Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

IQALUIT (Aug 23/99) - When people think of the word sheriff -- if they're not conjuring up images of strict police officers patrolling American highways -- chances are the bumbling but fair Andy of Mayberry is likely occupying their thoughts.

Terry Augustus drums up neither of those images. Recently hired on as the sheriff of these parts, Nunavut that is, Augustus seems to be a quiet man up to the challenge of performing his duties with respect and dignity.

N/N: So you're the sheriff in these parts?

T/A: Thats correct.

N/N: How long have you been the sheriff?

T/A: Two weeks.

N/N: Were you living in Nunavut prior to this or were you hired from somewhere else?

T/A: I was hired from Newfoundland. I was a member of the provincial police force there for a little over 19 years. This is a step in a different direction. I was a constable. I spent many years in St. Johns, four years in Cornerbrook and three years in Labrador City. Labrador City was the furthest north I had been until now.

N/N: How do you like it so far?

T/A: I think I love it. My wife is quite happy and my little fellow has adjusted quite nicely.

N/N: Is it much different from Newfoundland?

T/A: Somewhat. The isolation factor is different because you don't drive out and the only transportation is by airplane. Temperature wise, what I've seen the last few weeks is a little different.

N/N: What does it mean to be the sheriff?

T/A: The sheriff is under the direction of the judicial administrator. I'm responsible for implementing and maintaining security for the courts. I have to hire and train sheriffs officers.

N/N: Are those your deputies?

T/A: Yes. From time to time, depending on the nature of the court case, possibly utilizing metal detectors to secure against disruption and there is a lot of times, incoming requests for sheriffs services with seizures.

N/N: When would you have to seize something?

T/A: That would come through financial institutions of delinquent files down to collection agencies. We would then proceed with a statement of claim and then court action for nonpayment. For example, if you had a Ski-Doo and it was in arrears for a lengthy period of time, we would get a seizure order.

N/N: Does that aspect of your job make you nervous?

T/A: It doesn't make me nervous, it makes me cautious.

N/N: What's the difference?

T/A: You have to realize that very few people just don't pay for something because they don't want to pay for it. (Peoples) financial circumstances change which doesn't allow them financial security they once had. Unfortunately, if you borrow for a Ski-Doo -- it doesn't become a priority if it means putting food on your table. So you have to treat it with respect and you don't want to come on heavy-handed, but its a job you have to do so you just be cautious. I suppose any time like that there is the possibility for confrontation, but you certainly try to avoid that at all costs.

N/N: Did you ever have to seize anything in your former role as a police officer?

T/A: Yes. It would have come under proceeds of crime as it applies to the Criminal Code. My last position in the police force was as a drug officer with the street drug team in St. Johns. You find there's a lot of proceeds of crime when you make seizures.

N/N: What else does your job involve?

T/A: I have to authorize the payment of jury fees and if there's a jury trial somewhere in Nunavut, I have to make sure there are enough jurors summonsed. I can allow exemptions from jury service in accordance with the Jury Act and I serve court orders.

N/N: So you're the guy people contact if they cant do jury duty?

T/A: I'm the guy.

N/N: Is there any one aspect of your job thats going to challenge you more than any other?

T/A: Probably the seizures will be the toughest.

N/N: When you go in to do seizures, do you carry a gun?

T/A: No.

N/N: Are you ever armed?

T/A: No. From time to time, I may have to call in the RCMP, but there's no stipulation for the sheriff to carry a gun.

N/N: Have you had much of a social life since moving to Iqaluit?

T/A: To be quite honest, I've done very little. In the two weeks, we've been trying to set up our house, familiarize ourselves with the new territory. Thats taking up just about all of our time.

N/N: Have you always wanted to be in law enforcement?

T/A: For a long, long time. When I was a small child, I lived on a remote island in Newfoundland that was quite isolated. The RCMP used to come there on their circuits and one of them used to stay at our house with my mom and dad. I think from that day on, I always wanted to be in law enforcement.