3-13/010.00 - Bailiff's Responsibility While Assigned to a Mental Health Court



A bailiff assigned to the Mental Health Court performs a variety of duties, as follows:

  • Inmates held in the county jail who are involved in cases being heard in the Mental Health Court shall be ordered for court by the bailiff on the Removal Order form. Custodies may also be brought in from outside sources such as county, state or contract hospitals.
  • Inmates appearing in the Mental Health Court are held in the lockup area located in the same building as Department 95. The bailiff will escort the inmates from the lockup to the Mental Health Court.
  • In the courtroom, the bailiff shall be as attentive as possible to the patient who appears for a hearing. Every measure of assurance should be given the patient during the proceedings. If violent or erratic behavior is displayed by the patient, it is the duty of the bailiff to control the patient and call for assistance. Due of the type of individual in these hearings, the bailiff will generally be stationed directly behind the patient during such hearings.
  • "Bedside Court Hearings" may be conducted in the wards of the Psychopathic Unit, Los Angeles County U.S.C. Medical Center, or at any State or County Institution or any place so designated by the court, since many patients are not ambulatory, due to their state of physical or mental health. These bedside hearings are lawful court sessions, and the bailiff shall abide by the rules of courtroom procedure in maintaining order and preserving the dignity of the court.