B C Sheriff Svc

The British Columbia Sheriff Service (BCSS) is a provincial law enforcement agency overseen by the Ministry of the Attorney General in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1857, it is the oldest law enforcement agency in the province. The BCSS consists of sheriffs who are provincial peace officers appointed under the BC Sheriff Act and BC Police Act, with the authority to enforce all relevant federal and provincial acts, including the criminal code throughout British Columbia while in the lawful execution of their duties. They provide protection and enforcement duties in support of the provincial, supreme, and appeal courts in British Columbia, as well as assist local law enforcement agencies with additional resources to ensure public safety under the provincial Emergency Preparedness Program.