Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris and Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, on behalf of Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced today that Prince George will be receiving a new deputy sheriff as part of the 23 new deputy sheriffs slated to start work next week in communities throughout the province.

The sheriffs received their badges today at the Justice Institute of British Columbia 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.

Once deployed, the deputy sheriffs will provide safety and security for the courthouses and those who use them, including judges, court workers, legal professionals and the public.

The sheriff recruits 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.

Quote:

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris –

“Our court system relies on the dedication of disciplined, upstanding sheriffs to provide security and protection in our courthouses, and sheriff trainees work hard to meet these standards. I offer my congratulations to all the newly-graduated deputy sheriffs and extend a hearty welcome to the new recruit stationed in Prince George.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond –

“Sheriffs are important members of the team that ensure our justice system functions as well as possible. Sheriffs work hard every day to minimize disruption for all those involved in judicial proceedings in B.C., so that work can be undertaken as effectively as possible. The people of Prince George, our legal professionals, court workers and judges will welcome the addition of a new deputy sheriff to our courthouse.”

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:
  • Coordinate safe and timely in-custody accused appearances;
  • Liaise with court users, the judiciary, members of the bar, prosecutors; and other law enforcement agencies, and
  • 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; and
  • 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 Anton meeting with deputy sheriff graduates, visit https://flic.kr/p/Md19Qs