Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about Sheriff Services:
Sheriffs are officers of the court who have the power to enforce orders generated from the various courts of Nova Scotia. They are referred to as "peace officers."
You will most likely see a Deputy Sheriff in the Justice Centre or courtroom. Deputy Sheriffs are easily identifiable and very approachable. Their uniform includes navy pants with a grey stripe and a grey shirt with shoulder flashes. The word "Sheriff" is imprinted on the back and front left pocket of their uniform.
Their supervisor - the Sheriff - is usually onsite as well, and can be identified by a white shirt and navy blue pants with a navy blue stripe.
Three of the main duties of a Sheriff are:
Other duties include:
The Courthouse Security Act (Court Security Act), the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), and Civil Procedure Rules are just some of the pieces of legislation that give Sheriffs their authority.
A Sheriff officer provides security at the Justice Centre, inmate transportation, and civil document services. A police officer provides law enforcement for a municipality, city, or town.
Yes. Evictions usually arise as a result of a tenant's nonpayment of rent or violating a lease agreement. Evictions occur only after a landlord receives a judgment from Small Claims Court and an "Order for Vacant Possession" has been issued.
An Execution Order is a court order that empowers a Sheriff to enforce the judgment that has been granted to the plaintiff (a person who brings a civil case against another into court).
All Execution Orders must be followed with a letter of instructions and the appropriate fees for service. The letter of instructions should include information such as place of employment of the defendant, banks they have an account with, or property that can be seized. Also required is a P.P.R.S. (Personal Property Registration Statement) which can be obtained at the Registry of Deeds after the judgment has been recorded.
No.
Click here for a list of Sheriffs’ offices in Nova Scotia.
If you know in which facility the individual is housed, please contact that facility directly. See list below for contact information:
Complaints may be made to the Sheriff Supervisor, the Court Administrator, or the Director of Sheriff Services. These complaints can be verbal or written, by telephone, by email, or in person. Click here to locate Justice Centres.
All Sheriff positions are posted on the Government Employees’ website as they become available.