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

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

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.

“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.”

“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.”

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 next class of sheriff recruits will start training on March 6.

Watch a video about working as a B.C. sheriff:

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