Communities and Justice

Sheriff's Officer

DCJ Careers: Sheriff’s Officers

Sworn uniformed Sheriff’s Officers have law enforcement, security and other court-related responsibilities under the direction and supervision of the Officer-in-Charge.

Video transcript: DCJ Careers: Sheriff’s Officers

The Road to the Future: A NSW Sheriff’s Office documentary

Did you know that it has been 200 years of the NSW Sheriff’s Office working to support and protect our justice system?

Learn more about the unique and essential role of the Sheriff since 1824, by watching our mini documentary.

Role overview

Sworn uniformed Sheriff’s Officers have law enforcement, security and other court related responsibilities under the direction and supervision of the Officer-in-Charge.

The law enforcement duties include serving summonses and enforcing writs, warrants and orders issued out of the various courts.  The security duties involve maintaining the security of court complexes and the safety of people attending these complexes.

Key skills

  • open and honest, express your views, and be willing to accept change
  • show professionalism and uphold the public sector values
  • communicate clearly, listen to others, and respond with understanding
  • achieve quality outcomes through the efficient use of resources
  • be proactive and responsible, adhere to legislation, policy and guidelines
  • understand and use available computers and communication technologies.

Role requirements

The necessary experience and qualities considered for the role include, being an Australian Citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia, hold a current Australian Driver’s License (P1 and above), hold a current First Aid certificate and be physically fit and mentally resilient.

Additional information

Pre-employment checks

Pre-employment checks are a critical part of the Sheriff's Officer recruitment process and includes criminal history and integrity checks, fingerprint check, physical and medical assessment, and other reference and conduct checks.

Medical and physical assessment

At times, the duties of a Sheriff’s Officer can be physical and may involve running, bending, lifting heavy objects and being able to navigate obstacles in tight spaces.

Sheriff’s Officers may also need to use self-defence and control/restraint techniques during a critical incident.

To make sure you can perform the role and functions of a Sheriff’s Officer, you will be required to undertake a medical and physical assessment.

The medical assessment is designed to assess your overall health and check if you have any medical conditions that may impede your ability to safely perform the duties of a Sheriff’s Officer. This can include testing your core, upper body, lower limb, grip and overall strength and mobility. As the role requires the use and correct interpretation of X-ray scanning technology and colour displays, normal colour vision is mandated and your colour vision will be assessed.

Mental resilience is also a requirement of the role as you can be regularly exposed to explicit information and footage relayed in court hearings including child and sexual assault matters.

It’s important to prepare for the fitness assessment well in advance as you may only have one opportunity to successfully complete it. You should aim to be fit enough to complete:

  • 25 push-ups
  • 90-second plank/hover
  • 20 sit-ups with your feet held or under furniture
  • 30 minutes of fast paced walking
  • 35kgs grip strength on each hand.
Flexibility

Working a 35-hour week, Monday to Friday (20x 8-hour shifts in a 28-day cycle) provides Sheriff's Officers the flexibility to thrive at work, home, and the community.

Training

Prior to employment, Sheriff's Officers must successfully complete a 10-week full-time training course.

Uniform

Sheriff's Officers are required to wear uniforms and an adequate number of uniforms will be supplied.

Last updated:

14 Jun 2024