Judicial Authorization-Special Constable

Job Information

Overall Purpose

Under the supervision of the Sergeant Project Complement, and within the scope of their appointed Special Constable authorities, the Judicial Authorization Special Constable will support Sworn Officers and/or their designate with criminal investigations through administrative, analytical, and document preparation of functions related to judicial authorization processes in accordance with Ottawa Police Service (OPS) policies, the Ontario Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), and applicable criminal law procedures.

• The incumbent will assist with the preparation and drafting of Information to Obtain (ITO) packages and supporting judicial authorization documents by reviewing investigative materials, such as; but not limited to officer notes, occurrence reports, and relevant police database information to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with legislative and evidentiary requirements.
• The role does not include conducting independent criminal investigations or exercising police powers beyond those granted through Special Constable appointment and OPS policy.

Major Responsibilities

• Assisting investigative units with the preparation, coordination, and quality assurance review of judicial authorization applications and related documentation.
• Liaising with investigators and internal stakeholders to obtain, verify, and organize information required for judicial submissions.
• Maintaining records and tracking processes related to judicial authorization requests to support accountability and compliance requirements.
• Supporting continuous improvement and adherence to established judicial authorization procedures and standards.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and legally sound judicial authorization materials, including but not limited to Feeney warrants, search warrants, production orders, and ancillary orders, in compliance with applicable legislation, case law and Criminal Code.
• Assist investigators by reviewing investigative materials, identifying documentation gaps or evidentiary risks, and recommending revisions to support the preparation of judicial authorization applications and Information to Obtain (ITO) documents.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive investigative chronologies by reviewing and synthesizing information obtained from but not limited to police databases such as, CPIC, RMS, officer notes, witness statements, digital evidence systems, outside agency reports, internet sources, Criminal Code legislation, and other relevant source materials required to support judicial authorization applications, disclosure obligations, and testimony.
• Monitor the status and outcomes of submitted judicial applications and ensure investigators are promptly notified of authorizations granted, denied, or requiring revisions.
• Prepare supplementary or follow-up judicial authorizations (e.g., extensions, renewals, or related orders) based on evolving investigative needs.
  Liaise with investigators, supervisors, Crown prosecutors, and justice partners to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and prosecutorial soundness of judicial authorization materials.
• Assist investigators and the Crown Attorney’s Office with disclosure requests related to judicial applications, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
  Provide testimony on search and seizure related matters as required.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to OPS members on judicial authorization processes, including drafting, reasonable grounds assessment, authorization strategies, and time‑sensitive applications.
• As directed, contribute to project-based investigations and initiatives by coordinating assigned tasks, supporting operational objectives, and acting as an affiant for Information to Obtain (ITO) applications and other sworn documentation under the appropriate legislative and organizational authority.
• Support the Judicial Authorization Sergeant or designate as required.

Major Responsibilities (continued)

• As directed and in accordance with policy, complete and maintain assigned operational and investigative documentation, including officer notebooks, reports, Crown briefs, disclosure materials, and judicial authorization materials, within prescribed timelines. Attend court as required and provide testimony in support of investigations and enforcement activities.
• Facilitate coordination with the Judicial Authorization Sergeant, supervisors and others in the section providing constant, clear, effective and accurate communications and identifying problems and solutions within their scope of responsibility.

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Statement of Required Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Completion of a three (3) year University Degree in Legal Studies, Criminology, Law, Justice Studies, Linguistics, Political Science, Public Safety, Forensic Psychology, or related analytical or research‑focused discipline that supports advanced writing, critical thinking, and legal reasoning.
Experience and formal training combined may substitute for stipulated education requirements.
Minimum two (2) years related work experience in a public safety, emergency services, police or legal environment, including experience in one of the following areas:

• Experience in police report, technical or legal affidavit writing or editing.
• Conducting administrative, regulatory, compliance, or investigative reviews involving the collection, analysis, and assessment of information and evidence.
  Interpreting and applying legislation, policies, procedures, or legal authorities in support of investigations or decision-making.
• Experience preparing investigative summaries, briefing materials, reports, legal documents.

Language:

English - fluency in oral, reading, and writing

Hours of work:

Rotating Monday to Friday days 10 hour shift 
Work extended hours beyond the normal hours of work, may involve working afternoon, evening and weekend

Certifications and Licences

• Successful completion of the Basic Special Constable Qualification Program within one (1) year of hire.
• At the time of appointment, hold a valid Ontario Fitness PIN Award with a score of at least 75% based on the scoring table for the applicants’ gender and age OR valid PREP certificate.
• Possess and maintain valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C Certificates.
• Possess and maintains a valid Ontario G Driver’s License or Quebec Provincial Driver’s License.

In service Training

The following mandatory training is provided:

• Basic Special Constable Qualification Course.
  Includes the Ontario Police College accredited program.
• Ottawa Police Service Specialist Special Constable Qualification.

Judicial Authorization Special Constables supplemental training:

• Special Constable Investigations course.
• Warrant Writing course as approved by the Community Policing and Safety Act (CSPA). 

The following mandatory training and education is provided to all employees of the OPS:

• Respectful Workplace.
• Violence in the Workplace.
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Road to Mental Health Readiness (R2MR).
• Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
• Active Bystander Law Enforcement (ABLE)

All employees of the OPS are expected to complete all additional and new mandatory training as prescribed by the Office of the Chief.

Additional training may be provided (if required at the discretion of the Judicial Authorization Sergeant or designate)

• OPS Records Management System (RMS) and CPIC.
• Major Case Management.
• Investigative Interviewing & Interrogation Strategies.
• Criminal Investigations 100.
• ICM 100 & 200.
• RCMP Drafting Information to Obtain (DITO) course, OPC warrant writing course.

Attend training sessions to learn about principles and practices related to personal wellness to help promote resiliency; apply training to support the ability to work in a healthy and safe manner when dealing with the types of subject matter encountered during performance of regular duties.

Job Knowledge

Ensure strong knowledge and adherence with the following regulations:

• Ontario Community Safety and Policing Act 2019.
• O. Reg. 86/24: Special Constable Uniforms.
• O. Reg 87/24: Use of Force Qualifications
• O. Reg. 410/23: Code of Conduct.
• O. Reg. 411/23: Complaints about Special Constables.
• O. Reg 396/23: Matters Respecting the appointment and functions of Special Constables and the authorization of Special Constable Employers.
• Criminal Code of Canada
• The relevant laws, case laws, provincial standards and protocols relevant to criminal investigations.

Working knowledge of:

• The Organization’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Court Files, Court Process and Court Documents.
• Investigative procedures.
• OPS corporate software applications (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Office 365, Teams, SharePoint).
• The OPS Record Management System (RMS).Applicable legislation, case law, Charter decisions
• OPS procedures.

OPS Competencies

Hours of Work

Effort and Working Conditions

• Combination of ITO drafting, mobile response for warrant approval process and execution as directed by immediate supervisor.
• Attend meetings at various Ottawa Police Service locations as needed.
• Work requires the reading and viewing of potentially explicit and sensitive material which could be disturbing in nature.
• Review large amounts of data, use technologies and redact technical reports.  
• Must be able to operate an OPS vehicle safely, maintaining a valid Ontario driver’s license or provincial equivalent.  
• May be required to testify and present evidence in Court and be subject to cross examination.
• The incumbent must be able to work shifts as designated in the “Hours of Work” section of the Job Description.
• Be available to assist with other investigative tasks as operational needs require.
• Self-supervise, work with others, have attention to details, multi-task and meet deadline pressures.  

Desired Qualifications

• Oral, reading, writing fluency in French and/or other languages.
• Experience writing clear, concise, complete, and consistent reports.
• Experience in criminal investigations and familiarity with investigative procedures.
• Experience in criminal court procedures.
• Previous acceptance of testimony in Canadian Criminal courts.
• Experience with RMS, AXON/DEIMS evidence capture, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of OPS Policies and procedures.
  Working knowledge of CPIC.