Sheriffs and Bailiffs
(NOC 4421)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesSheriffs 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.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$20.00
Minimum$31.60
Median$32.97
MaximumAnnual Pay
$24,183
Minimum$60,698
Median$74,118
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$16.30
Minimum$30.00
Median$51.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
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.
Job duties
Sheriffs and bailiffs:
- 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 detailed 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.
Sample job titles
- automobile repossessor
- bailiff
- car repossessor
- chief deputy sheriff
- court bailiff
- court enforcement officer
- process server
- sheriff
- sheriff's bailiff
- sheriff's officer
Skills
- You should be physically fit and in excellent health. Cultural sensitivity, patience, and mental stability are important. You must be resourceful and able to work on your own carrying out instructions given by your employer. It will be necessary to gain a good knowledge of the regulations pertaining to your work. Excellent communication, observation, and problem-solving skills are essential. You should also be able to communicate with and gain the respect of the public. Candidates are required to pass the appropriate background check.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A college diploma or bachelor's degree in legal studies is usually required.
Other considerations
- 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. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with additional experience and in-house training.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$56,300 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$64,109 median annual incomeCape Breton
$57,336 median annual incomeSouthern
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
65+
55-64
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$60,880 median annual incomeHigh school
$60,847 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,219 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ADiploma Above Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
Criminal Justice/Police Science
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students for the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control and public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation and maintenance, report preparation and other routine law enforcement responsibilities.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Legal Studies
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on law and legal issues from the perspective of the social sciences and humanities.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Security and Loss Prevention Services
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to perform routine inspection, patrol and crime prevention services for security companies. They include courses in the provision of personal protection as well as property security.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.