The Office of the High Sheriff of Newfoundland and Labrador is a provincial law enforcement agency overseen by the Minister of Justice and Public Safety in the province of

Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador (; french: Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador; frequently abbreviated as NL) is the easternmost province of Canada, in the country's Atlantic region. The province comprises the island of Newfoundland and the continental region ...

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...

. Founded in 1729, it is the oldest law enforcement agency in

. Sheriffs are provincial peace officers appointed under the ''Sheriff's Act, 1991'' with authority to enforce all relevant federal and provincial acts including the criminal code throughout Newfoundland and Labrador while in the lawful execution of their duties. The Office of High Sheriff of Newfoundland and Labrador provides protection and enforcement duties in support of the provincial, supreme, and appeal courts in the province. The sheriffs also assists local law enforcement agencies with additional resources to ensure public safety under the provincial Emergency Services Division. The High Sheriff is primarily responsible for providing administrative and enforcement services to the

Supreme Court of Newfoundland The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador is the superior court for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear appeals in both criminal and civil matters from the Provincial Court and design ...

and the

Provincial Court The provincial and territorial courts in Canada are local trial "inferior" or "lower" courts of limited jurisdiction established in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. These courts typically hear criminal, civil (or “small claims� ...

s. The Office of the High Sheriff administers the jury system, provides court security and executes orders and decisions of the court. Sheriff officers act in the name of the High Sheriff in accordance with directions given them and the law. They include bailiffs, deputy sheriffs, and all other civilian employees and staff of the Office of the High Sheriff. Sheriff's Officers have both the power and the duty to carry out orders of the Court. They are peace officers under the

Criminal Code of Canada The ''Criminal Code'' (french: Code criminel)The citation of this Act by these short titles is authorised by thEnglishantexts of section 1. is a law that codifies most criminal offences and procedures in Canada. Its official long title is ''An ...

and have all the powers and protection of law enforcement officers.

Organisational structure

The Office of High Sheriff is divided into two sections: Court Security and Judgement Enforcement.

Court Security

Court Security is responsible for transporting prisoners from all provincial court buildings,

His Majesty's Penitentiary His Majesty's Penitentiary (HMP) refers to Newfoundland and Labrador's (NL) prison system in Canada. Its name is derived from the English prison system known as His Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS). The Newfoundland and Labrador prison system consi ...

, other correctional centres, and police holding cells, and the Waterford Hospital. Court Security holds and monitor prisoners in secure cell blocks before their attendance in court, and provides security in the courthouse, courtrooms and at the secure entrances to the courthouses. Sheriffs are responsible for executing court orders. Sheriffs perform these duties at all 14

Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador The Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador is the lower trial court of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It hears cases relating to criminal law and family law. Judges of the Provincial Court are appointed by the provinci ...

courthouses, including the

Newfoundland Court of Appeal The Court of Appeal of Newfoundland and Labrador is at the top of the hierarchy of courts for the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Court of Appeal derives its powers and jurisdiction from the Court of Appeal Act. The independe ...

, Trial Division, Family Division, Traffic Court, and Small Claims Court. In addition, Court Security sheriffs provide security at 15 circuit courts throughout the province.

Judgment Enforcement

The Judgment Enforcement section collects and disburses trust monies received from court orders and is responsible for collection of fees as outlined in legislation. Sheriffs are responsible for executing court orders. Out-of-province prisoner escorts are completed by Judgment Enforcement sheriffs.

References

External links

SNL1991 Chapter 39 - Sheriff's Act, 1991
{{Authority control Law enforcement agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador Protective security units