The courthouse is a place where justice is served.
Making sure the courtroom is safe is what we do.

As stated by the Florida Statutues, the Sheriff, in person or through the use of a deputy, shall attend all terms of the circuit court and county court held in their counties. The Court Security Officer or "Baliff" has the responsibility for the security of all persons in open sessions of court and is tasked with maintaining the peace during the same. The Baliff is responsible for carrying out all orders of the Judge and for the security of the Jurors assigned to them. The various types of hearings that the Baliff could be found at include traffic court, sessions involving misdemeanor or felony charges, domestic violence hearings, small claims & civil courts, divorce proceedings, and child support hearings.

In the past year, the court system in Walton County processed approximately 5,000 cases in which the Baliffs were present. Out of those, there were about 1,100 felony cases and 1,400 misdemeanor cases. When court is not in session, the Baliffs can be found securing the offices of the Judges assigned to them or patrolling the halls of the courthouse.

The Court Security Unit currently consist of five (5) deputies who are supervised by a Sergeant. They are responsible for securing the two courthouses in Walton County, the main courthouse in DeFuniak Springs and the annex in Santa Rosa Beach. They are additionally tasked with the security of all public meetings of the Board of County Commissioners. The Baliff is a Deputy Sheriff and is a state certified law enforcement officer. They attend the various forms of mandatory retraining courses dictated by the Florida Department Standards and Training. But Baliffs attended advanced education courses tailored to the security of the judicial system as well. During times of crisis in which the court offices are closed, the Baliffs return to road duty and assist with patrolling the county.

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