Office of the Sheriff NSW
Office of the Sheriff of New South Wales
At the Office of the Sheriff of NSW, 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.
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 NSW 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 jury system
We administer the jury system of NSW, 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. Their duties 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.
Find out more about:
Sheriff's new website
Welcome to the new home page of the Office of the Sheriff of NSW.
On this website you will find all the information from the previous website plus:
- tomorrow's jury attendance lists online
- more details about what jury service involves
- a clearer sheriff's auction section
- information about NSW courts and tribunals.
Contact Office of Sheriff
Sheriff's auctions
Find out where and when the next sheriff's auctions will be held in NSW.