and seizing property for the courts.

Six-year veteran Bobby Smith takes over from Sheldon Fox who joined the Planning Department as an enforcement officer last year.

The six-member department serves court summons' and writs on civil matters before the Magistrates' Court and Supreme Court.

Mr. Smith, 46, will also assume the post of deputy provost marshal responsible for seizing property and selling them under court order.

An often overlooked role is that of admiralty marshal for ships as for land property.

Court Administrator Tracy Kelley said yesterday of the appointment: "I can tell you he has the support of the other bailiffs.

"He's confident and a good person to deal with in the conflict that often arises in this kind of work,'' Mr. Kelley added. "It is expected that he will contribute to the sorting out of the major challenges facing the courts. The public is concerned about the backlog.'' Mr. Smith is a former prison officer and sales manager at Cosmopolitan Liquors and is an avid martial artist.