This document is provided to assist persons considering a career as a Sheriff Officer. The skills and knowledge areas outlined below are usually obtained though formal training acquired before being considered for a Sheriff Officer position. Demonstrating these skills and knowledge are part of the recruitment process for new officers.

Describe the components of both the federal and provincial Criminal Justice systems

• Describe the laws, acts, policies and regulations governing the roles and responsibilities of a Sheriff Officer.
• Define the acts that apply to the workplace of Sheriff Services:

• Occupational Health and Safety Act of Nova Scotia
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP) of Nova Scotia
• Labour Standards Code of Nova Scotia
• Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada)
• Human Rights Act of Nova Scotia
• Criminal Code of Canada
• Court Security Act of Nova Scotia
• Corrections Services Act of Nova Scotia
• Civil Procedure Rules – Courts of Nova Scotia

• Identify the various parts of the Criminal Code and how to look up definitions and sections of the code.
• Describe the Courts of Nova Scotia (http://www.courts.ns.ca).
• Describe and demonstrate arrest procedures.
• Describe common offences that may be encountered by a Sheriff Officer.
• Describe court processes and sentencing options .
• Outline current events impacting Sheriff Services today.

Explain the importance of ethical and professional behaviour

• Explain the definition of ethics as it pertains to Sheriff Services.
• Discuss the ethical dilemmas facing Sheriff Officers.
• Indicate the barriers to making ethical decisions and costs of unethical behaviour.
• Express the importance of maintaining confidentiality of prisoners and information.
• Outline the elements of a Code of Conduct.
• Express the negative effects of bullying and harassment in the workplace.
• Explain the importance of and issues pertaining to Human Rights in the workplace.
• Explain the value of cultural diversity in the workplace.
• Explain the importance of maintaining respectful relationships.

Define the roles and responsibilities of a Sheriff Officer

• Describe the environment in which a Sheriff Officer works.
• Discuss how policy, procedures, and directives impact the Sheriff workplace (facility, transportation of prisoners and service of documents in the community).
• Describe the roles and authorities of a peace (Sheriff) officer.
• Describe the partnership with other justice partners and outside agencies (Corrections, Judiciary, Court Administration, police).
• Explain the dangers of complacency and importance of maintaining routine operations.
• Explain the steps to take when conducting area and person searches.
• Explain the importance of proper use of communication devices (i.e. radio, intercoms).
• Identify procedures for fire and medical emergencies.
• Explain procedures with respect to preservation of evidence seized in a search.
• Demonstrate respectful, appropriate professional behaviour and effective interpersonal activities with others.
• Describe the risk and threat assessment process.

Demonstrate the skills necessary for effective written communication

• Demonstrate basic skills in grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Demonstrate ability to compose reports in a factual, clear, legible and concise manner.
• Demonstrate proper use and retention of notebooks.
• Identify types of forms and documents used in a court facility.
• Discuss the importance of documentation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy policy (FOIPOP).

Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills

• Describe the elements of effective communication.
• Explain the positive and negative effects of styles of communication.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills including reading, writing, speaking, listening and non-verbal methods.
• Utilize effective verbal intervention skills while engaging with difficult prisoners and clients.
• Describe the positive effects of relationship building.
• Demonstrate the ability to clearly verbalize instructions.

Demonstrate conflict/crisis intervention skills

• Demonstrate the non-violent crisis skills required to intervene in conflict situations.
• Identify sources and dynamics of conflict management.
• Demonstrate effective decision making and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate ability to diffuse a potential crisis.
• Explain the effective use of authority.
• Demonstrate skills to effectively disapprove of inappropriate behaviour.
• Demonstrate proper intervention strategies in dealing with a potential suicidal individual.

Demonstrate the various strategies in dealing with prisoner/client behavior and activities

• Describe the dynamics that affect prisoner population.
• Illustrate the importance of recognizing cultural differences.
• Recognize manipulative techniques.
• Recognize the dynamics of group mentality and gangs.
• Demonstrate basic understanding of human psychology.
• Explain the specific risks and needs of female offenders and young persons.
• Demonstrate ability to recognize the signs of a mentally ill prisoner.
• Demonstrate ability to apply appropriate responses to specific behaviors of the mentally ill prisoner.
• Demonstrate ability to identify prisoner behaviour that is out of the norm.

Demonstrate understanding of the importance of wellness strategies to deal with occupational stress

• Discuss the unique stressors that Sheriff work presents.
• Identify stressors and stress reduction techniques to minimize the effects of stress.
• Identify positive physical and mental coping strategies.

Application of use of force tactics and procedures

• Explain the underlying philosophy of the National Use of Force Framework/Model.
• Demonstrate National Use of Force appropriate responses.
• Explain the concept of legal articulation.
• Demonstrate proper use of restraint equipment and control tactics.
• Demonstrate proper application of escape holds.
• Demonstrate correct person search protocols.
• Outline the applicable sections of the Criminal Code in relation to use of force – (specifically Sections 2, 25, 26 and 27).

Fleet vehicle operations

• Describe and demonstrate appropriate fleet vehicle operations.
• Describe a pre-operation fleet vehicle inspection and search.
• Describe what should occur in the event of an emergency.
• Describe procedures involved in preparing prisoners for transport.