Home »
Cranbrook tabbed as location for some graduating sheriffs
British Columbia’s justice system has been strengthened with the addition of 23 new deputy sheriffs who began working in courtrooms throughout the province this week, including in Cranbrook.
The sheriffs received their badges at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) in New Westminster last week following intensive training, and now they will help ensure safe and efficient courts. The new graduates bring to 57 the number of new sheriffs to have joined the justice system over the past five months. The cost for training each sheriff recruit is approximately $25,000 and is part of the more than $1 billion the Province spends annually on B.C.’s public safety and justice system.
The latest recruit class began training in January. Over the past few months they have learned the skills necessary for their role in the safe and orderly operation of court proceedings. The recruits have also received training in the latest use-of-force techniques and in firearms use.
Their main responsibilities include: Escorting prisoners between court, correctional centres and police lock-up facilities; Courthouse and courtroom security, including the management of courthouse lock-up facilities; Jury management.
The sheriff recruits have been deployed to courthouses throughout the Lower Mainland, and in Nelson, Cranbrook, Prince George and Fort St. John.
“Sheriffs are an important part of our justice system and we are proud of their accomplishments and the distinguished service they provide to our citizens every day. In training these new sheriffs, we are continuing to provide resources to alleviate pressures in court rooms around the province and ensure that British Columbians have a safe and efficient justice system,” said Attorney General Shirley Bond.
“Congratulations to the recruits who have joined the BC Sheriff Service, an esteemed organization that has been in existence in our province for more than 150 years. We welcome them to our team and we look forward to working with them as they start their new careers providing safety for our justice partners and the public,” stated Deputy chief sheriff Paul Corrado.
“With every sheriff recruit class, we continue to be extremely impressed with the strong commitment shown by the new deputy sheriffs in this very intensive program. JIBC is pleased to work in partnership with the Ministry of Justice in preparing these professionals for their important responsibilities. Congratulations to the graduates, and I wish them all the best as they take on the vital role of maintaining safety and security in the B.C. court system,” added JIBC president Jack McGee.
Quick facts
* B.C.’s more than 500 sheriffs work in 45 courthouses and 44 circuit courts in communities throughout British Columbia.
* It takes approximately six months from the time a need for a new deputy sheriff is identified until they are recruited, hired, trained, oriented and ready for work.
* Sheriff recruits’ previous work experience includes employment in the security and public safety field. Some have volunteered as reserve police constables.
* In November 2011, 34 sheriff recruits graduated in one of the largest recruit classes in recent history.
* The Sheriff Academy is located in New Westminster and the program is one of the founders of the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Above photo: The 2012 graduating class of court sheriffs.
e-KNOW
