Government is adding 14 new deputy sheriffs, who start work next week in communities across the Lower Mainland. Once deployed, they will provide safety and security for the courthouses and those who use them, including judges, court workers, legal professionals and the public.

The sheriffs received their badges at the Justice Institute of British Columbia today after four months of intensive training, including use-of-force techniques and firearms use. The recruits learned the skills necessary for courthouse and courtroom security, jury management, and the escort of those in custody to and from court, correctional centres and police lock-up facilities.

The 14 sheriff recruits will be deployed to courthouses throughout Port Coquitlam, Surrey, North Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster and Vancouver. A total of 23 deputy sheriffs will be deployed to courthouses throughout the Lower Mainland, Victoria, Fort St. John, Prince George, Port Alberni, Oliver and Kamloops. They join a team of more than 450 sheriffs serving throughout the province.

Quotes:

Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer –
“Sheriffs serve our judicial system with professionalism and courage, willingly accepting the personal risk that comes with providing security for our courts. We are fortunate in B.C. to have such a strong sheriff service, and I look forward to welcoming one of its newest members to our community.”

Surrey-Tynehead MLA Amrik Virk –
“The aptitude, training and skills that B.C. sheriffs place at the service of our community courts allow all British Columbians to be confident in the knowledge that we have safe, efficiently run courthouses. I would like to extend my thanks to our new recruit for making the decision to serve the public interest, and to welcome them to our Tri-Cities community.”

Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap –

“It is wonderful to have more deputy sheriffs serving in the judicial system and protecting our community. With professional and intensive training, I am confident the new sheriffs will carry out their duties responsibly and competently.”

Quick Facts:

• BC Sheriff Services is part of Court Services Branch and has about 500 staff with a budget of over $40 million.
• Sheriffs have responsibility to:
  • Co-ordinate safe and timely in-custody accused appearances.
  • Liaise with court users, the judiciary, members of the bar, prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies.
  • Enforce court orders and service of civil and family documents and warrants.
• Other sheriff services include:
  • Escort of prisoners by ground and air to and from court appearances, police lock-ups and correctional facilities.
  • Safety and security in courthouses and in courthouse holding cell areas.
  • Summons of jurors and assistance with the Supreme Court jury process.
  • Assistance with coroners court.
• Sheriff Services operates an Intelligence and Threat Assessment Unit that liaises with local, provincial and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of court facilities and court users.

Learn More:

Ministry of Justice, B.C. Sheriff Services: http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/sheriffs/

Justice Institute of B.C. Sheriff Academy: http://www.jibc.ca/programs-courses/schools-departments/school-criminal-justice-security/sheriff-academy

For photos of Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton meeting with deputy sheriff graduates, visit: https://flic.kr/p/Md19Qs