Twelve new deputy sheriffs are joining B.C. Sheriff Services, helping to ensure the safety of all justice system participants, announced Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton today.

The graduating new sheriffs completed 16 weeks of Sheriff Recruit Training (SRT) at the Justice Institute of BC in New Westminster giving them the necessary skills to perform public safety and statutory roles at courthouses across the province.

With the addition of these 12, there are approximately 500 full-time equivalent sheriffs working in 45 courthouses and 44 circuit courts in communities throughout the province.

The graduating sheriffs come from diverse backgrounds, including some who worked for B.C. Corrections, the Canadian military, the British Army, the United States Consulate and the Vancouver Traffic Authority.

Sheriff training continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of B.C.'s justice system. Beginning in August 2013, the program has included: