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Sheriffs and Bailiffs (6461)

Job titles

Nature of work

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.

Fields of interest

  • Keeping watch, protecting, and being in charge of security
  • Writing, working in communications and information

Main duties

  • Sheriffs and bailiffs perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Serve statements of claims, summonses, warrants, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, 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
  • - Provide security support for sequestered juries
  • - Issue warrants for imprisonment, arrest or apprehension.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Sheriffs and Bailiffs (6461)

Employment requirements

  • * Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • * A college diploma in legal studies may be 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.

Skill type

  • Sales and service

Skill level

  • Intermediate

More information

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

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