Sheriff

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Police Officers (Except Commissioned) (6261);  Sheriffs and Bailiffs (6461);  Security Guards and Related Occupations (6651) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Police Officers (Except Commissioned) (G611);  Sheriffs and Bailiffs (G621);  Security Guards and Related Occupations (G631) 
• 2011 NOC: Police officers (except commissioned) (4311);  Sheriffs and bailiffs (4421);  Security guards and related security service occupations (6541) 
• 2016 NOC: Police officers (except commissioned) (4311);  Sheriffs and bailiffs (4421);  Security guards and related security service occupations (6541) 

Sheriffs ensure the safety and security of people, highways, and property such as courthouses, government buildings, and museums. Duties can vary widely. They work in close co-operation with other law enforcement agencies. They 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
• Help move children in the care of the courts due to programs such as Protection of Children Abusing Drugs (PChAD) and Children Services Secure Treatment Orders
• Transport individuals who are wanted in Alberta back to the province

Protection services sheriffs:

• Provide 24-hour security at the Legislature and Government Centre grounds
• Respond to alarms at key government buildings, such as the Edmonton Law Courts and the Lieutenant-Governor’s residence, and take action as needed
• Provide specialized personal security to the Lieutenant-Governor, members of cabinet, and other high-ranking officials as required
• 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) to provide specialized assistance with ongoing investigations. Sheriffs in this stream:

• Investigate properties suspected of being used for illegal activity
• Provide surveillance assistance to law enforcement agencies in Alberta that are carrying out ongoing provincially focused investigations

Sheriffs generally work a standard 38.75-hour workweek. Some specialized units work longer shifts. Weekend, holiday, and night shifts often are required because security and other services must be provided around the clock. In general, court security and prisoner transport sheriffs do not work weekends or holidays, except in rare instances.

Sheriffs work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. They may need to stand or walk for hours at a time, or ride in a vehicle for a full shift. At times, they must use force and may be required to lift heavy items.

Sheriffs work in stressful, emotional, and sometimes dangerous situations, such as arresting law breakers or executing arrest warrants.

Sheriffs need:

• Honesty, maturity, patience, and good judgment
• Observational and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivation
• Integrity
• Problem-solving abilities

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

In Alberta, sheriffs work for the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General department. Applicants must:

• Have a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence (Class 4 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 within the previous 3 months, with a completion time of 4 minutes, 45 seconds or better
• Be eligible to qualify for firearms certification
• Be eligible for appointment as a peace officer
• Be available for and pass recruit training

The Sheriff Introduction training program runs for 14 weeks at the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Training Academy in Edmonton.

Promotion to sergeant generally requires several 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 (pdf) 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

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

In Alberta, the G611: Police Officers (Except Commissioned) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of -0.2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, -19 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

In Alberta, the G631: Security Guards and Related Occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.9% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 234 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.