| Office of the High Sheriff of Newfoundland and Labrador | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Common name | High Sheriff of Newfoundland |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1729 |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada |
 | |
| The area served by the High Sheriff of Newfoundland and Labrador | |
| Population | 526,702 |
| Legal jurisdiction | Provincial |
| Governing body | His Majesty in Right of Newfoundland |
| Constituting instrument |
|
| Operational structure | |
| Overseen by | Minister of Justice and Public Safety |
| Headquarters | St. John's Court House |
| Elected officer responsible | |
| Agency executive |
|
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, Canada. Founded in 1729, it is the oldest law enforcement agency in Canada. 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.[1][2]
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.[3]
The High Sheriff is primarily responsible for providing administrative and enforcement services to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and the Provincial Courts. 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 and have all the powers and protection of law enforcement officers.[4]
- ^ "Office of the High Sheriff". Justice and Public Safety.
- ^ "Justice department remains quiet on high sheriff shakeup". CBC News. 2015-10-29. Archived from the original on 2023-04-11.
- ^ "Emergency Services". Justice and Public Safety.
- ^ "SNL1991 Chapter 39 - Sheriff's Act, 1991". www.assembly.nl.ca.