference may be given to candidates with prior experience with court security, judicial protection, or government facility security. 

·        Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing complex operations or programs.

·        Experience working with multiple agencies or jurisdictions in a coordinated operational environment.

·        Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

·        Knowledge of law enforcement practices, physical security measures, emergency management, and protective operations.

·        Skill in assessing threats, conducting risk analyses, and implementing effective security solutions.

·        Skill in leadership and working collaboratively across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

·        Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing, including working effectively with judges, court staff, law enforcement executives, and elected officials.

·        Skill in building consensus among diverse perspectives under common goals. 

·        Proven problem-solving and decision-making abilities, particularly in high-pressure or emergent situations.

·        Skill in developing policies, procedures, or training programs related to security operations.

·        Skill in responding to high-stress situations requiring rapid assessment and response.

·        Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in sensitive and confidential matters.

·        Ability to travel statewide on a regular basis, including overnight travel, as well as the ability to respond to security incidents on short notice. 

·        Ability to respond to emergent security threats outside of normal business hours.

The Idaho Supreme Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to the values of fairness, integrity, independence, and respect. We are committed to fair and impartial processes, both in our courtrooms and in our employment decisions, adhering to all applicable federal and state laws. Our commitment extends to fostering an environment that respects the dignity and worth of every person and the individuality of all employees and applicants. The Supreme Court values all who contribute to the mission of providing access to justice through merit, experience, and the highest legal and ethical standards.