Sheriffs and Bailiffs

(NOC 4421)

in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

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 Outlook

Average

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  • Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
  • Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

  • Estimate 1830 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5515 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$20.00

Minimum

$31.60

Median

$32.97

Maximum

Annual Pay

$24,183

Minimum

$60,698

Median

$74,118

Maximum

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

Hourly Pay

$16.30

Minimum

$30.00

Median

$51.30

Maximum

Annual Pay

$5,616

Minimum

$44,335

Median

$92,599

Maximum

About 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

225

employed in 2016

91.1%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

24.4%
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75.6%
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43.3

median age

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

55,420

employed in 2016

76.4%

employed full-time

6.6%

self employed

64.0%
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36%
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43.5

median age

Where will I likely work?

50.0%

Halifax

$56,300 median annual income
25.0%

North Shore

$64,109 median annual income
15.9%

Cape Breton

$57,336 median annual income
4.5%

Southern

N/A
4.5%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

92.7%

Public administration

7.3%

Professional, scientific and technical services

What is the age of Employment?

48.0%

35-44

23.0%

45-54

11.0%

65+

7.0%

55-64

7.0%

25-34

5.0%

15-24

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

24.2%

35-44

22.7%

45-54

21.4%

25-34

17.2%

55-64

8.4%

15-24

Top levels of education

46.7%

College Diploma

$60,880 median annual income
22.2%

High school

$60,847 median annual income
15.6%

Trade Certification

$57,219 median annual income
11.1%

Bachelor

N/A
4.4%

Diploma Above Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

28.9%

Bachelor

$45,929 median annual income
21.2%

College Diploma

$35,398 median annual income
16.8%

Master

$71,043 median annual income
14.6%

High school

$29,055 median annual income
4.6%

Doctorate

$100,443 median annual income

Education & training

Criminal Justice/Police Science

College, Trades, or University Program

These 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

Ravensberg College

Halifax, NS

Halifax Regional Police Training School

Dartmouth, NS

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Legal Studies

College or University Program

These programs focus on law and legal issues from the perspective of the social sciences and humanities.

Institutions providing this program

Acadia University

Wolfville, NS

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

University of King's College

Halifax, NS

Cape Breton University

Sydney, NS

Security and Loss Prevention Services

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Courts Services Division
Halifax, NS

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.