The Government of British Columbia has allocated funding to create three new sheriff recruit training classes in 2018, further supporting a justice system that is properly staffed, resolves disputes in a timely manner and serves the needs of all court users in B.C.

Today marked the graduation of the first class of 18 recruits, who will join more than 490 sheriffs serving throughout the province.

“Sheriffs are an integral part of ensuring our courts operate in a safe and timely manner, and I congratulate all of today’s graduates,” said David Eby, Attorney General, who attended the graduation ceremony at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). “Our government will continue to take action to increase access to justice in our province, and these added sheriff recruit classes form part of that.”

The Ministry of Attorney General’s Court Services Branch received a $6.64-million budget lift, of which $5 million was allocated to increase the number of sheriffs and staffing of the Court Services Branch, to help reduce court delays.

Sheriff recruits must complete a 14-week training program, held at the JIBC’s Sheriff Academy at its New Westminster campus, to graduate. Classes are developed in collaboration with the Court Services Branch and JIBC. Recruits are ready to serve in the province’s courtrooms immediately upon graduation.

“As we approach JIBC’s 40th anniversary, our longstanding partnership with B.C. Sheriff Services is a proud part of our history,” said Michel Tarko, president and CEO of JIBC. “This additional funding, for a third cohort of sheriff recruit officers, is a prime example of JIBC responding to labour-market needs by providing the training  to support our provincial mandate and vision of safer communities and a more just society.”

Sheriffs serve throughout British Columbia. They provide courthouse security and jury management, as well as the safe and efficient escort of those in custody to and from court, correctional centres and police lockup facilities.

The next classes of recruits are set to graduate on Sept. 21, 2018, and Jan. 15, 2019.

Learn More:

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