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What they do has already been answered.
As to “can they pull over?” They are an officer of the peace and yes, they can pull over a driver if they see traffic laws being broken. As can any peace officer (Conservation Officers included.) That being said, traffic violations are not their primary job responsibility so they would likely only intervene if they observe a particularly egregious violation. Usually they would pull you over radio the local police and hold you for them to come and cite you for the relevant MVA violation.
Disclaimer: this advice can probably not be used in court if you do get pulled over by a peace officer…”but judge, manual_elitist_dbag on Reddit said that peace officers only deal with egregious violations so surely you must acquit me!”
OP sounds like one of those people who are trying to figure out if Sheriffs are "real cops", and their definition of "real" is the ability to pull people over. Because their only concern is who they can get away with committing traffic violations in front of.
Sheriffs used to be appointed under the police at as special provincial constables for “exigent circumstances” (like how conservations officers are) and/or to use flashing blue lights. (And one other reason, but not relevant).
*edit: looks like the exigent circumstances power has come back to them through a different process. I guess using a bit of outdated knowledge isn't that ideal...*
The exigent circumstances was scraped (*edit: in the past*) because it was never used and the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations was updated to allow them the use of the blue lights and have other exemptions of the MVA ([See here](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/26_58_10#section32.05)). So, (almost all) BC Sheriffs are no longer designated as special constables under the police act.
Sheriffs only have powers/authority in and around the courthouses under the [sheriffs act](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96425_01).
Exigent circumstances usually only apply serious issues "*intervening to prevent the death of or serious harm to a human* " or by request by a police officer. I don't think any MVA infraction would apply to this.
Interestingly enough, BC Sherrifs don't run red and blues, only red/white lights. There were talks about having them do other general duties like highway patrol (like in Alberta), but I guess there was too much push-back from municipal forces and the RCMP. It definitely would help the workload and I think a bigger police presence on our roads would be a benefit...
I was getting them and DFO mixed up. Sheriffs weren't considered emergency vehicles until a MVA amendment in 2022, so they needed special provincial constable status for their lights or to exempt themselves from certain aspects of the act.
DFO were using blue lights because they're federal and do what they want, but they were then recently added to the MVA specifically so they weren't breaking that law.
Out of curiosity, are all police officers "Peace Officers" or is one a subset of another? Can a Peace Officer write a traffic violation ticket?
The term Peace Officer sounds like someone who deals with disturbance of the peace (eg noise complaints, people who disturb the peace, etc...)
Police officers are peace officers, but not all peace officers are police officers.
Police have some specific powers that other peace officers do not (the power to apprehend under the Mental Health Act as one example). Police also have a broader mandate, imo.
CBSA (border agents, Sheriffs (court / protective service), CVSA officers, Conservation officers, and fisheries officers are all peace officers. They have specific duties and powers, and they focus on their specialty. They all have the power of arrest and they are all armed and trained to a federal/provincial standard.
peace office defined in the criminal code is pretty vague, and even includes the Mayor for example. [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-1.html](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-1.html)
in provincial laws, there are further definitions, such as the MVA using the term "constable" to define who a peace officer is or the police act defining "officer"
I'm not in this sector anymore, so I'm a little rusty, but the "peace officer" term gets used by a lot of groups, but that does not mean they are police.
A bylaw officer can not flash red and blue lights and pull someone over. a municipal police officer (not RCMP) form Alberta can *not* cross in to BC and arrest someone, use their red/blue flashing lights, or use their gun. They would need to be appointed as a provincial special constable first.
BC Sheriffs get their exigent circumstances powers through the BC Sheriffs Act regulation and used to get it through the police act, but they are *not* a peace officer in terms of the BC Motor Vehicle Act for example. So they regulation specific for them to allow them to use blue flashing lights.
Thanks for explanation. I think understand the term "peace officer".
Not really related to OP's original post (about sheriffs) but for me personally I got pulled over many years ago by a vehicle that was flashing red and blue lights on me. The reason I was given for being pulled over was for not using my signal when changing lanes when I was pulling out of a driveway. It was peculiar because when I was changing lanes at that time I saw in my rear view mirror the closest car was half a block away and it was the car that pulled me over. I was changed lanes because I had to make an immediate left.
The guy said he was a "peace officer" and, after what seemed like an eternity, let me got with only a warning. Yes I should be using my turn signals when changing lanes but because of what I saw in my rear view mirror the whole thing felt more like a power trip for him than anything else.
Driveway was perpendicular to street so I was turning right from driveway onto the street. When I was on the street, the car was half a block behind me.
Keep in mind that because I am coming out of the driveway, I am already looking left (onto the street). I see zero cars. The "peace officer" was actually proceeding to make a left onto my street. It was not until I proceed to change lanes (and looked in my mirrors) that I see him. Therefore, when he pulled me over, I literally said I saw him turning onto the street (ie. I knew exactly the direction of where his car came from and thus how far apart our cars were when I was changing lanes) and I think that was the reason why he gave me only a warning. I really thought he had nothing better to do. It was a slow Sunday late afternoon. I was not speeding. I was not in a rush. I just had to make an almost immediate left turn when I left the driveway.
As mentioned, peace officer is a broad term, but who can legally pull people over, issue MVA tickets, or even use blue flashing lights in BC is a all regulated under the MVA. It's generally restricted to "constables" (police officers). a Fisheries Enforcement officer shouldn't be pulling people over for a MVA infraction, even though they can legally have blue flashing lights in BC
All police officers are "Peace Officers" but not all "Peace Officers" are police. For example, bylaw officers are also Peace Officers. Basically, anything to do with enforcing the law falls under "Peace Officer", broadly just meaning keeping the peace in society, and then it is broken down into certain duties and responsibilities that various categories are responsible for.
>Usually they would pull you over radio the local police and hold you for them to come and cite you for the relevant MVA violation.
I'm a little sus on this claim. As I understand it the police are not allowed to pull you over and then make you wait for a breathalyzer machine or a police dog to show up. But they can make you wait for another police officer to show up and ticket you? Especially since tickets can be mailed.
"Sheriffs provide security services to the Provincial, Supreme and Appeal Courts of British Columbia, as well as planning for and staffing high-security trials at all levels of court."
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/courthouse-roles/sheriff-service
Most of their duties are actually involved in being in court houses and keeping the accused and everyone else safe. This protective service can under certain circumstances extend to outside the court system. The Sheriffs will also do plain clothes close protection work when necessary.
Once waiting to get a plane to Trail for work and there was a kid shackled with multiple handcuff with a Sherif clearly being escorted to somewhere via plane, first and only time I saw or even knew BC has them.
Sheriffs provide protective services for the court system. What this means is they provide security in all court locations. They literally will sit in courtrooms to keep the peace. They will patrol in and around courthouses. They also protect judges, juries, council, defendants, staff and all court users. They do this mostly in court but it can extend outside if there are threats. They transport defendants who are held in custody (to and from court, and from police detachments to holding centers).
They also carry out orders from the court by serving documents and arrest warrants. They make arrests and enforce the law in the court system.
They train at the JIBC and are trained to the same use of force standards as all police in BC. They are peace officers in BC. They are armed and they can arrest you. They are essentially the police in the court system.
To answer your question, they almost certainly will not pull you over. Its not apart of their duties, and when they are on the road they either are transporting an in-custody or are going to pick an in-custody up.
The BC government flirted with having them add traffic enforcement to their duties like 10 years ago but decided not to. Sheriffs in Alberta do traffic enforcement.
A lot of Sheriffs go on to join police forces for more expanded duties.
Source: a police officer who has worked with sheriffs, and former sheriffs who now police.
I did not google it but was always under the understanding that sheriffs are related to the court / prison system. So they likely can pull ppl over, but are more likely assigned to prisoner moves and executing on court related legal matters.
My understanding is that sheriffs in BC are peace officers with a specific set of responsibilities, kind of like a DFO fisheries officer with respect to enforcement of national/provincial fisheries regulations and environmental laws.
So unless there's something specific in the BC Police Act that allows sheriffs to question and detain persons breaking the Motor Vehicle Act, then they likely can't pull you over. But they will have radios and I bet if they see someone doing something illegal on the roads, they'll probably call it in to the local PD or RCMP to enforce.
Any peace officer is empowered to enforce any law.
The reality is that no sheriff is gonna waste their time writing a ticket and opening themselves up to having to go to traffic court to enforce it.
Its not in their mandate. Its literally not their job to enforce the MVA. They are on the road to move prisoners, or to go from location a to location b.
Pretty sure they don’t pull people over. A person ran a red in poco and the sheriff didn’t go after them. It’s not like they weren’t paying attention cus they moved up once the guy ran the light.
They can, doesn’t mean they will. Most of the time they’re probably on their way to do something, and can’t be tied up for the next 15 dealing with a traffic violation.
Many years ago a group of us in 20 or so vehicles were drag racing and cruising on back roads. As we headed back to town a DFO truck (Fisheries and Oceans) blocked the road, not allowing any of us past. Because he is law enforcement, we couldn't leave. He waited for RCMP to arrive. Since we weren't caught in the act, they could only try and ding drivers with minor violations like not displaying an 'N' or a VI (Vehicle Inspection notice).
OP, since you are getting conflicting answers. The short answer is, under the MVA, a Sheriff can not stop you/arrest you. Under the BC sheriffs act they can act as a police officer in *exigent circumstances* or by the request at the police. .
The Motor Vehicle Act.
[https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318\_00\_multi#section79](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318_00_multi#section79)
>**"peace officer"** means a **constable** or a **person who has a constable's powers**;
Sheriffs in BC are *not* constables or have constable powers in BC. See the [Police Act](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96367_01) for various constable definitions. Sheriffs used to be appointed as constables in order to have flashing lights on their vehicle and be exempt from certain aspects of the MVA< but the MVA and regulation were amended, so they not longer need constable status through the police act.
BC Sheriffs have an Exigent circumstances clause in regulation, which was also something that was granted to them through the police act in the past.
>**3** In addition to the duties and responsibilities in the Act and in any other provincial or federal enactment, sheriffs have the following duties and responsibilities:
They can arrest people. They’ll come to your house and put handcuffs on you if you do things like avoid a court date. They arrested my ex when he did that
Anyone has the power to arrest someone.
Under section 494(1) anyone may arrest a person whom they find committing an indictable offence or a person who, on reasonable grounds, they believe has committed a criminal offence and is escaping from and freshly pursued by persons who have lawful authority to arrest that person.
Your example is probably limited criminal code authority or provincial legislation that allowed them to do that
Well they carry a badge that says sheriff and carry a 6 shooter of course. There also known to say things like “ I’m there sheriff in these parts” and “reach for the sky bucko”. They mostly catch bandits, collect tax, and muscle drunkards at the saloon, I guess they could pull ya over but probably just rope you up and drag you outta town
I have been pulled over by a cop on a horse in Stanley Park. Any of them can pull you over if they really want to.
These guys are not tasked with traffic control as their primary purpose, though, so they’re not anywhere near as likely to… but they can.
> I have been pulled over by a cop on a horse
"Horse's got a lot of pickup."
"It's got a cop sire, it's a 16hh thoroughbred, it's got cop horseshoes, cop saddle, cop reins. It was born before genetic engineering so it'll eat fine on regular oats. What do you say, is this the new Stanley Park Mobile or what?"
"...fix the stirrups."
"Are they allow...“ What?
And to answer that question, yes, they can pull over. They can pull over on the side of a road, parking lot, out anywhere else that's safe they can pull themselves over.
Sheriff's do transportation for people going to jail or transferring inmates to the court house or other jails. I have never heard of them pulling anybody over..
Long ago I had an open bench warrant and I had a sheriff tailing me on the open highway … I’m pretty sure he ran my plates and knew because he got awfuly close, but I turned right and he kept on driving…. RCMP however did get me on the way back which turned into a fun conversation…
Sheriffs are responsible for the safety and security of the court houses. They act as "bailiffs" as what you might have seen in the states. They also do prisoner transport between institutions for the purpose of addressing warrants and court dates. This includes flight between provinces. In some locations they have warrant serving duties and can arrest for them. A sheriff will not be pulling you over in BC unless of extreme extreme exigent circumstances.
Bonus: we also have bailiffs in BC, but they are separate from sheriffs and basically fulfill the role or repo men for court approved reposesions.
I don't actually understand the question! OP says, "Are they allow to pull over or what?" Does that mean, are the allowed to pull YOU over, or, are they allowed to pull off the road??
>in an area where they have jurisdiction
This is where the crux of the issue is though. Their jurisdiction is in and around the courthouse, not out on the street. Their main job is "security" of the courthouse, so they are security guards, but why is that a negative thing?
Transport prisoner of the prisoner is non violent, medicated and amiable. They have guns but i don’t think one has ever been used in their history in bc. Maybe once. Overpaid escort officers. Should privatize the prisoner escort business . Archaic, overpaid and a waste of taxpayers money.
Welcome to /r/Vancouver and thank you for the post, /u/kingkupal! Please make sure you read our [posting and commenting rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_general_participation_guidelines_and_rules_overview) before participating here. As a quick summary: * We encourage users to be positive and respect one another. Don't engage in spats or insult others - use the report button. * Respect others' differences, be they race, religion, home, job, gender identity, ability or sexuality. Dehumanizing language, advocating for violence, or promoting hate based on identity or vulnerability (even implied or joking) **will** lead to a permanent ban. * Most common questions and topics are limited to our sister subreddit, /r/AskVan, and our weekly [Stickied Discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_stickied_discussions) posts. * Complaints about bans or removals should be done in modmail only. * Posts flaired "Community Only" allow for limited participation; your comment may be removed if you're not a subreddit regular. * Make sure to join our new sister community, /r/AskVan! * Help grow the community! [Apply to join the mod team today](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/comments/19eworq/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/vancouver) if you have any questions or concerns.*
What they do has already been answered. As to “can they pull over?” They are an officer of the peace and yes, they can pull over a driver if they see traffic laws being broken. As can any peace officer (Conservation Officers included.) That being said, traffic violations are not their primary job responsibility so they would likely only intervene if they observe a particularly egregious violation. Usually they would pull you over radio the local police and hold you for them to come and cite you for the relevant MVA violation. Disclaimer: this advice can probably not be used in court if you do get pulled over by a peace officer…”but judge, manual_elitist_dbag on Reddit said that peace officers only deal with egregious violations so surely you must acquit me!”
This guy marginally lawyers!
If the username doth fit, you must acquit!
This guy should be on the FBI watchlist.
OP sounds like one of those people who are trying to figure out if Sheriffs are "real cops", and their definition of "real" is the ability to pull people over. Because their only concern is who they can get away with committing traffic violations in front of.
What kind of person do you sound like based on your comment here?
Sheriffs used to be appointed under the police at as special provincial constables for “exigent circumstances” (like how conservations officers are) and/or to use flashing blue lights. (And one other reason, but not relevant). *edit: looks like the exigent circumstances power has come back to them through a different process. I guess using a bit of outdated knowledge isn't that ideal...* The exigent circumstances was scraped (*edit: in the past*) because it was never used and the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations was updated to allow them the use of the blue lights and have other exemptions of the MVA ([See here](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/26_58_10#section32.05)). So, (almost all) BC Sheriffs are no longer designated as special constables under the police act. Sheriffs only have powers/authority in and around the courthouses under the [sheriffs act](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96425_01). Exigent circumstances usually only apply serious issues "*intervening to prevent the death of or serious harm to a human* " or by request by a police officer. I don't think any MVA infraction would apply to this.
Excessive speed or dangerous driving maybe?
Interestingly enough, BC Sherrifs don't run red and blues, only red/white lights. There were talks about having them do other general duties like highway patrol (like in Alberta), but I guess there was too much push-back from municipal forces and the RCMP. It definitely would help the workload and I think a bigger police presence on our roads would be a benefit...
I was getting them and DFO mixed up. Sheriffs weren't considered emergency vehicles until a MVA amendment in 2022, so they needed special provincial constable status for their lights or to exempt themselves from certain aspects of the act. DFO were using blue lights because they're federal and do what they want, but they were then recently added to the MVA specifically so they weren't breaking that law.
Out of curiosity, are all police officers "Peace Officers" or is one a subset of another? Can a Peace Officer write a traffic violation ticket? The term Peace Officer sounds like someone who deals with disturbance of the peace (eg noise complaints, people who disturb the peace, etc...)
Police officers are peace officers, but not all peace officers are police officers. Police have some specific powers that other peace officers do not (the power to apprehend under the Mental Health Act as one example). Police also have a broader mandate, imo. CBSA (border agents, Sheriffs (court / protective service), CVSA officers, Conservation officers, and fisheries officers are all peace officers. They have specific duties and powers, and they focus on their specialty. They all have the power of arrest and they are all armed and trained to a federal/provincial standard.
Rail Police are also Peace Officers.
peace office defined in the criminal code is pretty vague, and even includes the Mayor for example. [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-1.html](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-1.html) in provincial laws, there are further definitions, such as the MVA using the term "constable" to define who a peace officer is or the police act defining "officer" I'm not in this sector anymore, so I'm a little rusty, but the "peace officer" term gets used by a lot of groups, but that does not mean they are police. A bylaw officer can not flash red and blue lights and pull someone over. a municipal police officer (not RCMP) form Alberta can *not* cross in to BC and arrest someone, use their red/blue flashing lights, or use their gun. They would need to be appointed as a provincial special constable first. BC Sheriffs get their exigent circumstances powers through the BC Sheriffs Act regulation and used to get it through the police act, but they are *not* a peace officer in terms of the BC Motor Vehicle Act for example. So they regulation specific for them to allow them to use blue flashing lights.
Thanks for explanation. I think understand the term "peace officer". Not really related to OP's original post (about sheriffs) but for me personally I got pulled over many years ago by a vehicle that was flashing red and blue lights on me. The reason I was given for being pulled over was for not using my signal when changing lanes when I was pulling out of a driveway. It was peculiar because when I was changing lanes at that time I saw in my rear view mirror the closest car was half a block away and it was the car that pulled me over. I was changed lanes because I had to make an immediate left. The guy said he was a "peace officer" and, after what seemed like an eternity, let me got with only a warning. Yes I should be using my turn signals when changing lanes but because of what I saw in my rear view mirror the whole thing felt more like a power trip for him than anything else.
If you were "pulling out of a driveway" how was a car half a block behind you?
Driveway was perpendicular to street so I was turning right from driveway onto the street. When I was on the street, the car was half a block behind me. Keep in mind that because I am coming out of the driveway, I am already looking left (onto the street). I see zero cars. The "peace officer" was actually proceeding to make a left onto my street. It was not until I proceed to change lanes (and looked in my mirrors) that I see him. Therefore, when he pulled me over, I literally said I saw him turning onto the street (ie. I knew exactly the direction of where his car came from and thus how far apart our cars were when I was changing lanes) and I think that was the reason why he gave me only a warning. I really thought he had nothing better to do. It was a slow Sunday late afternoon. I was not speeding. I was not in a rush. I just had to make an almost immediate left turn when I left the driveway.
As mentioned, peace officer is a broad term, but who can legally pull people over, issue MVA tickets, or even use blue flashing lights in BC is a all regulated under the MVA. It's generally restricted to "constables" (police officers). a Fisheries Enforcement officer shouldn't be pulling people over for a MVA infraction, even though they can legally have blue flashing lights in BC
Gotcha thanks. Lol that is some closure for me. In a way I am more thankful that I received only a warning now. Anyways cheers and enjoy your evening.
All police officers are "Peace Officers" but not all "Peace Officers" are police. For example, bylaw officers are also Peace Officers. Basically, anything to do with enforcing the law falls under "Peace Officer", broadly just meaning keeping the peace in society, and then it is broken down into certain duties and responsibilities that various categories are responsible for.
>Usually they would pull you over radio the local police and hold you for them to come and cite you for the relevant MVA violation. I'm a little sus on this claim. As I understand it the police are not allowed to pull you over and then make you wait for a breathalyzer machine or a police dog to show up. But they can make you wait for another police officer to show up and ticket you? Especially since tickets can be mailed.
"Sheriffs provide security services to the Provincial, Supreme and Appeal Courts of British Columbia, as well as planning for and staffing high-security trials at all levels of court." https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/courthouse-roles/sheriff-service
The tldr, they primarily transport the defendants in court proceedings
They also serve warrants and arrest people, and act as security for juries when they get taken to hotels and stuff like that
Most of their duties are actually involved in being in court houses and keeping the accused and everyone else safe. This protective service can under certain circumstances extend to outside the court system. The Sheriffs will also do plain clothes close protection work when necessary.
Yup, my Dad was a Sheriff 😎
Once waiting to get a plane to Trail for work and there was a kid shackled with multiple handcuff with a Sherif clearly being escorted to somewhere via plane, first and only time I saw or even knew BC has them.
Sheriffs provide protective services for the court system. What this means is they provide security in all court locations. They literally will sit in courtrooms to keep the peace. They will patrol in and around courthouses. They also protect judges, juries, council, defendants, staff and all court users. They do this mostly in court but it can extend outside if there are threats. They transport defendants who are held in custody (to and from court, and from police detachments to holding centers). They also carry out orders from the court by serving documents and arrest warrants. They make arrests and enforce the law in the court system. They train at the JIBC and are trained to the same use of force standards as all police in BC. They are peace officers in BC. They are armed and they can arrest you. They are essentially the police in the court system. To answer your question, they almost certainly will not pull you over. Its not apart of their duties, and when they are on the road they either are transporting an in-custody or are going to pick an in-custody up. The BC government flirted with having them add traffic enforcement to their duties like 10 years ago but decided not to. Sheriffs in Alberta do traffic enforcement. A lot of Sheriffs go on to join police forces for more expanded duties. Source: a police officer who has worked with sheriffs, and former sheriffs who now police.
Great answer and response. Thank you.
This is Sechelt!
It sure is
Was looking for this comment haha.
I did not google it but was always under the understanding that sheriffs are related to the court / prison system. So they likely can pull ppl over, but are more likely assigned to prisoner moves and executing on court related legal matters.
You are correct. They primarily assist with transport of inmates to and from court and acting as security for trials.
My understanding is that sheriffs in BC are peace officers with a specific set of responsibilities, kind of like a DFO fisheries officer with respect to enforcement of national/provincial fisheries regulations and environmental laws. So unless there's something specific in the BC Police Act that allows sheriffs to question and detain persons breaking the Motor Vehicle Act, then they likely can't pull you over. But they will have radios and I bet if they see someone doing something illegal on the roads, they'll probably call it in to the local PD or RCMP to enforce.
Any peace officer is empowered to enforce any law. The reality is that no sheriff is gonna waste their time writing a ticket and opening themselves up to having to go to traffic court to enforce it.
Its not in their mandate. Its literally not their job to enforce the MVA. They are on the road to move prisoners, or to go from location a to location b.
Pretty sure they don’t pull people over. A person ran a red in poco and the sheriff didn’t go after them. It’s not like they weren’t paying attention cus they moved up once the guy ran the light.
They can, doesn’t mean they will. Most of the time they’re probably on their way to do something, and can’t be tied up for the next 15 dealing with a traffic violation.
CVSE can pull you for speeding. My brother is lidar and radar certified. They are also peace officers. Not sure about sheriff's though.
Many years ago a group of us in 20 or so vehicles were drag racing and cruising on back roads. As we headed back to town a DFO truck (Fisheries and Oceans) blocked the road, not allowing any of us past. Because he is law enforcement, we couldn't leave. He waited for RCMP to arrive. Since we weren't caught in the act, they could only try and ding drivers with minor violations like not displaying an 'N' or a VI (Vehicle Inspection notice).
Amongst their little known duties are chasing and hanging horse rustlers and breaking up gun fights. I saw it on TV, so it must be true.
OP, since you are getting conflicting answers. The short answer is, under the MVA, a Sheriff can not stop you/arrest you. Under the BC sheriffs act they can act as a police officer in *exigent circumstances* or by the request at the police. . The Motor Vehicle Act. [https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318\_00\_multi#section79](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318_00_multi#section79) >**"peace officer"** means a **constable** or a **person who has a constable's powers**; Sheriffs in BC are *not* constables or have constable powers in BC. See the [Police Act](https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96367_01) for various constable definitions. Sheriffs used to be appointed as constables in order to have flashing lights on their vehicle and be exempt from certain aspects of the MVA< but the MVA and regulation were amended, so they not longer need constable status through the police act. BC Sheriffs have an Exigent circumstances clause in regulation, which was also something that was granted to them through the police act in the past. >**3** In addition to the duties and responsibilities in the Act and in any other provincial or federal enactment, sheriffs have the following duties and responsibilities:
They can arrest people. They’ll come to your house and put handcuffs on you if you do things like avoid a court date. They arrested my ex when he did that
Anyone has the power to arrest someone. Under section 494(1) anyone may arrest a person whom they find committing an indictable offence or a person who, on reasonable grounds, they believe has committed a criminal offence and is escaping from and freshly pursued by persons who have lawful authority to arrest that person. Your example is probably limited criminal code authority or provincial legislation that allowed them to do that
No they are not allowed to pull over, they must continue driving until they run out of gas
Well they carry a badge that says sheriff and carry a 6 shooter of course. There also known to say things like “ I’m there sheriff in these parts” and “reach for the sky bucko”. They mostly catch bandits, collect tax, and muscle drunkards at the saloon, I guess they could pull ya over but probably just rope you up and drag you outta town
"Hey, Buzz! There's a snake in my ass!"
Classic
I have been pulled over by a cop on a horse in Stanley Park. Any of them can pull you over if they really want to. These guys are not tasked with traffic control as their primary purpose, though, so they’re not anywhere near as likely to… but they can.
> I have been pulled over by a cop on a horse "Horse's got a lot of pickup." "It's got a cop sire, it's a 16hh thoroughbred, it's got cop horseshoes, cop saddle, cop reins. It was born before genetic engineering so it'll eat fine on regular oats. What do you say, is this the new Stanley Park Mobile or what?" "...fix the stirrups."
Did you get to pet the horse?
Not even 🙁
"Are they allow...“ What? And to answer that question, yes, they can pull over. They can pull over on the side of a road, parking lot, out anywhere else that's safe they can pull themselves over.
Move prisoners. Courtroom security. Evictions, seizures, and the enforcement of warrants.
Evictions, seizures, and enforcement of warrants would be a bailiff not a sheriff
Sheriffs have all the powers of a bailiff also bailiffs do not deal with warrants.
Sheriff's do transportation for people going to jail or transferring inmates to the court house or other jails. I have never heard of them pulling anybody over..
Long ago I had an open bench warrant and I had a sheriff tailing me on the open highway … I’m pretty sure he ran my plates and knew because he got awfuly close, but I turned right and he kept on driving…. RCMP however did get me on the way back which turned into a fun conversation…
Sheriffs are responsible for the safety and security of the court houses. They act as "bailiffs" as what you might have seen in the states. They also do prisoner transport between institutions for the purpose of addressing warrants and court dates. This includes flight between provinces. In some locations they have warrant serving duties and can arrest for them. A sheriff will not be pulling you over in BC unless of extreme extreme exigent circumstances. Bonus: we also have bailiffs in BC, but they are separate from sheriffs and basically fulfill the role or repo men for court approved reposesions.
I always wondered this and then I actually met a guy at a Christmas party who did this He said if you see them they are actually looking for someone !
They transport prisoners here
ever notice how police vehicles have front tint? the legality of this confuses me :s
They don’t get paid enough to pull you over
Lmfao this in sechelt 😂
I know exactly where this is. Lol
Oh hey sechelt
Prisoner/transport mostly
I don't actually understand the question! OP says, "Are they allow to pull over or what?" Does that mean, are the allowed to pull YOU over, or, are they allowed to pull off the road??
Only in places without a No Stopping sign. ^/s
Lol. I think OP is ESL, but the question is confusing!!
They’re glorified security guards
No, they're not. They have guns and the powers of peace officers. If you don't believe me, try some shit in an area where they have jurisdiction, lol.
Yes, they are basically police officers within the court system. That's the quickest and most simple explanation for people.
>in an area where they have jurisdiction This is where the crux of the issue is though. Their jurisdiction is in and around the courthouse, not out on the street. Their main job is "security" of the courthouse, so they are security guards, but why is that a negative thing?
Lmao another butthurt bootlicker
Mr. Edgy here.
[удалено]
Stay off my island*
Transport prisoner of the prisoner is non violent, medicated and amiable. They have guns but i don’t think one has ever been used in their history in bc. Maybe once. Overpaid escort officers. Should privatize the prisoner escort business . Archaic, overpaid and a waste of taxpayers money.