Bailiffs enforce the rules of behavior in courtrooms.

Bailiffs provide security in courtrooms. They check courtrooms to make sure they are safe. They look for concealed guns, bombs, or other hazards. Bailiffs who find unauthorized weapons take them and store them in a safe location.

Bailiffs announce the entrance of judges into courtrooms. They prevent people from entering while judges are instructing juries. They make sure people watching trials do not talk to the jury.

They maintain order in the room during trials. They inform people of courtroom rules and enforce those rules. For example, they may tell people they are not allowed to smoke in the room or that their conversations are interrupting court proceedings.

Bailiffs may remove or arrest people who do not cooperate. They restrain people watching trials who act aggressively. They may contact the sheriff's office for help. They contact medical staff in case of medical emergencies.

Many trials last more than one day. Judges may decide that jurors cannot return to their homes until trials are over. Jurors must stay at hotels in these situations. Bailiffs guard jurors at hotels and escort them to restaurants to keep the public from contacting them.

Bailiffs have other duties in addition to providing security. They make sure judges have case files and supplies. They also:

• Escort prisoners to and from court
• Handle articles of evidence
• Swear in witnesses