Serving the Judicial Branch

Conference Agenda

Conference Session Descriptions

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Maintaining a Safe Courthouse - Judges and the public rely on Bailiffs and Court Security officers to provide a safe space for the resolution of disputes. An experienced bailiff will review practices and procedures for maintaining the safety and security of the courthouse and courtroom. This will include information on office security, emergency procedures, dealing with angry people, court security assessments, active shooters and incident reports. 

Being Effective with High-Risk Individuals on Probation - The risk assessment scores someone as high risk, so what’s next? This engaging training will build an understanding of the underlying characteristics that make a person high risk. Participants will take a deeper dive into crime-producing needs such as aggression, risk taking and antisocial attitudes. Time will be spent on effective high-risk interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Programs, Core Correctional Practices and Carey Guides. Participants will develop skills by practicing on a simulated case. Participants will enhance their understanding of the link between specific criminogenic needs and tools to respond.

Staying Safe in the Community - In the line of duty, bailiffs and probation officers face unique challenges while serving evictions or meeting with clients in the community. Ensuring personal safety during these encounters is critical. This 90-minute interactive session is tailored specifically for professionals like you, who are on the front lines, facing unpredictable environments every day. Key concepts covered will be approaches, mental awareness, dealing with animals, avoiding complacency, and practical do’s and don’ts. 

Street Smart on Drugs: “If you can’t imagine it, you can’t find it” - This course will provide information about how and where criminals hide weapons and drugs on their person, in their cars or in their homes. Faculty will also discuss current drug trends with a focus on alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, heroin/fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Finally, a presentation on the use of technology in the drug trade, looking at the Dark Web, drug emojis and how to decoding text messages.

Friday, November 8, 2024

Officer Survival Story - There is no teacher like experience. During this course, you will hear from officers who have survived critical incidents. These survivors will share their personal stories and observations about what they learned from their incidents. During these personal accounts, VALOR officer safety concepts are tied together to emphasize the importance of preparation before an event, action during an event, and resilience after an event in order to survive and thrive.

Safety During Encounters –Approaching and interacting with the public is a large part of most law enforcement officers’ jobs. This training explores the different dynamics affecting all officer-public contacts and provides practical tools for increasing officer safety and positive outcomes while officers are engaged with individuals.

Safety Through Mental Health and Resilience – This training examines the leading cause of officer death—suicide. This reality emphasizes the importance of investing in your mental wellness. Learn how to take back control and be responsible for your health and wellness. Mental wellness will enhance your officer safety, agency goals, and personal satisfaction through a work-life balance.