British Columbia Sheriff Service

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BRITISH COLUMBIA SHERIFF SERVICE

Official blazon

Arms: Azure two scrolls in saltire Argent each enfiled by a sword proper, surmounted by an escutcheon of the arms of the province of British Columbia.
Crest: A lion rampant guardant wearing a Royal Crown Or, gorged with a wreath of Pacific dogwood flowers proper, and resting its sinister forepaw on a cross potent fitché Or.
Supporters: Two bighorn sheep Argent, each accorné and unguled Or, gorged of a ribbon Gules pendent therefrom an escutcheon Or, and standing on a grassy mount Vert.
Motto: HONOUR • INTEGRITY • COMMITMENT

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on August 15, 2011.

The scrolls represent the warrants transmitted by the sheriff on behalf of the courts in British Columbia, and the swords the power of enforcement. The provincial arms at the centre signify that this is a provincial service.

The lion is inspired by the crest of the province of British Columbia. The cross potent is taken from the legendary arms of the Anglo-Saxon King Edgar, during whose reign (959-975) it is believed the office of sheriff was established in England.

A big-horn sheep is one of the supporters in the provincial arms. The red of the ribbon is a colour of the judiciary whom sheriffs assist as officers of the court. Their collars display a sheriff’s badge.