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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 5Pt. 3Ch. 4Art. 4§ 20440 Court Security Officer Definition

§ 20440 Court Security Officer Definition

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 20440 Court Security Officer Definition

Key Takeaways

  • •Some sheriff employees who work in courts (like guarding prisoners or handling jurors) are also considered 'county peace officers'.
  • •This does not include office workers like clerks, typists, teachers, or psychologists.
  • •This rule doesn’t automatically apply to outside agencies unless they choose to include it in their contract.

Example

A sheriff’s deputy is assigned to watch over prisoners during a court hearing.

This deputy is considered a 'county peace officer' because they are keeping order and guarding prisoners in court.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 20440 Court Security Officer Definition

“County peace officer” shall also include employees of the sheriff employed to attend sessions of the superior or former municipal courts and preserve order in the courtrooms, to guard and maintain the security of prisoners during court appearances, or to summon jurors and take responsibility for them while they are deliberating or absent from the courtroom. It shall not include persons employed as clerks, typists, teachers, instructors or psychologists. This section shall not apply to any contracting agency nor to the employees of a contracting agency until the agency elects to be subject to this section by amendment to its contract with the board, made as provided in Section 20474 or by express provision in its contract with the board. (Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 784, Sec. 132. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

County peace officersheriffcourtroomsprisonersjurorscontracting agency

Related Statutes

  • § 20438 County Juvenile Custody Officers
  • § 20439 County Jail Officer Definition
  • § 20441 County Park Ranger Officers
  • § 20420 Public Safety Employee Coverage
  • § 20422 Emergency Medical Personnel Inclusion

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 20440.
View Official Source