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MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT
Invites registrants for the:
SECURITY DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONAL EXAM
FOR THE POSITION OF
CHIEF COURT OFFICER
EXAM INFORMATION
OPENING REGISTRATION DATE: Monday, October 26, 2026
LAST DAY OF REGISTRATION: 11:59pm on Friday, December 4, 2026
Exam Date: 9:30AM on Saturday, March 6, 2027
Exam Fee: $50
Exam Location: Wellsworth Hotel, 14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, MA 01550
Study Guide: A source list of the documents from which the job knowledge
questions will be drawn will be emailed to all registered candidates along with
a study guide.
Please note: The Trial Court reserves the right to adjust the
exam date and/or location if necessary. Registered exam candidates will be notified
by email of any changes.
DESCRIPTION:
This exam is open to current Assistant Chief Court Officers and
to current Court Officers who have a valid passing result from the June 2025 ACCO
exam or the January 2027 ACCO exam. The exam is being administered to comply
with state law, which mandates passing this exam in order to be eligible for promotion
to the position of Chief Court Officer (CCO). Individuals who do not take and pass
this exam will not be eligible for the CCO position until the next CCO promotional
exam is offered.
Court Officers who are interested in becoming eligible for promotion
to CCO are encouraged to register for the March 2027 CCO exam while awaiting the
results of the January 2027 ACCO exam. Court Officers who register for both the
ACCO and CCO exams will receive a fee waiver for the CCO exam.
Please Note: Individuals
who successfully passed the June 2025 Chief Court Officer Exam are NOT required
to take this exam. Passing results from earlier CCO exam administrations have expired
and are no longer being used to establish eligibility for promotion.
Following the March 2027 exam, the next written exam is planned to be administered
in approximately 18 months. Any ACCO or CO employee interested in becoming an CCO
within the next 18 months is encouraged to register for this exam. The results of
this exam will determine the candidates who are eligible to apply for these positions
over this period. Current CCOs do not need to take the exam in order to be considered
for CCO positions in other Courts.
The exam will be divided into two (2) sections, one section with multiple-choice
job knowledge questions and one section of multiple-choice job skills
and abilities questions.
Passing the Chief Court Officer Promotional Exam alone does not guarantee you
will receive an interview. Candidates who apply to a job posting for CCO after passing
this exam must also meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the job to be
considered for appointment.
PLEASE REVIEW the position summary and position requirements below before
you consider registering for this Chief Court Officer Promotional Exam.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Chief Court Officers are responsible for the management, assignment, supervision,
and effective utilization of court officers and other security personnel working
in their court or assigned area of coverage. Responsibilities include developing
and implementing plans to ensure the safety and security of the assigned court(s);
assisting the Security Management Team in the development and/or implementation
training programs for assigned court officers and security personnel; evaluating
the performance of security personnel, maintaining personnel accountability records,
and performing other administrative functions. The Chief Court Officer is responsible
for developing and implementing written local policies, procedures, and rules, consistent
with the policies and directives established by Security Management Team and the
Trial Court. The Chief Court Officer is responsible for formulating goals and objectives
regarding security services performed within a courthouse or assigned area of coverage
in accordance with standard Security Department policies and procedures; delegating
specific responsibilities to supervisory members of their staff; informing the Director
of Security or their designee of the operational conditions and needs of security
personnel; and communicating to their security staff all administrative directives
issued by the Security Management Team, the Court Administrator, Chief Justices,
and First Justices. The Chief Court Officer works in collaboration with all judges,
department heads, and other court officials of the Trial Court to ensure the efficient
administration of the court.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Chief Court Officer Duties:
- Supervises and manages court officers and other security personnel working in
his/hertheir court, and/or assigned area of coverage. Implements assignment
policies, procedures, and best practices to meet court officer and security personnel
requirements and assigns personnel as needed; - Supervises and manages court greeters working in their court, and/or assigned
area of coverage. Manages time and attendance, assignments; implements policies
and procedures for the oversight of the Court Greeter program; - Coordinates all court officer assignments and transfers as appropriate with the
First Justice(s) and other Justices working in the court(s) underhis/her
their supervision; - Maintains communications with Justice(s), court administrative officials, key
court personnel, county and other local government officials, and members of the
bar relative to court officer and other security related matters; - Disseminates emergency notifications, critical incident updates, and operational
messaging to staff utilizing the RAVE communication system; ; - Develops, implements, updates, refines safety and security plans for courthouse(s)
underhis/hertheir jurisdiction; - Responsible for ensuring all security equipment, uniforms and operational supplies
are maintained, inventoried and readily available to support officers and operational
readiness; - Assists the Security Management Team in the implementation of security training
programs for court officers, security personnel and other Trial Court personnel;
and assigns individuals to such programs; - Provides oversight, coordination and annual facilitation of Town Hall meetings
at local courts to promote communication, employee engagement, and the dissemination
of Security related information, initiatives and address local operational concerns; - Collaborates with the Human Resources Department and the Security Management
Team on collective bargaining and employee relations involving safety and security,
grievances, disciplinary actions and other personnel actions pertaining to court
officers and security personnel; - Maintains personnel records, monitors and tracks time accountability records
for assigned court officers and other security personnel; - Supervises court officers assigned to their Departmental court or assigned area
of coverage. Implements assignment policies and procedures to meet court officer
requirements; assigns personnel as needed; - Coordinates court officer assignments and transfers as appropriate with the First
Justice(s) and other justice(s), working in the court(s) under their supervision; - Provides security for prisoners, witnesses, jurors, court personnel, and the
public in the courtroom and other areas of the courthouse including the following
requirements: - Identifies security concerns and works with the Regional Director to address
and resolve these concerns; and, conducts bi-annual security assessments; - Exercises all powers, duties, and responsibilities of line Court Officers when
warranted; - Provides leadership and operational oversight for pilot programs within their
jurisdiction; - Complies with all Trial Court Personnel Policies, Security Department Policies
and Procedures, and all state and federal laws; and - Performs other related duties as required.
SECURITY JOB FAMILY COMPETENCIES:
All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge
and understanding of the following areas:
| Ethics and Values | Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Security
Department and the Trial Court. |
| Mission | Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court and Security Department
missions. |
| Applied Knowledge | Understands all court officer operations, knowledge of the various court
departments and divisions, and a security supervisor’s role in the criminal |
| Managing Conflict | Acts quickly and decisively to address an antagonistic situation, using
interpersonal skills and training methods to diffuse a conflict. |
| Team Building (Motivating Others) | Fosters a sense of shared goals and accountabilities through the development ofpositive relationships in order to promote a healthy work environment. |
| Commitment to Diversity | Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positivecommunication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. |
| Performance Measurement | Understands the value and importance of performance measures as a basis forboth individual and departmental assessments. |
| Collaboration | Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player,and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals. |
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the direct supervision of a Regional Director of Security in performing
duties which require advanced professional and independent judgment, decision making
ability, supervisory skills, and increased accountability in resolving problems
within guidelines, standards, and established procedures.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND EDUCATION:
These are the minimum requirements necessary
to apply for the position of Chief Court Officer:
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s Degree SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 and
(5) five years of experience as a Court Officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court;
or
An Associate’s Degree and (7) seven years of
experience as a Court Officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court;
or
High School Diploma or equivalent and (10)
ten years of experience as a Court Officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court;
Note: Other prior relevant work experience
and credentials outside of court officer service will be considered for salary placement
purposes if found applicable.
Management background: Experience as a Trial
Court Assistant Chief Court Officer or comparable position is preferred. Demonstrated
experience in directing and conducting security evaluations of public or governmental
facilities, particularly court facilities; and demonstrated ability to organize,
direct and coordinate security service programs;
Professional Development: Must have a record
of regular participation in professional development opportunities;
- Comprehensive knowledge of the application of advanced security measures;
- Ability to supervise and direct staff in accordance with Court Officer policy
and the directives of the Security Department Management Team; - Ability to evaluate the performance of security personnel and address disciplinary
issues as necessary in compliance with Trial Court policies and Procedures; - Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the Court Officer Policies
and Procedures Manual and other Massachusetts Trial Court Personnel Policies
and Procedures; - Ability to use data to diagnose problems and drive enhancements and efficiencies
in departmental operations; - Ability to demonstrate respect, courtesy, sensitivity and discretion in
dealing with court personnel, attorneys, jurors, litigants, public and the media; - Ability to interact calmly with individuals who are under physical and emotional
stress; - Ability to understand and execute all policies and procedures of Court Officers
as well as Massachusetts Trial Court Personnel Policies; - Ability to meet and maintain physical fitness to perform court officer duties
when necessary; - Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form;
- Ability to prepare detailed reports and to maintain security logs;
- Ability to work dependably and professionally with co-workers, supervisors,
judges, court employees, attorneys, and members of the public; - Ability to multi-task in a fast paced and stressful environment; and, Ability
to travel within the Commonwealth if necessary.
ADDITIONAL EXAM INFORMATION
Fee Waiver: The exam fee may be waived for registrants receiving certain
state or federal public assistance or unemployment insurance. The CCO exam fee will
also be waived for Court Officers who register for both the ACCO and CCO exams.
Please contact ex***@**********ma.us
for a fee waiver form. Follow the instructions on the form to ensure proper submission,
including all required supporting documentation.
All completed fee waiver forms must be emailed to
ex***@**********ma.us no later
than Thursday, December 3, 2026, to allow time for processing. Late
submissions will not be accepted.
Reasonable Exam Accommodations: The Massachusetts Trial Court is an Affirmative
Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity in state
employment. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified
applicants with disabilities.
If you require an accommodation for the exam, please complete the following steps:
- Register for the exam. You must register before submitting
an accommodation request. - Request and complete the Exam Accommodation Form. Accommodation
request forms can be requested from ex***@**********ma.us.
The form should be submitted by Monday, October 19, 2026, to allow sufficient
time for processing. - Participate in an interactive dialogue. After receiving your
form, a member of the Human Resources Department will contact you to discuss
your request. - Provide supporting documentation, as needed. Be prepared to
submit a letter from a qualified professional that explains the need for the
requested accommodation and identifies the specific testing accommodation being
recommended.
The completed Exam Accommodation Form and any supporting documentation requested
by Human Resources should be submitted to
ex***@**********ma.us by Friday, December 4, 2026. Requests received
after that date will be reviewed individually; however, the Trial Court may not
be able to arrange an approved accommodation by the exam date.
Current Military Personnel: All military personnel who are
unable to attend the exam due to military service on the scheduled date must:
- Register for the exam
- Pay the processing fee, or request a fee waiver
- Submit a written request for a makeup exam, along with a copy of your military
orders.
Military-related requests must be emailed to
ex***@**********ma.us by the registration
deadline, Friday, December 4, 2026.
When submitting your request, please provide your daytime base phone
number and, if possible, the name and phone number of a friend or family member
who can serve as an alternate contact.
Makeup Exam: If you have registered for the exam and experience an emergency
or unforeseen hardship you may request a makeup exam by submitting a written request
with verifiable documentation to ex***@**********ma.us.
All requests must be submitted within two business days of the scheduled exam date.
The Trial Court reserves the right to approve or deny your request and may require
an additional exam processing fee upon arrival.
Identification at the Exam Site: At the exam site, registrants must present
a current and valid government photo identification with signature (e.g., driver’s
license, passport, military ID, Trial Court ID).
Change of Personal Information: Registrants are responsible for maintaining
accurate contact information (e.g., address, email, phone number) with the Trial
Court. All exam and job posting related communications will be sent to the email
address used during registration. If your contact information changes, notify
ex***@**********ma.us promptly. Failure
to maintain current information may result in missed communications or employment
opportunities.
Upon completion of checkout when placing your order, a Participant
Information page will be displayed.
- If you are making the purchase yourself, be sure the information in the
form on the page is correct and that it matches the information on your
official identification (driver’s license, state identification, passport,
etc.). - If someone else is making the purchase for you, be sure they enter
your information into the form
and that it matches the information on your official identification. - If you are making the purchase for someone else, be sure to enter the information of the person that you are
making the purchase for and that it matches the information
on their official identification.
Refunds: There will be NO REFUND of the exam fee unless
the exam is cancelled by the Trial Court.
Exam Registration and Payment Information:
Please note that all registrations must be submitted by the posted
deadline, along with the exam fee. You will receive a confirmation email once your
registration is complete. Your registration is not final until you have received
this confirmation email. All further exam details will be sent to you via email,
so be sure to check the email address you registered with regularly. Don’t forget
to check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see emails in your inbox.
Your $50 exam fee must be paid by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December
4, 2026. After registration closes, you will receive an email with important
details, including the exam date, time, location, and other essential information.
Contact Information:
The Office of Court Management is administering this promotional
exam. For additional information or questions regarding the exam process, please
contact the office using the information below.
Office of Court Management
Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., except holidays.
Email: ex***@**********ma.us
Telephone Number: 617-742-8575
