Security in a courtroom is of utmost importance for the judicial system. To that end, the Department of Criminal Justice Training offers a two-week Court Security Officer Basic Training academy, which is held several times a year. Coursework includes Kentucky law, general law enforcement training, firearms training, and defensive tactics training, which includes handcuffing procedures and other basic defensive tactic skills for self-defense. Also taught is general courtroom security, including how to handle bomb threats and other courtroom issues.

PREREQUISITES OF BEING A COURT SECURITY OFFICER:

TRAITS OF A COURT SECURITY OFFICER:

  • Good communication skills

  • Ability to multitask

  • Dedication to teamwork

  • High morals, character and integrity

  • Good judgment

  • Emotional self-control

HOW TO ATTEND:

To attend any of DOCJT’s academies, students MUST be employed by a law enforcement or public safety dispatch organization. Anyone interested in attending the academy must first be hired by a department, who will then enroll the student in the academy. Individuals cannot independently register to attend the academy without an employing agency.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Kentucky Law-Enforcement Council-certified court security officers are required to complete 40 hours of mandated training every two years. DOCJT offers 10-12 in-service classes per year. Check the LETRS system for available courses.

WEAPONS/DUTY GEAR

  • All weapons will be checked into the DOCJT armory on Sunday evening and will be checked out for training and on Fridays as participants are leaving the campus. No firearms or ammunition will be stored in any other location while on campus. Weapons are not permitted in the dorms.

  • DOCJT will provide ammunition for 9 mm and 40 caliber handguns. If trainees bring a weapon of another caliber, the trainee must provide his or her ammunition (500 rounds of lead-free, frangible, non-toxic ammunition).

  • Trainees must bring their ballistic vest.

  • Subcompact weapons will not be accepted.

  • All holsters must be a duty type that is attached to a duty belt. No concealed carry or paddle back holsters are allowed. Holsters must have at least a level II retention that does not use the trigger finger to release the weapon. A minimum of three magazines are required.

PRECLASS REQUIREMENTS

STAFF

Steve Herold
Training Section Supervisor
859-622-1328

HELP

Have questions not answered in the FAQ’s?

Contact Court Security Officer Basic Training Support
859-622-6524