Index

Intro
Main Duties
Employment Requirements
All Titles
Exclusions

Intro

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 are employed by provincial or territorial courts, and bailiffs may be employed as officers of the court or in private service as agents for creditors.

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

Main Duties

Sheriffs and bailiffs perform 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.

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.
Bailiffs usually require some work experience related to law enforcement as well as knowledge of relevant statutes and laws.
Membership in the provincial regulatory body is mandatory in Quebec.

All Titles