Bailiffs

Bailiff work today still mostly needs people. Some parts already use machines: every visitor to a court passes through metal detectors and X-ray scanners, and new AI scanners (like Hexwave used in airports) can flag hidden threats ^[1]. In other fields, security robots now patrol halls and sound alarms if something’s wrong ^[1].

These show how AI tools can help. But in courthouses, a robot isn’t calling out, “All rise,” or escorting the judge – a bailiff still does that with a human touch. Courtrooms rely on bailiffs to notice spills, grab extra notepads or calm a restless crowd.

These tasks haven’t been automated. In fact, courts remain cautious about AI. The California courts just passed rules limiting AI use by judges and staff, to protect privacy and fairness ^[2], and even U.S. senators warned judges not to trust AI for rulings ^[2].

This shows that most of a bailiff’s core duties – talking, judging situations, and keeping order – are still considered best for people, not machines.

AI could help bailiffs in some ways, but it may come slowly. Organizations eye these tools because they can save money or address worker shortages. For example, one report notes security robots can save roughly \$79,000 per human guard per year ^[1], and police are already using AI drones to fill staff gaps ^[1].

That suggests courts might eventually use similar tech if budgets get tight. On the other hand, bailiff work involves public safety and caring for people. The legal system values human judgment: it’s hard to imagine a robot making a tricky call or comforting a nervous juror.

There are also big questions about privacy, bias and trust. Even if machines could sweep a room or scan bags, judges and citizens still want human oversight ^{[2] [2]}. In short, new tools may assist bailiffs (for example by automating routine checks), but the unique people-skills of bailiffs – communication, empathy and quick decisions – should remain in high demand ^{[1] [1]}.