Bail Commissioner

DIVISION

Court Support Services

CLASS DEFINITION

This class is accountable for interviewing arrested persons for the purpose of ordering bail in criminal matters and may assist in performing intake, assessment and referral services for Court Support Services clients referred by the court in probation and family matters.

GUIDELINES FOR CLASS USE

This class is designed for Bail Commissioners whose work is primarily conducted on the night shift.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of an employee of higher grade.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Sets bail or releases clients on non-financial bond; contacts police departments within assigned geographical region to determine which locations have cases requiring interviews; may travel to police departments to conduct interviews; obtains arrest reports and domestic violence arrest information from police and may discuss cases with arresting officers to obtain additional information; conducts comprehensive computerized criminal record checks to document prior offenses and criminal histories; meets with arrested persons in lock-up area to document information such as residence, employment, education, family ties to the area, psychiatric, drug and/or alcohol problems, prior convictions, failures to appear etc.; verifies information by contacting references and victims; analyzes information obtained in interview and determines appropriateness of bail or release by applying weighted criteria; develops, orders and monitors release conditions such as substance abuse treatment, electronic monitoring, curfews, etc.; may enter data into various information systems; recommends modifications to conditions in accordance with established policies and reports violations to the court; maintains contacts with clients under conditional release to monitor compliance; assesses client needs for caseload classification and to determine eligibility for substance abuse or mental health programs and explains programs to clients; explains bail setting process and court procedures to arrested persons; prepares reports and correspondence; maintains records and activity logs; collects urine samples and reports test results to court; may conduct home or site visits to monitor clients' adherence to release conditions; performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

Knowledge of the criminal justice system; knowledge of and ability to utilize interviewing techniques; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; basic computer skills.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

General Experience:

A Bachelor's degree.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents may be exposed to some risk of injury from assaultive/abusive persons; may be exposed to communicable diseases.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Candidates must be able to travel to and from police departments and court locations in a timely manner.