Judicial CommissionerNature of Work
This is responsible legal and law enforcement work assisting with General Sessions court operations in Maury County. Activities associated with the job include coordinating and assisting with the issuance of arrest warrants, search warrants, failure to appear warrants, summons, orders of protection etc., setting bonds for individuals in custody, assisting with General Sessions court operations and serving as a liaison between the judges, law enforcement agencies, inmates in custody and the public. Additional activities include interacting with court officers and law enforcement personnel, determining if there is sufficient evidence to issue warrants and/or citations and ensuring that the correct TCA codes are utilized on all legal documents. Job responsibilities require strong organizational, decision-making and interpersonal skills, considerable knowledge of the procedures involved with the issuance of warrants, orders of protection, citations, etc. for individuals suspected of criminal activity and the legal processes and protocols associated with criminal and civil cases coming before the court. Job performance is evaluated by the Chief Magistrate and General Sessions Court Judge(s) through review of knowledge and expertise in legal proceedings, efficiency and effectiveness of court operations, ability to interact successfully with law enforcement personnel, defendants, attorneys and the public, organizational and decision-making skills, and knowledge of legal procedures and protocols associated with General Sessions Court operations.
Illustrative Examples of Work
-Adheres to operational policies and procedures established to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of legal services for General Sessions Court.
-Assists with the preparation and issuance of warrants for individuals suspected of criminal activity in Maury County.
-Ensures the proper enforcement of established legal standards and procedures pertaining to the issuance of warrants, summons, search warrants, orders of protection, etc.
-Assists with setting bonds for individuals arrested for alleged criminal activity when necessary.
-Assists with conducting jail arraignments in the absence of General Sessions Court judges when necessary.
-Assists with entering warrants into the computer database and updates as necessary.
-Attends Judicial Commissioner Association meetings to remain current on all proposed and/or enacted legislation pertaining to the roles and responsibilities of Judicial Commissioners.
-Maintains records and supporting documentation of all activities performed on the job including warrants issued, bonding arrangements, hours worked, etc.
-Assists with issuing failure to appear warrants for individuals not meeting Court appearance obligations.
-Makes decisions regarding the establishment of probable cause, evidence available to issue warrants, citations, orders of protection, etc.
-Serves as a liaison between the judges office, law enforcement personnel, inmates in custody and the public.
-Assists the public by answering incoming calls, explaining court proceedings and providing general information regarding General Sessions Court operations.
-Stamps file orders, petitions and motions of the court.
-Issues and enters civil warrants into the computer.
-Performs related duties as required.
Necessary Requirements of Work
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school supplemented with additional coursework and training in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration or closely related field; a minimum of three years experience working in court operations and/or law enforcement; strong decision-making, organizational and interpersonal skills; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
-Thorough knowledge of TCA Section 40-1-111 through 40-5-201 pertaining to the appointment f Judicial Commissioners by the county legislative body.
-Thorough knowledge of all legal transactions and proceedings associated with General Sessions and Circuit Court operations including applicable sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, general manual for Clerks of the Courts and Local Rules of the Court.
-Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to the rights of defendants, victims and witnesses involved in legal matters before the court.
-Thorough knowledge of the statutes pertaining to bonding companies and the forfeiture of bonds for failure to appear violations.
-Thorough knowledge of the statutes applicable to defendants involved in civil and criminal matters before the court and/or placed on probation, public service requirements, etc.
-Thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to the supervision of individuals placed on probation.
-Thorough knowledge of the regulations governing the preparation and issuance of warrants for individuals suspected of criminal activity.
-Ability to consistently adhere to all policies, procedures and protocols associated with General Sessions Court operations.
-Ability to interact in a tactful and professional manner with defendants, witnesses, family members, law enforcement personnel, attorneys and the public.
-Ability to perform data entry activities in a consistently accurate manner and account for all fees and fines received by the court.
-Ability to prioritize job related activities to ensure the efficient operation of the court and completion of all assignments in a timely and thorough manner.
-Ability to respond quickly and effectively to inappropriate and/or violent behavior when required.
-Ability to consistently make timely and appropriate decisions regarding the sufficiency of evidence, determination of probable cause, etc.
-Skill in diffusing difficult and/or potentially dangerous situations.
Necessary Special Requirements
-Possession of a valid Tennessee Drivers License and the ability to obtain insurance at standard vehicle liability rates.
-Certification as an appointed Judicial Commissioner every one year after evaluation by the General Session Judges.
-Membership in the Judicial Commissioner Association.
-Must meet all applicable T.C.A. requirements for carrying weapons.
Physical Requirements
-This is light to medium work requiring moderate static, explosive, dynamic and trunk strength and requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects
-Work requires considerable flexibility, mobility and speed of limb movement
-Work requires moderate effort and stamina
-Work requires both gross body equilibrium and coordination for balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling and walking
-Work requires arm/ hand steadiness and manual and finger dexterity
-Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
-Hearing is required to perceive information in both quiet and noisy environments and determine the direction of sounds
-Visual acuity is required for the inspection of small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of office equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, color differentiation, and observing general surroundings and activities
-The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions
