Today marks graduation day at the B.C. Sheriff Academy at New Westminster’s Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC).

Thirty recruits have graduated from their 14-week training program and are ready to serve immediately within the province’s courtrooms.

This brings the total number of sheriffs in British Columbia to 490. Sheriffs provide courthouse security, jury management and the safe and efficient escort of those in custody to and from court, correctional centres and police lock-up facilities.

“We are committed to providing British Columbians with a court system that is properly staffed and able to hear and resolve disputes in a timely matter,” said Attorney General David Eby. “Congratulations to our new sheriffs. As you begin your career in our province’s courthouses, know that the B.C. government is here to support you. I look forward to welcoming new sheriffs again in the new year.”

The Sheriff Academy is one of the founding members of JIBC and its training has been recognized nationally.

“JIBC congratulates our new sheriffs for successfully completing the rigorous sheriff recruit training program and embarking on their exciting new careers,” said Michel Tarko, president and CEO of JIBC. “We are honoured to continue our work in conjunction with B.C. Sheriff Services to educate and train its recruits for this vital element of our court system. The JIBC Sheriff Academy’s history goes back to 1978, and we look forward to many years of partnership in the future.”

“Congratulations to our new sheriffs on your graduation day,” said B.C. Chief Sheriff Paul Corrado. “The badges you now hold have the words: honour, integrity and commitment. Our role is challenging and we do it well, as a team. Welcome!” 

Twenty-four sheriff recruits will be deployed to where they are needed in the Lower Mainland, two will go to Oliver, and one will be deployed each to Kamloops, Nanaimo, Prince George and Dawson Creek.

The B.C. government is continuing to take action to increase access to justice by increasing the number of court sheriffs, expanding the use of duty counsel and increasing staffing of the ministry’s Court Services Branch.

Learn More:

Ministry of Justice, B.C. Sheriff Services: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/courthouse-roles/sheriff-services

JIBC Sheriff Academy: http://www.jibc.ca/programs-courses/schools-departments/school-criminal-justice-security/sheriff-academy