Summary

• 12 newly graduated sheriffs are being deployed to courthouses throughout the province
• The new graduates begin field training alongside experienced sheriffs starting Feb. 5, 2026
• The Province has taken proactive steps to strengthen sheriff recruitment and retention in B.C., leading to a 9% increase in fully trained sheriffs compared to this time last year

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Twelve new sheriffs graduated from the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, and will begin serving communities and keeping people safe in courthouses.

The new sheriffs will be posted to provincial courthouses in the Lower Mainland, Prince George, Courtenay, Campbell River, Nanaimo, Williams Lake, Oliver and Cranbrook.

“Every day, sheriffs help maintain order and safety in our courts, allowing the justice system to function smoothly for everyone who depends on it,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “These graduates have demonstrated dedication throughout their training and we are grateful for their commitment to supporting people and communities across the province.”

Keeping people, courthouses safe

Sheriffs are highly trained peace officers who carry out a variety of responsibilities, including:

• protecting court participants
• transporting individuals in custody
• providing security for judges, Crown counsel, defence counsel and staff
• jury administration
• enforcement duties essential to the justice system

The graduates have completed rigorous academic, physical and scenario-based training at JIBC, and will now undergo field training at courthouses alongside experienced sheriffs. They will be ready for full deployment beginning on March 6, 2026. The next class of sheriff recruits will start training on March 6, 2026.

“I am so proud to welcome 12 deputy sheriff graduates to the BC Sheriff Service,” said Roger Phillips, chief sheriff and executive director, BC Sheriff Service. “These graduates have been working incredibly hard toward completing the sheriff-recruit training and I am excited to see them bring their knowledge and skillset to our service.”

The Province continues to invest in recruitment, retention and training to strengthen the BC Sheriff Service to ensure that courts remain safe, efficient and responsive to the needs of the public. There are nearly 600 fully trained sheriffs in B.C., a 9% increase compared to this time last year.

Learn More:

• To watch a video about working as a B.C. sheriff, visit: https://youtu.be/rdhf8trOoSM
• To explore career opportunities with the B.C. Sheriff Service, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/job-seekers/featured-careers/deputy-sheriff