British Columbia's justice system has been strengthened with the addition of 23 new deputy sheriffs who began working in courtrooms throughout the province this week.

The sheriffs received their badges at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) in New Westminster last week following intensive training, and now they will help ensure safe and efficient courts. The new graduates bring to 57 the number of new sheriffs to have joined the justice system over the past five months. The cost for training each sheriff recruit is approximately $25,000 and is part of the more than $1 billion the Province spends annually on B.C.'s public safety and justice system.

The latest recruit class began training in January. Over the past few months they have learned the skills necessary for their role in the safe and orderly operation of court proceedings. The recruits have also received training in the latest use-of-force techniques and in firearms use.

Their main responsibilities include:

• Escorting prisoners between court, correctional centres and police lock-up facilities.
• Courthouse and courtroom security, including the management of courthouse lock-up facilities.
• Jury management.

The sheriff recruits have been deployed to courthouses throughout the Lower Mainland, and in Nelson, Cranbrook, Prince George and Fort St. John.

Quotes:

Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"Sheriffs are an important part of our justice system and we are proud of their accomplishments and the distinguished service they provide to our citizens every day. In training these new sheriffs, we are continuing to provide resources to alleviate pressures in court rooms around the province and ensure that British Columbians have a safe and efficient justice system."

Deputy chief sheriff Paul Corrado -

"Congratulations to the recruits who have joined the BC Sheriff Service, an esteemed organization that has been in existence in our province for more than 150 years. We welcome them to our team and we look forward to working with them as they start their new careers providing safety for our justice partners and the public."

JIBC president Jack McGee -

"With every sheriff recruit class, we continue to be extremely impressed with the strong commitment shown by the new deputy sheriffs in this very intensive program. JIBC is pleased to work in partnership with the Ministry of Justice in preparing these professionals for their important responsibilities. Congratulations to the graduates, and I wish them all the best as they take on the vital role of maintaining safety and security in the B.C. court system."

Quick Facts:

• B.C.'s more than 500 sheriffs work in 45 courthouses and 44 circuit courts in communities throughout British Columbia.
• 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.
• Sheriff recruits' previous work experience includes employment in the security and public safety field. Some have volunteered as reserve police constables.
• In November 2011, 34 sheriff recruits graduated in one of the largest recruit classes in recent history.
• The Sheriff Academy is located in New Westminster and the program is one of the founders of the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

Learn More:

Justice Institute of BC Sheriff Academy:

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

For a photo of the graduating deputy sheriffs: www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/6899856026/

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER

April 5, 2012 Ministry of Justice

Sheriff recruits have graduated and been deployed

The 23 new sheriff recruits have been deployed to the following locations and began work this week:

• Seventeen new deputy sheriffs have started work in courthouses throughout the Lower Mainland, including in Vancouver, Richmond, North Vancouver, New Westminster, Surrey, Port Coquitlam, Abbotsford and Chilliwack.
• Two new deputy sheriffs have started work in the city of Nelson. They will also assist with Rossland courts and circuit courts throughout the West Kootenays.
• One new deputy sheriff has started in the city of Cranbrook and will also assist with circuit courts throughout the East Kootenays.
• Two new deputy sheriffs have started in the city of Prince George, and their service will not only include Prince George, but will benefit the entire north.
• One new deputy sheriff has started in the city of Fort. St. John.

Contact:

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