New Class of Sheriffs Set to Enhance Court Security in BC

A total of twenty-eight newly trained sheriffs will soon take on their responsibilities at the courthouse in Prince George and across British Columbia. These recruits graduated from the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) on Thursday and are set to begin their field training next month. Full deployment of these new deputy sheriffs is anticipated by November 10, 2023.

“Sheriffs play a crucial role in our justice system, ensuring our courthouses are safe and secure so that people can focus on their cases without worrying about their safety,” noted Niki Sharma, the Attorney General of British Columbia, in a recent statement. She expressed pride in welcoming the new class of sheriffs and extended gratitude for their commitment to public service.

The sheriffs in British Columbia function as peace officers responsible for maintaining security in courthouses and courtrooms. Their duties include escorting accused and convicted individuals, as well as providing protection for judges, Crown counsel, defence lawyers, and court staff. The graduates have undergone extensive training at JIBC, which included academic, physical, and scenario-based components. In the upcoming weeks, they will participate in supervised field training alongside experienced sheriffs.

Roger Phillips, Chief Sheriff and Executive Director of the BC Sheriff Service, praised the recruits for meeting the demands of the rigorous training program. “This group has worked hard, and I know they will serve BC’s justice system with professionalism and dedication,” Phillips stated.

The provincial government has emphasized that ongoing investments in recruitment, training, and retention are part of efforts to enhance safety and efficiency within the court system. With this commitment, the next class of sheriff recruits is scheduled to commence training on November 3, 2023.