Deputy Sheriff
Deputy Sheriffs in British Columbia usually work in court houses. The position carries considerable responsibility and some risk. Shift work is required. Sheriffs are generally hired as auxiliaries to work on call before permanent employment is offered . The responsibilities for this position include:
- Providing security for the courts
- Escorting accused, convicted and other persons
- Implementing jury management procedures (summoning, paying, protecting)
- Serving court related legal documents
- Assisting in the Coroner's court
- Assisting the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles
Sheriffs are also sometimes responsible for:
- Seizing goods
- Collecting levies and fines
The qualifications for this position are generally as follows:
- Minimum of 19 years of age
- Grade 12 completion or GED diploma
- Successful completion of the Deputy Sheriff Training Program
- Class 4 unrestricted BC drivers license
- Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant
- Successful completion of the Sheriff Officer Physical Abilities Test (SOPAT)
- Criminal record check
- Background check
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to use tact, good judgment, and firmness
- Ability to deal with hostile people
- Ability to defuse volatile situations
- Ability to make sound decisions in stressful situations
Other preferred credentials may include:
- Post secondary courses or diploma in criminology, sociology, or psychology
- Completion of conflict resolution courses
- Volunteer experience working with people in stressful situations
- Ability to use office machines
- Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate
For more information, go to The Justice Institute of BC