Frequently Asked Questions About Sheriff Services
Sheriff Services FAQ
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about Sheriff Services:
- What is a Sheriff?
- How do I identify the Sheriff in the Justice Centre?
- What does a Sheriff do?
- What gives Sheriffs their authority?
- What is the difference between a Sheriff officer and a police officer?
- Do Sheriffs do evictions?
- What is an execution order?
- I want an execution order served. What type of information do I need?
- In the case of a foreclosure, can I view the property before the sale?
- How do I contact my local Sheriff?
- How do I visit someone in jail? How can I send them money?
- If I have a complaint about a Sheriff, what do I do?
- How can I get a job as a Sheriff?
1. What is a Sheriff?
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."
2. How do I identify the Sheriff in the Justice Centre?
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.
3. What does a Sheriff do?
Three of the main duties of a Sheriff are:
- security at the Justice Centre – they protect the judiciary, the public, those in custody, lawyers, and court staff
- safe and timely transportation of prisoners to and from court and correctional institutions
- service of some civil and/or criminal documents
Other duties include:
- enforcement of decisions of the Residential Tenancies Board
(e.g.: Notice to Vacate/eviction; enforcement of Execution Orders, including seizure and sale of assets, and the garnishing of wages.)
- enforcement of Foreclosures (the sale of land or property under court order)
- use of screening devices (e.g.: hand-held wands, metal detectors, etc.)
- assistance with ship or aircraft arrest
4. What gives Sheriffs their authority?
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.
5. What is the difference between a Sheriff officer and a police officer?
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.
6. Do Sheriffs do evictions?
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.
7. What is an execution order?
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).
8. I want an execution order served. What type of information do I need?
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.
9. In the case of a foreclosure, can I view the property before the sale?
No.
10. How do I contact my local Sheriff?
Click here for a list of Sheriffs’ offices in Nova Scotia.
11. How do I visit someone in jail? How can I send them money?
If you know in which facility the individual is housed, please contact that facility directly. See list below for contact information:
12. If I have a complaint about a Sheriff, what do I do?
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.
13. How can I get a job as a Sheriff?
All Sheriff positions are posted on the Government Employees’ website as they become available.
