What A Bailiff Is And How You Become One
Posted on: 10 June 2015
Bailiffs are an important part of the judicial system, but are often taken for granted and not noticed over the more grand occupations, like the lawyers or judges. This article will give a brief overview of exactly what a bailiff does and how to get started on that career path if it sounds like something you would be interested in:
Duties of a bailiff
Most people think of bailiffs as the people who call in the judge and bring in prisoners into the courtroom. While that is a part of their job, that is not everything that they do. In Canada, depending on the province, the bailiff may be able to serve court documents such as court appearances, repossessions, and evictions.
They are also able to take part in executing arrest warrants when there is a need for such a thing. They also do the opening statement to the courtroom before the judge walks in, as well as prisoner transfers from courthouse to jail, and from penitentiary to penitentiary, depending on what is required of them on any particular day.
There are also two types of bailiffs. One is a public bailiff, who works for the courthouse and whose duties are more courthouse based. The second is a private bailiff, who is hired on by a firm privately and do more of the external duties, such as executing arrest warrants and physical repossessions.
How to become a bailiff
Becoming a bailiff is not an easy feat, but it can be done. To become a courtroom bailiff, you first need to have graduated high school and have a police program under your belt. This will allow you into any law enforcement type job that you are looking for, and a public bailiff is no different. You can either apply to your local courthouse for a position if they are looking, or you can apply to the local police station.
Becoming a private bailiff on the other hand only requires you to have a high school education and two years of related experience, but requires you to have letters from places that use bailiffs that say that they will be willing to hire you, as well as requiring you to pass a bailiffs qualifying exam.
Because of the difference between these two jobs, they do have very different career paths, so you will have to make a decision of which way you want to go before you start this process. Either way it is a very rewarding experiences, and is a much needed profession.
To learn more, contact a company like A Lower Mainland Bailiff with any questions you have.
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