The most-recent class of provincial sheriffs has graduated from the Justice Institute of B.C. Sheriff Academy in New Westminster.
A total of 22 recruits completed their 14-week training program and are ready to serve at B.C. courthouses.
"We are committed to providing British Columbians with a court system that is properly staffed and able to hear and resolve disputes in a timely matter," said David Eby, Attorney General, in a news release. "Sheriffs play an integral role in the administration of justice, and I commend you for embarking on a career that is so important to the province's justice system."
The graduates have joined the ranks of sheriffs who are responsible for carrying out orders of the court and ensuring the safety and security of all court users, including the judiciary, the legal profession, other justice-related agencies, court staff and members of the public.
The B.C. Sheriff Service is one of the founding members of JIBC and its sheriff training has been recognized nationally. JIBC awards graduates of the Office of Professional Standards BCSS recruit training program with a post-secondary certificate.
"The B.C. Sheriff Service will continue to invest in hiring top-calibre recruits and continue to maintain service excellence," said Paul Corrado, B.C. chief sheriff.
Seventeen sheriff recruits will be deployed to Metro Vancouver and two will go to Oliver. One will be deployed to each of Campbell River, Penticton and Williams Lake.
This is the second of three new training classes announced in April 2018 to increase the number of sheriffs. The next class of sheriff recruits will begin Oct. 1, 2018. Future classes are scheduled for February, June and October 2019.
