The British Columbia Sheriff Service (BCSS) is set to enhance the security and accessibility of court services with the addition of 13 new sheriff recruits.
The recruits join the service after completing a 13-week academic, physical and practical training program at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). They will undertake responsibilities pivotal to court operations across Oliver, Kamloops, Prince George, Victoria, and the Lower Mainland.
“Everyone who uses the court system expects it to run safely and smoothly,” said Attorney General Niki Sharma. “Sheriffs provide critical protective and enforcement services for the judiciary, Crown, defence, court staff and the public. That’s why it’s so encouraging that more people than ever are applying to join the BC Sheriff Service.”
The addition of new recruits comes as part of efforts to ensure the security and efficiency of all 89 court locations in British Columbia, according to a news release from the Ministry of Attorney General.
The ministry has also been working with the BCSS to improve the processes for recruiting and retaining sheriffs. The latest intake saw a record-breaking 829 applications, marking a 33 percent increase from the summer intake.
Jenny Manton, assistant deputy minister and director of sheriffs at the ministry, extended congratulations to the new recruits, stating that they will be performing their duties by “applying the skills and knowledge gained from the JIBC during training.”
Similarly, Colleen Vaughan, interim president and CEO of JIBC, said the sheriff recruit training program has equipped students with the “essential skills required to go out into their communities and ensure safety of the court.”
Paul Corrado, chief sheriff and executive director of the BCSS, added that the new recruits are joining the service just as it commemorates its 50th anniversary.
The next batch of sheriff recruits is scheduled to start their training on March 11, and will be ready to assume their posts by July 15, the ministry noted in its release.