Special Constable

Job Information

Overall Purpose

Under the supervision of a supervisor or Sergeant, the Special Constable is responsible for the provision of four (4) core functions and one (1) volunteer function:

• The safe transportation of persons in custody between custody locations, the safe custody and care of  persons in custody attending court appearances, providing Court House Security.
• The care and control of persons in custody held in custody at the Central Cell Block.
• Ensuring the safety and security of the court facility, court officials, employees, persons in custody and persons attending the Provincial Offences Court.
• Serve subpoenas and summons to witnesses and persons charged in police related cases including conducting investigations and surveillance to locate individuals when necessary.
• Assist Frontline Police Officers with certain policing functions.
• Support the Emergency Services Unit Training and Deployments as required.

Major Responsibilities

All Generalist Special Constables are responsible for:

• Ensuring at the commencement of each shift that all assigned equipment (including Use of Force options) is in proper working order and in good condition as per the OPS Equipment Usage Policy and Provincial Adequacy standards; report any issues which affect or could affect the performance of assigned equipment. 
• Maintaining an OPS issued notebook, ensuring all notes, RMS reports, and logs are completed within specified timeframes.
• Performing routine maintenance and cleaning of vehicles used to perform their duties.
• Carrying OPS approved naloxone nasal spray and complete associated training in its use.
• Assisting at special events as required, including operation of the persons in custody Transport Vehicle in support of the Investigative Hand-Off Teams.
• Authority to transport and guard persons in custody at the hospital.
• Performing other related duties as required that are unplanned or of a transient nature.

Generalist Special Constables operating out of the Court House Cell Block shall:

• Maintain safety and security of all persons in custody in the Cell Block, ensuring they are not a danger to themselves or others.
• Ensure the safe transportation of persons in custody between various custody locations.
• Escort and maintain custody of persons in custody for court appearances, either in person or by video. 
• Properly use restraint devices such as Shackles, handcuffs, TRD’s in accordance with OPS policy.
• Ensure that correct documentation accompanies persons in custody and is updated appropriately; obtain and relay information and / or documents from the courts or other agencies to the cellblock clerk.
• Maintain persons in custody transportation sheets, indicating persons in custody name, location of compartment assigned, and any special requirements pertaining to the needs of the persons in custody transported.
• Assist lawyers, outside organizations, parents, or guardians to establish contact with persons in custody s either by phone or in person.
• Collect fingerprints pursuant to the Identification of Criminals Act of accused both in and out of custody as required.
• Collect court ordered DNA samples from accused, both in custody and out of custody, as directed by the courts.
• Execute outstanding warrants as required.
• Respond to panic alarm calls for service within the Court House.
• Liaise with outside stakeholders such as Corrections, Probation, legal counsel, and other agencies as required.
• Ensure all clerical duties related to persons in custody security, persons in custody property, persons in custody medication, documentation, transportation, and cell duties are completed, as required.
• Perform CCTV or Console Room duties when assigned, including keeping track of location of persons in custody, maintaining visual security of the Cell Block via CCTV.
• Take prisoners into custody as required and process persons in custody booking information on RMS.
• Utilize Versadex Records Management System (RMS) and CPIC to ensure that no other warrants exist prior to release of a persons in custody
• Perform out of town persons in custody escorts.
• Ensure all prisoners are released with proper clothing appropriate to current weather conditions.
   

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Generalist Special Constables operating out of the Central Cellblock shall:
Search all persons in custody upon entry into Central Cell Block and prior to lodging in Cells with adherence to OPS Policy and Standard Operating Guidelines. 

• Maintain safety and security of all persons in custody in cell block areas.
• Perform persons in custody security and monitoring through physical cell checks.
• Conduct Strip Searches as required and approved by the Sergeant in Cellblock with adherence to OPS Policy.
• Assist investigating officers by escorting persons in custody to and from interviews.
• Assist investigating officers with seizure of evidence.
• Maintain persons in custody tracking logs, cell checks and other information using RMS as per OPS policy.
• Assist and work with outside agencies such as Police, EMS, CBSA, Corrections, Shelters, and Hospitals in a professional and courteous manner.
• Assist lawyers, parents, or guardians to establish contact with persons in custody either by phone or in person.
• Properly use the Safety Restraint Chair when authorized by Cell Block Sergeant in adherence to OPS policy.
• Ensure all medication is properly labelled, unmixed and dated; assist in self-administration of medication to persons in custody as prescribed.
• Coordinate arrangements with pharmacies, shelters, or family to ensure all medications required are available to persons in custody. 
• Respond to telephone inquiries regarding persons in custody as required.

Generalist Special Constables operating out the Provincial Offences Court shall:

• Ensure security of court officials, employees and the public at the Provincial Offences Court and intervene as required to maintain decorum.
• Perform other secondary administrative duties as required including sending the court slips through the internal mail to Court Liaison, “Swearing to Information’s,” and utilizing CPIC / PARIS to review driver abstracts of individuals in custody.
• Take persons in custody into custody as required through sentencing at Provincial Offences Court.
• Maintain safety and security of all persons in custody in cell block areas.
• Ensure that correct documentation accompanies persons in custody and is updated appropriately. 
• Obtain and relay information and / or documents from the courts or other agencies.
• Perform Cell Block and Console Room duties when assigned, including keeping track of location of persons in custody s, maintaining visual security of cell block complex via television monitors.
• Facilitate all telephone inquiries regarding persons in custody intakes, as required. 
   

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Generalist Special Constables operating as Document Servers shall:
Serve court documents for the Ottawa Police Service as well as outside agencies when required.

• Plan and organize daily activities, considering geographic location and court deadlines, to effect efficient service of various court documents to individuals.
• Utilize RMS’ Service Control to track progress on all assigned documents and to maintain records for statistical purposes.
• Conduct thorough investigations to locate individuals and to be aware of risks when attending locations by utilizing RMS, CPIC, contacting various partners or other means available.
• Log on to the MDT and add each call (address attending) to CAD to ensure whereabouts are known so the Communication Centre can monitor for safety. 
• Complete Affidavits of Service and swear to them before a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Oaths that court documents have been served.
• Respond to telephone calls and emails from individuals to arrange appointments for service of documents.
• Document detailed efforts to locate and serve witnesses for upcoming matters, ensuring the information is available to the Investigating Officer and the Courts.
• Testify in court as required, regarding evidence relating to the service of documents.
• Liaise with members internally, the Crown Attorney’s office, Probation Services, as well as outside police services and community partners regarding the service of documents.
• Advise and provide detailed explanation of attempts made to the Investigating Officer when efforts have been exhausted and a witness on their file cannot be located. 
• Assist with covering other member’s sectors, rush requests for service, as well as training new team members when required.

Generalist Special Constables operating as District Special Constables (D.S.C.) under the direction of a Police Officer, shall assist with:
Lower priority/risk calls for service outlined in the DSC policy and procedures.

• Canvassing for witnesses, taking statements and information for certain identified call types
• Towing/impounding vehicles from accident or crime scenes
• Closing roadways and directing traffic at emergency or crime scenes
• Retrieving evidence, video evidence or statements for investigative units
• Transporting persons in custody to detention facilities (i.e. parole warrants), immigration facilities, medical facilities, hospitals, doctor’s offices, central cellblock or court houses
• Transporting witnesses from crime scenes to and from divisions for interviews
• Relieving uniform officers from Mental Health Act apprehensions
• Attending non-emergent active scenes and guarding crime scenes
• Executing warrants for persons turning themselves in
• Transporting and returning persons in custody from other jurisdictions arrested on OPS warrants to central cellblock.
• Maintaining OPS issued notebook containing an accurate and thorough account of up-to-date activities and fulfilling any reporting requirements on RMS.
• Attending court and testify as required.

Generalist Special Constables working as members of the Emergency Services Unit  

• Volunteer to be a member of the specialised team.
• Successfully complete Search and Rescue required Training and Annual Recertification.
• Successfully complete the Annual PIN Test and achieve a minimum score of 80% to remain a member of the specialised team. Deploy as part of regular teams for Missing Persons, Evidence and Mass Casualty Ground Searches.
• Deploy for Public Order Events in a logistical and convoy driving capacity.
• Deploy for C.B.R.N.E. Response in a logistical and force multiplier capacity.
   

Statement of Required Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Secondary School Graduate plus two (2) years of relevant post-secondary education
• Minimum two (2) years previous related work experience in a customer service environment or a comparable environment with a demonstrated ability to manage challenging situations, problem solve and experience engaging with diverse groups of people. 

LANGUAGE

• English – fluency in oral, reading, and writing.

Certifications and Licences

• At the time of appointment, hold a valid Ontario Fitness PIN Award with a score of at least 85% 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 maintain a valid Ontario G Driver’s License or Quebec Provincial Driver’s License.
   

In service Training

The following is mandatory training provided to all Special Constables

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

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

• Occupational Health & Safety.
• Respectful Workplace. 
• Violence in the Workplace.
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI).
• Active Bystandership for 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.
 

Job Knowledge

Ensure knowledge and compliance with the following regulations:

• Ontario Community Safety and Policing Act 2019
• O. Reg. 86/24: Special Constable Uniforms
• 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

General knowledge of:

The Organization’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Court Files, Court Process and Court Documents.

Investigative procedures.

Geographical area of Ottawa Region.

Ontario Provincial Courts, Superior Court and Legal systems.

Federal Statutes:

• Canadian Criminal Code
• Youth Criminal Justice Act
• Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Identification of Criminals Act.

Provincial Statutes:

• Ontario Highway Traffic Act
• Ontario Mental Health Act
• Ontario Liquor License Act
• Ontario Trespass to Property Act
   

OPS Competencies

Hours of Work

Effort and Working Conditions

• The incumbent must be able to operate a police vehicle and transport persons in custody safely and within OPS standards including driving in adverse weather conditions and all traffic conditions, while ensuring the safety of persons in custody  in rear compartments.
• The incumbent must be able to work shifts as designated in the “Hours of Work” section of the job description.
• Special Constables must be capable of working within a confined environment that can become fast paced, physically, mentally. and emotionally demanding at a moment’s notice.
• The nature of the job often leads to physical situations that can result in personal injuries or serious bodily harm.
• Work requires sitting for long periods of time in court without relief, sitting for long periods of time at a desk, operating radio systems, regularly monitoring and operating CCTV systems, and operating computers.
• Interactions that can involve high levels of stress and the constant need to maintain professionalism in emotionally charged situations.
• Frequent exposure to needles, bodily fluids and infectious diseases that can lead to personal health risks.
• Special Constables in the Document Server role work independently and spend a large portion of their shift on the road attending various locations in an unmarked vehicle.
• Special Constables may be transferred to one of the designated Facilities for operational requirements.
   

Desired Qualifications

• Oral, reading, and writing fluency in French or other languages.
• Additional post-secondary education or other relevant education.
• Experience working with RMS, CPIC, and E-mail.
• Knowledge of OPS policies and procedures, Temporary custody and Court Security Section and computer systems.
• Understanding of the rationale behind OPS policies and procedures and the impact on the daily delivery of service.
• Conflict resolution training.
• Suicide intervention training.