The BCSS also assists local law enforcement agencies with additional resources to ensure public safety under the provincial Emergency Preparedness Program.

[1] Early sheriffs performed a variety of duties such as "jailhouse manager, tax collector, government agent,formed Posses and even gold commissioner".

As sheriffs, roles included "justice of the peace, marrying people in civil ceremonies, and raising the 'hue and cry' and posse comitatus to chase and capture criminals".

[3] Duties include planning high security trials, assessing and investigating threats towards those employed in the justice system and provincial government, protection of judges, Crown prosecutors and those employed by government, managing detention cells, transportation of prisoners by ground and air, manage and provide protection for juries, serve court-related documents, execute court orders, execute criminal and civil warrants, and provide members to the BC Fugitive Return Program[4] The BCSS also assists local law enforcement agencies with additional resources to ensure public safety at special events such as Canada Day deployments.

[citation needed] As of early 2019, BCSS members are duty-bound and have a responsibility to act in exigent circumstances to intervene in life-threatening situations they encounter in the course of their duties.

Block I takes place at the Sheriffs Academy in New Westminster and consists of training in emergency vehicle driving, firearms, force response options, active shooter and team deployments, conducted energy weapons (tasers), communications, legal studies, report writing, controlled access points, roles and functions, intelligence, cultural awareness, dress and deportment and physical fitness.