B.C.‘s Ministry of Attorney General announced Thursday that 51 new sheriffs will soon begin their careers keeping people safe at courthouses throughout the province.
The announcement is one of several recent ones Attorney General Niki Sharma has made promising more sheriffs to help secure and run courtrooms in the wake of a staff shortage that saw courtrooms being closed.
The ministry said in a news release that the Justice Institute of B.C. spring class of graduates is the largest in recent memory, with students completing an intensive academic, physical and practical training program.
Sheriff deputies ensure the safety and security at the 90 court locations for the public, court staff, the judiciary, lawyers and other justice-related agencies.
They also transport accused and convicted people to and from correctional institutions, carry out court orders, administer juries and plan for high-security trials.
“The province has been working closely with the B.C. Sheriff Service to strengthen efforts in recruitment, retention and training,” the ministry said.
“The B.C. Sheriff Service is actively working on several initiatives, including promoting lateral transfers, deployment and growth opportunities."
New positions are being created to build capacity and a more competitive pay-and-benefits framework is being put in place for sheriffs. There has been some early progress, according to the ministry.
Critics have said the province needs to provide sheriffs with better pay and benefits in order to ensure new sheriffs remain with the service rather than go to other law enforcement agencies such as police and corrections.
Various local, provincial and national agencies have been recruiting recently.
The next class of sheriffs begins training July 29, 2024, and is expected to graduate Oct. 22, 2024.
