(Vancouver, Aug 2, 2012) More than 100 BCGEU members and supporters turned out to a noon hour rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery to support the union's proposal to expand the role of sheriffs in B.C.

This is one of several revenue generating recommendations the BCGEU has made to the B.C. Government during the 2012 round of negotiations. The government has rejected it, despite green-lighting - a pilot project several years ago.

We think it’s a smart financial move. The BCGEU estimates the B.C. Government would generate about $180-million annually in reduced expenditures and additional revenue by using deputy sheriffs for traffic safety and enforcement.

At current pay rates, B.C. could employ three deputy sheriffs for the price of two police officers. This would free up the police to follow more serious matters under the Criminal Code.

Deputy sheriffs are qualified. A group of sheriffs has already been trained at the Justice Institute of BC, the same facility that trains police officers. In Alberta, deputy sheriffs handle traffic duties alongside the RCMP at a cost savings to the government.  Allowing sheriffs to handle these duties would not affect their work in B.C. courthouses. We proposesheriffs performing traffic duties be hired into a NEW unit.

Please click here for more information for members.