A High Court Enforcement Officer has been authorised by the Ministry of Justice to enforce High Court judgments.
Prior to 2004, High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) were called High Court Sheriffs (Sheriffs Officers). The 2003 Court Act (which came into force on the 1st April 2004) also saw geographical boundaries dropped. This change allowed High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) to conduct enforcement throughout the whole of England and Wales.
High Court Enforcement Officers are responsible for the enforcement of the Writs of Execution issued out of the High Court. The most popular of which being the “Writ of Control” formerly known as “Writ of Fieri Facias” or “Writ of Fi Fa”. This is a writ issued for the recovery of money owed and provides for the seizure and sale of the judgment debtor’s goods.