Sheriffs in B.C. will start assisting court officials with the collection of DNA from convicted criminals in April.

The collection of DNA was part of a pilot project for the last six months. The program has been considered a success and will be expanded starting in April. The announcement was made to staff last week in an e-mail from Dave Maedel, the Chief Superintendent of the Sheriff Services Division.

"This is something we have advocated for since the program was unveiled and have said our sheriffs should have been doing all along,” said Dean Purdy, chair of the union’s Corrections and Sheriff Services Component.  "Since sheriffs are already working with prisoners this additional work falls neatly into their duties."

"We are pleased the pilot project was a success and that it will be implemented across the province," said Purdy.

According to Maedel's e-mail, the program will launch on April 4. The ministry is hoping it will be completed by May 6. Staff at court houses on Vancouver Island will be trained first and the program will be expanded from there. The RCMP will be providing the training and will provide the DNA collection kits.

Purdy said he would like to see sheriffs take on additional duties like traffic duties and warrant apprehension.

The BCGEU has been advocating for sheriffs to start doing traffic duties in conjunction with police services, but this was put on hold by the government.

"We're clearly disappointed this didn't go forward as planned but the government has not ruled it out," said Purdy.

The union has also been pressing the government to have sheriffs deliver warrants.

"There are currently more than 25,000 outstanding warrants in BC. Our sheriffs, who are highly trained and skilled peace officers, could step into this role as well," he said.

"While the government has not made a decision on giving sheriffs responsibilities around warrants, we are hopeful they will, given the success of the DNA project and how sheriffs are now doing escort duties for 'Con Air,' said Purdy. “Currently, there is no full time law enforcement agency that ensures the delivery of warrants. Because sheriffs are province-wide, they could easily take over this responsibility freeing up the police for more serious crimes, such as gangs and violence" said Purdy.

“A 'Warrant Apprehension Unit' would make an immediate impact on community safety by targeting wanted criminals who are living in our communities without fear of being caught. By focusing on these warrants, we will be able to get these offenders off our streets and prevent them from re-offending and re-victimizing British Columbians," said Purdy.

"We understand that depending on the seriousness of the charge, some warrants are purged and a stay of proceedings is entered," said Purdy. "This shouldn't be happening. Warrants should be delivered."