What are the responsibilities of a bailiff?

Answer 1

A bailiff is an officer of the court who is generally charged with maintaining order in the courtroom. He/she is often a Sheriff's Deputy and is stationed in or just outside a courtroom. Not only does the bailiff provide security and generally maintain order in the courtroom, but may do the bidding of the presiding judge by escorting people, including witnesses, in or out of the courtroom.

In some places, a bailiff's position is a "political plum" job for a retired or semi-retired sheriff's deputy. Depending upon the location, it can pay reasonably well, and since it is a government position, it enables the appointee to continue to accrue retirement without being in the line of fire.

Answer 2

They spend most of their time indoors, in courtrooms. However, local travel is also required as part of this job. For instance, they often escort prisoners to and from courtrooms. In addition, they may be required to guard juries who are sequestered at hotels.