Twelve new deputy sheriffs are joining B.C. Sheriff Services, helping to ensure the safety of all justice system participants, announced Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton last week.

The graduating new sheriffs, including one coming to Cranbrook, completed 16 weeks of Sheriff Recruit Training (SRT) at the Justice Institute of BC in New Westminster giving them the necessary skills to perform public safety and statutory roles at courthouses across the province.

“These new deputy sheriffs have exhibited a significant amount of commitment and dedication to their training, and I’d like to congratulate them as they begin what I’m sure will be exciting and rewarding careers in B.C. Sheriff Services. Not only is recruiting new sheriffs an important part of improving the safety and security of our courtrooms, it’s also an important part of our justice reform initiative, as it improves the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations,” Anton stated.

With the addition of these 12, there are approximately 500 full-time equivalent sheriffs working in 45 courthouses and 44 circuit courts in communities throughout the province.

The graduating sheriffs come from diverse backgrounds, including some who worked for B.C. Corrections, the Canadian military, the British Army, the United States Consulate and the Vancouver Traffic Authority.

Sheriff training continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of B.C.’s justice system. Beginning in August 2013, the program has included:

* Extended training for a total of 16 continuous weeks, the longest duration of SRT training in B.C.’s history.

* More simulation time of various situations sheriffs might encounter in courthouses added to the curriculum to allow more hands-on training and better prepare recruits for training in the field.

* Additional legal studies training covering the roles and responsibilities of a special provincial constable.

* Exercises in new approaches to crisis intervention, de-escalation and conductive energy weapon training and certification.

The graduates are being deployed throughout the province, with six going to the Lower Mainland, one to Williams Lake, one to Cranbrook, two to Prince George, one to Victoria and one to Nelson.

Their main responsibilities include:

* Providing prisoner escorts between courthouses, correctional centres and police lock-up facilities

* Courthouse and courtroom security, including the management of courthouse lock-up facilities

* Jury management

* Providing protection services to government, as well as threat assessment to ministries

“I am very pleased to welcome our newest deputy sheriffs to B.C. Sheriff Services, where they will join our other members around the province in providing proud service to British Columbians and the justice system,” said Chief Sheriff Paul Corrado.

“JIBC is proud of our latest cohort of sheriff recruit trainees for completing their program. They are now well prepared for the vital role they will play in keeping B.C.’s courts safe and secure. Over the last 35 years, JIBC has trained well over 1,000 sheriffs, and in that time, their training has evolved as their roles become more complex. JIBC is proud to be entrusted to fulfill the continuing labour demand for sheriffs, and the ongoing success of the program depends on close and productive relationships between the Ministry of Justice’s Court Services Branch, the sheriffs who are our field instructors and JIBC staff,” added Justice Institute of BC President Dr. Michel Tarko.

To become a sheriff, apply to enrol in Sheriff Recruit Training (SRT), offered by the Justice Institute of B.C. Recruits are employees of the Court Services Branch of the Ministry of Justice and receive a training wage while completing the SRT.

Ministry of Justice B.C. Sheriff Service:

https://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts/sheriffs/index.htm

Justice Institute of BC Sheriff Academy:

https://www.jibc.ca/programs-courses/schools-departments

/school-public-safety-security/sheriff-academy

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