Sheriffs execute and enforce court orders, warrants and writs, participate in the seizure and sale of property and perform other related courtroom duties. Bailiffs serve legal orders and documents, seize or repossess properties, evict tenants and perform other related activities.
Sheriffs work for provincial or territorial courts and bailiffs may work as officers of the court, in private service as agents for creditors or as independent contractors.
People in this occupation:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 210
N/A - Data not available
Sheriffs and bailiffs may perform some or all of the following duties:
Sheriffs and bailiffs typically work 35–40 hours per week. Some may be required to work on call, do shift work, or work evenings and weekends.
Sheriffs work both indoors and outdoors, and much of their time is spent either in buildings or in vehicles. They typically have to travel, sometimes out of province, to escort the accused and convicted and to carry out court orders.
Sheriffs work under various statutes including the Criminal Code of Canada and the Sheriff Act. Court bailiffs are sworn in under the Sheriff Act and work under this statute.
Sheriffs and bailiffs may have to face tense interpersonal situations when carrying out court orders, transporting and supervising the accused and convicted, or maintaining order in courtrooms. Sheriffs are equipped with enforcement tools and may have to use necessary force to protect people from harm and maintain safety.
Source: 2016 Census
Completion of secondary school is required to work in both of these occupations. Sheriffs and bailiffs:
Deputy Sheriffs must complete a training program offered by the Justice Institute of British Columbia prior to working for provincial courts. New deputies must undergo a probationary period prior to being hired on a full-time basis in the provincial courts.
The British Columbia Bailiffs' Association and the Justice Institute of British Columbia have also developed a training program for new bailiffs. Bailiffs with experience can obtain credit for this course by passing a challenge exam.
Sheriffs and bailiffs also:
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
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This is a very small occupational group and few new openings are expected in the coming years. The majority of the openings that arise will be due to retirements.
Industry sources also report that there are limited opportunities for court bailiffs. Workers are only appointed as court bailiffs if they work for contractors who have contracts with the Ministry of Attorney General to provide bailiff services. There are a limited number of these positions in the province, turnover is low and the work term is restricted to the length of the employer's contract with the Ministry of Attorney General.
Those who have completed the necessary educational requirements and have previous experience working as bailiffs or sheriffs or in law enforcement will have an advantage in finding work.
Career paths
Sheriffs and bailiffs typically begin work in entry-level positions such as field trainee. Experience as a deputy sheriff or bailiff, or in custodial, escort or security work is required prior to becoming a sheriff. Sheriffs may advance into a position with the British Columbia Sheriff's Service Executive.
With experience, sheriffs and bailiffs may manage their own bailiff service company. They may also further their education and move into other areas of law enforcement, such as police work
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