About the NSW Sheriff’s Office

At the NSW Sheriff’s  Office we conduct law enforcement, security and support activities to ensure the safe and successful operation of state courts.

We also administer the NSW jury service system, a massive operation which involves more than 200,000 citizens each year. More than 400 specially trained Sheriff's officers, court officers and clerical staff are employed at 58 Sheriff's offices across the state.   

As Australia’s oldest law enforcement agency, we have been working together to protect the justice system for over 200 years. Learn more about our history.

Our values

The NSW Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing inclusive, quality, and timely services to our clients. We aim to provide the best service to our community. We are dedicated to strengthening our partnerships and working together to protect the NSW Justice System.

NSW Sheriff's Office Service Charter (PDF, 3.2 MB)

Introducing the NSW Sheriff's Office Service Charter

Court security services

Court security underpins the safe and efficient functioning of the courts and justice system.

Our security services maintain the security of court complexes, many of which have airport-style perimeter security and scanning. Uniformed Sheriff's officers ensure the safety of judicial officers, legal professionals and the public in all NSW courts and tribunals.  

Law enforcement

Our law enforcement responsibilities include serving warrants, summons, enforcement and other orders issued by various NSW courts and tribunals. 

We also serve and enforce orders within New South Wales on behalf of commonwealth courts including the High Court, Federal Court and Family Court of Australia. 

Sheriff's officers enforce writs, warrants and Property Seizure Orders issued under the Fines Act 1996.  

These writs and warrants range from the seizure and sale of personal (private assets) and property, to the apprehension of people and arrest of ships and cargo.  

The goods and property seized can be sold at Sheriff's auctions.

Administration of the jury system

We administer the jury system of New South Wales, including preparing jury rolls for the 73 districts in the state and summons people to undertake jury service. 

Find out more about jury service.

Courtroom support

Our Court Officers provide support in court complexes and courtrooms. Some duties of a Court Officer include preparing courtrooms for proceedings; calling and swearing in of witnesses; and handling exhibits. They also look after the welfare and comfort of jurors who are called for jury service.  

What are Sheriff's Officers?

Sheriff's Officers are defined as law enforcement officers in terms of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and enjoy certain provisions and protections prescribed by that legislation.

They need to take an oath or affirmation of office in accordance with the Sheriff Act 2005 (NSW). They wear blue uniforms, similar to those of the police.