Courthouse safety

B.C. Sheriff Service members are located in each courthouse across the province to ensure the safety of court users while on court property.

These highly trained law enforcement professionals are present in courthouse common areas, courtrooms and grounds, and are responsible for ensuring everyone’s safety, including members of the public, witnesses, victims, the Judiciary, legal counsel, and accused. If you have any questions about courthouse safety or security, or see anything that causes you concern, you can speak with any Sheriff.

For security purposes, some courthouses have metal detectors at their entrances and/or in front of particular courtrooms.  No weapons of any kind, or any item that that may be considered a weapon, can be brought into a courthouse. Sheriff Service members can ask to search a person’s belongings, including briefcases, backpacks, and purses, and personal items may not be left unattended in any area of the courthouse or grounds.