BY OLIVIA DILLON
Newcastle Courthouse will welcome a new probationary Sheriff's Officer to its staff this month.
The officer recently underwent a 10-week program which gave recruits the necessary communication skills to de-escalate situations, as well as tactical training including hand-to-hand combat.
As part of his role, the new officer will carry out court security, administer the jury system and perform field duties such as seizures of assets, enforcing warrants and evictions.
Over the past year, Sheriff's officers have also often stepped out of their normal roles to assist in bushfire relief and with COVID-19 efforts.
NSW Sheriff, Tracey Hall, said that the officer's graduating class, Alpha Class 2021, is the largest ever cohort to undergo training and the first to be enrolled in the NSW Sheriff and Justice Academy.
She also noted that the new program offers the opportunity for further education and training for aspiring Sheriffs in NSW.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin, congratulated the new probationary Sheriff's Officer and looks forward to his deployment in May.
"We're looking forward to the graduate taking up his post at Newcastle Courthouse."
"Sheriff's Officers sometimes face a tough job while protecting people who attend court, and we thank them for their service and dedication."
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| NSW Sheriff Tracey Hall |
