In September of 2010 the BC Sheriff Services changed the policy on inner/outer ballistic protective vests. Under the change, Deputy Sheriffs would only be allowed to wear an inner carrier vest worn under their uniform shirts.

This was not a popular decision with many of our members who voiced their displeasure to the union over the past three years. Many Sheriffs wanted the option of wearing the protective vest inside or outside their uniform.

Since then the Component 1 Executive along with the Component 1 Sheriffs uniform committee has been proactive in working to change this policy. Members of the Corrections & Sheriff Services Component Executive have advocated to change this policy at local joint union/management 3.2 committees, provincial joint union/management 3.1 committees, the Sheriffs uniform committee, Component 1 bargaining proposals, meetings with members at Court Houses, and meetings with senior ministry officials at the joint ministry of AG & Justice Article 29 committees.

The union applauds the employer’s decision to listen to our members who pressed this issue.

I would like to thank the many Deputy Sheriffs and the component executive for their efforts.

In solidarity,
Dean Purdy
Component 1 Chair