The sheriff academy at the Justice Institute of British Columbia has been selected to provide a training program for court sheriffs in the Territory of Nunavut.

The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) provides training for all B.C. sheriff recruits and this is the first time the program has been offered outside of the province. Two instructors will provide a nine-day training session in November to Nunavut's eight sheriffs.

In June 2012, the Nunavut legislative assembly passed an amendment to its Judicature Act to allow sheriffs more options when providing courtroom security. As a result, the sheriffs need additional training on use-of-force options, court roles and responsibilities, and control access points. Legal studies will also be part of the training package.

The B.C. Sheriff Service will also assist in developing policy for the Nunavut sheriffs.

Quotes:

Justice Minister and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"This is a strong endorsement of the sheriff academy and the level of training and expertise it provides. I have attended sheriff recruit graduation ceremonies and have seen first-hand the exceptional job the academy does in ensuring sheriffs are ready to serve our communities. It is a tremendous honour to now share that training with other jurisdictions like Nunavut."

Nunavut Justice Minister and Attorney General Daniel Shewchuk -

"I am very pleased that Nunavut has been able to work with the Justice Institute of British Columbia to help train our sheriffs. The expertise and reputation of JIBC made it the ideal partner for our department and I am confident the skills our sheriffs learn will help to improve security at our courts."

JIBC president and CEO, Dr. Michel Tarko -

"The Justice Institute of British Columbia is very pleased and honoured to have been chosen to providing comprehensive training to sheriffs in Nunavut. The JIBC sheriff academy has a long and proud tradition of delivering first-rate training to sheriff recruits who go on to work in B.C.'s courthouses, and we look forward to contributing our experience and expertise in Northern Canada."

Quick Facts:

• The sheriff academy is located in New Westminster and is one of the founding programs of the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

• The sheriff recruit training program is four months in length and upon graduation a successful recruit is sworn in as a deputy sheriff in British Columbia.

Learn More:

Justice Institute of BC sheriff academy:

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

Find out more about the criminal justice system in British Columbia: www.justicebc.ca

Contacts:

Lauren Mulholland
Communications
Ministry of Justice
250 387-4961

Stephen Mansell
Director, Policy and Planning
Nunavut Department of Justice
1 867 975-6325