Thirty-four new deputy sheriffs have been sworn in and are ready for service in courthouses throughout the province, announced Attorney General Shirley Bond.

The attorney general attended graduation ceremonies today at the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) Sheriff Academy in New Westminster. The recruits arrived at the centre in August and, over the past few months, have received extensive training for their important role in the operation of court proceedings.

B.C.'s more than 460 sheriffs work in 45 courthouses and 44 circuit courts in communities across British Columbia. Their main responsibilities include:

• Providing prisoner escorts between court, correctional centres and police lock-up facilities.
• Courthouse and courtroom security, including the management of courthouse lock-up facilities.
• Jury management.
• Providing close personal protection services to government, as well as threat assessment to ministries.

It takes approximately six months from the time a need for a new deputy sheriff is identified until they are recruited, hired, trained, oriented and ready for work. The next class is scheduled to begin at the JIBC in January 2012.

Learn More:

Justice Institute of BC Sheriff Academy:

http://www.jibc.ca/programs-courses/schools-departments/school-public-safety-security/sheriff-academy

Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Attorney General
250 387-4962
250 889-5945 (cell)