Is this program right for you?
Be the one keeping courthouses and communities safe. If you have recently been hired by BC Sheriff Services, then this program is for you.
Become Job Ready
Complete 14 weeks of mandatory sheriff recruit training at no charge.
Gain Essential Skills
Gain essential skills to perform your duties as a deputy sheriff in courthouses across BC.
This program is only available to recently hired deputy sheriffs.
Program Strengths
The recruit training program is developed and delivered in partnership between BC Sheriff Services and JIBC.
Completion of this program provides Deputy Sheriffs with the skills necessary to perform their professional duties.
Subjects
- Driver training
- Firearms
- Force options
- Communications
- Legal studies
- Report writing
- Controlled access points
- Roles and functions
- Physical fitness
What You Need to Graduate
- Achieve mastery in each component of the training program to the level required by the curriculum
- Full-time attendance for the duration of the program
- Completion of homework assignments
- Completion of pre-course assignments
- Successful completion of the field-based training program
Program Format
The SRT program includes three blocks of training.
Block I:
Training is 1 week consisting of online sessions and a Friday courthouse visit led by field trainers. Recruits may complete this block remotely in their home community, with the courthouse visit taking place at the nearest courthouse location or in the Lower Mainland and are expected to have laptops as required for JIBC training.
Block II:
Training is 12 weeks and takes place at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). It places heavy emphasis on the skills necessary to perform the role of a deputy sheriff which include driver training, firearms, force options, communications, legal studies, report writing, controlled access points, roles & functions, and physical fitness.
Block III:
The recruit begins a field-based training program lasting up to four weeks, working with or under the guidance of a mentor. Recruits assigned to offices outside of Lower Mainland for Block 2, moving time is factored into the schedule.
Upcoming Intakes
Information about upcoming application deadlines and program start dates is determined by the Court Services Branch of the Ministry of Justice.
Tuition
There is no cost to sheriff recruits to receive mandatory training facilitated by JIBC's Sheriff Academy.
Visit the BC Sheriff Service webpage for the latest information on how to apply to become a deputy sheriff.
As part of the application and screening process, candidates are expected to complete the Sheriffs Officer Fitness Agility and Strength Test (SOFAST).
Q: When does the BC Sheriff Service hire recruit applicants?
A: BC Sheriff Services accepts applications at specific times throughout the year. Visit the BC Government Deputy Sheriff Career Page for more information, job postings, and requirements.
Q: How do I find out more about the SOFAST, including the station descriptions?
A: Download the SOFAST handout.
Q: How do I find more information about the application process?
A: Please contact the British Columbia Sheriff Service Recruitment Office.