British Columbia Sheriff Services

In 1974, the New Democratic Party government instituted a number of reforms that significantly changed the organization, structure and duties of the sheriff's office.  Responsibilities were increased and the nine existing county sheriff offices were merged into one provincial department called the British Columbia Sheriff Services.  Administered by the Ministry of Attorney General, the new agency was given a mandate to transport prisoners, provide courtroom security, summon and supervise juries, serve court-related documents and carry out orders of the court.

The decision to implement systemic changes transpired as a result of a Justice Development Commission report that indicated more policemen were needed. A follow-up analysis revealed that police officers were routinely assigned to court related duties.  Transferring these duties to the sheriff gave the police more time to concentrate on criminal law enforcement. The strategy made sound economic sense for two reasons: a deputy sheriff required only seven weeks of training, compared to a minimum of six months for a policeman, and a deputy sheriff's wages was considerably less than a constable's salary.

The government actually initiated the restructuring prior to 1974 but more than a year's time was required to establish administrative headquarters, develop policies and procedures, create a uniform and organize a recruitment and training program. Since then, the British Columbia Sheriff Services has grown to become an internationally recognized model for the provision of court related law enforcement duties.

Deputy sheriffs are trained at the British Columbia Justice Institute where they receive the practical skills and expert knowledge required to perform their duties in a professional manner. The nine-week curriculum covers an extensive array of subjects that include prisoner escort procedures, report writing, criminal and civil law, firearms training, self-defence, driver training, prisoner searches, first aid, courtroom security, and infectious disease control.

The sheriff's image has been elevated considerably since the inception of the British Columbia Sheriff Services. Expanded duties, new uniforms and distinctively marked vehicles have contributed to a more visible presence within the precincts of the courts and in the community, all of which have increased pride amongst the officers and improved the public's respect.

NEWS