(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, whenever required, the sheriff shall attend all superior court sessions held within his or her county. A sheriff shall attend a noncriminal, nondelinquency action, however, only if the presiding judge or his or her designee makes a determination that the attendance of the sheriff at that action is necessary for reasons of public safety. The court may use court attendants in courtrooms hearing those noncriminal, nondelinquency actions. Notwithstanding any other law, the presiding judge or his or her designee may provide that a court attendant take charge of a jury, as provided in Sections 613 and 614 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The sheriff shall obey all lawful orders and directions of all courts held within his or her county.
(b) Subject to the memorandum of understanding described in subdivision (b) of Section 69926, the court security services provided by the sheriff may include, but shall not be limited to, all of the following:
(1) Bailiff functions, as defined in Sections 830.1 and 830.36 of the Penal Code, in criminal and noncriminal actions, including, but not limited to, attending court.
(2) Taking charge of a jury, as provided in Sections 613 and 614 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(3) Patrolling hallways and other areas within court facilities.
(4) Overseeing and escorting prisoners in holding cells within court facilities.
(5) Providing security screening within court facilities.
(6) Providing enhanced security for judicial officers and court personnel.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 41, Sec. 31. (SB 1021) Effective June 27, 2012.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018