Sheriff

Duties vary considerably from one position to another but, in general, sheriffs ensure the safety and security of people, highways and property such as courthouses, government buildings and museums. They work in close co-operation with other law enforcement agencies.

Sheriffs are recruited and trained by the Government of Alberta for service in 1 of 4 streams.

Court security and prisoner transport sheriffs:

• maintain safety and security in Alberta's 71 provincial courthouses
• provide security for everyone attending court
• transport offenders to and from court facilities
• assist with prisoner transfers between correctional facilities, federal institutions and police and RCMP lockups
• transport prisoners from other provinces to attend court in Alberta
• assist with the movement of children in the care of the courts due to programs such as Protection of Children Abusing Drugs (PChAD).

Protection services sheriffs:

• provide 24-hour security at the Legislature and Government Centre grounds
• respond to alarms at key government building (for example, the Edmonton Law Courts, the Lieutenant Governor's residence) and take action as necessary
• provide specialized personal security to the Lieutenant Governor, members of cabinet and other high ranking officials as required
• ensure critical energy sector facilities have security management plans (for example, counter-terrorism plans)
• manage security information and intelligence and develop threat assessments.

Traffic sheriffs:

• enforce traffic safety
• assist RCMP to conduct impaired driving investigations at checkstop locations 
• investigate property damage collisions
• deliver awareness and educational presentations.

Investigative service sheriffs work under the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) toprovide specialized assistance with ongoing investigations. Sheriffs in this stream:

• investigate properties suspected of being used for illegal activity.
• track and apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants.
• provide surveillance assistance to law enforcement agencies in Alberta that are carrying out ongoing provincially focused investigations.
• monitor and supervise repeat offenders in the community.

Sheriffs generally work a standard 38.75 hour work week, although some specialized units work longer shifts. Weekend, holiday and night shifts usually are required because security and other services must be provided around the clock.

Sheriffs work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather and may be required to stand or walk for hours at a time, or ride in a vehicle for a complete shift. At times, they must use force and may be required to lift items that weigh over 20 kilograms in emergency situations.

Sheriffs work in stressful, emotional and sometimes dangerous situations (for example, arresting law breakers, executing arrest warrants).

Personal characteristics such as honesty, integrity, maturity, good judgment, patience, intelligence, good observational skills and basic good humour are essential in this occupation. Sheriffs also need to be:

• physically fit and able to meet visual acuity standards
• able to work with all kinds of people in a variety of situations
• able to use their own initiative and work with a minimum of supervision
• able to work as part of a team.

They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for analyzing information and investigations, taking charge of situations and dealing with people.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

In Alberta, sheriffs are employed by the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General department. Applicants must:

• have a valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence (valid Alberta Class 4 Driver's Licence for Law Court Sheriffs)
• submit a current Driver's Abstract
• have valid Standard First Aid and CPR (adult, child and infant) certification
• submit a current and clear criminal records check
• provide proof of successful completion of the PARE (Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation) test or a sanctioned equivalent physical test with a completion time of 4 minutes 45 seconds or better within the previous three months
• be eligible to qualify for firearms certification
• be eligible for appointment as a peace officer
• be available and pass recruit training.

The Sheriff Introduction training program runs for 10 weeks at the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Training Academy in Edmonton.

Promotion to sergeant generally requires years of experience.

In Alberta, sheriffs are part of two larger 2011 National Occupational Classifications,  4311: Police officers (except commissioned) and 4421: Sheriffs and bailiffs.

98% of people employed in the Police officers (except commission) group work in the Public Administration (PDF) industry

97% of people employed in the Sheriffs and bailiffs group work in the Public Administration (PDF) industry

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 9,300 Albertans are employed in the Police officers (except commission occupational group. This group is not expected to grow from 2016 to 2020.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General website: www.solgps.alberta.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.