Sheriffs and bailiffs

Overview

Sheriffs execute and enforce court orders, warrants and writs, participate in seizure and sale of property and perform courtroom and other related duties. Bailiffs serve legal orders and documents, seize or repossess properties, evict tenants and perform other related activities. Sheriffs and bailiffs must usually complete a training program offered by the province to work in the provincial courts. They are employed by federal, provincial, territorial and municipal courts, and bailiffs may be employed as officers of the court or in private service as agents for creditors.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Serve statements of claims, summonses, warrants, jury summonses, orders to pay spousal support, and other court orders

  • Serve writs of execution by seizing and selling property and distributing the proceeds according to court decisions

  • Locate property and make seizures and removals under various acts of Parliament

  • Provide courthouse security for judges and perimeter security for the courthouse

  • Escort prisoners to and from courts and correctional institutions

  • Prepare comprehensive reports and affidavits and maintain records

  • Attend court, escort witnesses and assist in maintaining order

  • Ensure security support services for sequestered juries

  • Issue warrants for imprisonment, arrest or apprehension.

Job titles

  • automobile repossessor
  • bailiff
  • car repossessor
  • chief deputy sheriff
  • chief sheriff
  • court bailiff

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$58,668

Median

$70,243

High

$88,847

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

95

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.

  • A college diploma or bachelor's degree in legal studies is usually required.

  • Sheriffs require experience as a deputy sheriff or bailiff and/or in custodial/escort or security work.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with additional experience and in-house training.

  • Sheriffs and bailiffs may also serve as court officers (14.103), depending on the location and size of the courthouse.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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