Late last year, Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) introduced a new blog series—essentially a “Who’s Who at SMC” —that lets you get to know the people behind the scenes who make the day-to-day interactions at the court function. Our eighth person for you to meet is Marshal Nathan Conder. So far, we’ve also had you meet a court clerk, bailiff, court cashier, jury coordinator, probation counselor, magistrate and the court’s chief clerk.
What does a SMC marshal do?
SMC marshals provide law enforcement duties within the courthouse through commission from the Seattle Police Department. This includes handling arrests for warrants. We also ensure safety and security at the court and oversee court entrance screening of every person who enters the courthouse. Marshals oversee in-custody defendants while they are participating in their court hearings, including transport from the jail to the court and within the court to the courtroom. There are currently 11 marshals at SMC—hiring three more would make our team complete.
Marshals typically work a 7 AM-5 PM schedule Monday-Friday, though we also rotate to accommodate the court’s Saturday hearings, so occasionally our schedules vary and when I work on Saturday, I get a weekday off.
How long have you been a marshal at SMC?
I have been a marshal at the court for 15 years. Prior to coming to SMC, I worked for the Washington State Department of Corrections for five years. I have been interested in this kind of work as long as I can remember.
What kind of job experience or training does one need to become a marshal?
At SMC, we require at least two years of applicable work experience from our applicants. Upon hire, new marshals go through extensive training including a job shadowing regime that lasts about three months. During that time, more tenured marshals help new marshals learn the ropes. New marshals learn such things as going through controls, what is expected at arraignment courts and all the other courts, firearms training, pat downs, effective communication skills, and more. I’d also like to mention that all marshals at SMC go through regular training to stay up to date with their skills. Last year, each member of the team did 24 hours of mandatory training on firearms, negotiation and defensive tactics, and role plays on how to be ready for a variety of scenarios that could play out in court.
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in your role in the past 15 years?
Technology! When I started at the court, everything we did was on paper. Now, everything we do is paperless. Learning different computer programs throughout the years to do our job has easily been the biggest change.
Do you have a favorite part of your job?
I like being able to help those in-custody, and help people navigate trials at the court.
What do you do in your free time?
I love being with my kids. I’m a woodworker and I also like to work out. I love our country’s national parks—my favorite is Bryce National Park in Utah.