Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson, on behalf of Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced three new deputy sheriffs will be assigned to the Sheriff’s Office located at the Okanagan Correction Centre, and will assist in nearby courthouses until that time.

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:

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson –

“Sheriffs contribute their skills and training to our local communities, acting as a safeguard for those who serve in our courtrooms as well as the public. The people of Oliver will be glad to see the addition of three deputy sheriffs to our law enforcement team, and I look forward to welcoming our new recruit to the community.”

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