Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who provide security and maintain order in the courtroom during trials and other court proceedings. Bailiffs may also provide other security services, such as escorting the jury out of the courtroom to ensure they do not have contact with anyone outside of the courtroom, and guarding the jury during sequestration (isolation) of the jury. Bailiffs may help maintain courtroom decorum by announcing the judge’s entrance into the courtroom, and by reminding all persons in the courtroom to turn off their cell phones and remain silent when court is in session.

In West Virginia, bailiffs are court officers whose primary responsibilities include ensuring the security and orderly conduct of court proceedings. They are tasked with maintaining a safe environment in the courtroom, which involves protecting judges, jurors, attorneys, and all other participants. Bailiffs in WV are responsible for escorting the jury to and from the courtroom, and they may also be assigned to guard jurors during periods of sequestration to prevent any unauthorized contact. Additionally, bailiffs uphold courtroom decorum by announcing the judge's entrance, enforcing rules such as the prohibition of cell phone use, and ensuring silence during court sessions. The specific duties and requirements for bailiffs can vary by county and court jurisdiction within the state, and they operate under the authority of the state's statutes and the administrative rules of the court system.