Special Constable

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Special Constable

Summary

To perform duties as an appointed Special Constable.  May be assigned to Court Services at the Ontario Court of Justice, Central Custodial Facilities, Superior Court of Justice or Provincial Offences Court.

You Will:

Court Special Constable Duties:
•    Maintains court room decorum and searches the general public within the courthouse in accordance with the Public Works Protection Act and WRPS policies; may request identification and remove those not in compliance or disruptive to court proceedings.
•    Performs searches at the courthouse at the beginning and end of court.
•    Intervenes when potential breaches of security in court are present and notifies supervisors as required.
•    Monitors video surveillance of court house to prevent incidents of disruptive nature.
•    Provides assistance to police officers as required for court purposes.

Prisoner Security Duties:
•    Responsible for security of prisoners in, during, and out of court.
•    Transports, receives, takes custody of prisoners.
•    Transfers prisoners to interview areas, fingerprint/DNA room and court as required.
•    Performs searches in accordance with the Search of Prisoners procedure as directed by a supervisor.
•    Records prisoners’ property on a detain sheet or in Niche Custody.
•    Documents arrival and departure of prisoners from Custodial Facility; reviews documentation and handles the prisoner’s accompanying documentation.
•    Collects blood, hair, buccal swab samples for DNA analysis as required under the DNA Act as ordered by provincial and superior court Judges.
•    Fingerprints and photographs criminally charged persons in accordance with the Identification of Criminals Act
•    Monitors court services radio transmissions and facilitates prisoner movement and requests additional resources or officers if necessary
•    Provides uninterrupted and video supervision of prisoners threatening self-harm.  Responsible for electronically opening cell and sally port doors and water and light controls within cells.
•    Performs cell extractions when dealing with non-compliant, combative or mentally unstable or uncooperative prisoners in a safe and effective manner

Central Custodial Facility Duties:
•    Monitors custodial facility cameras on a rotational basis with Custodial Facility Police Constable and Sergeant.  Performs cell and common area checks
•    Responsible for prisoner care such as meals, obtaining medical attention as required, responding to requests, contacting lawyers.
•    Adds prisoner details, risk assessment and records prisoner activity in Niche Custody Arrest Report.
•    Fingerprints and/or photographs criminally charged persons.
•    Conducts computer queries of charged persons; notifies officer of outstanding Arrest Warrants.
•    Initiates criminal records file on computerized Records Management System. Inputs fingerprint forms and photos on computerized database.
•    Collects DNA samples as directed by uniformed officer.
•    Conducts in-take assessments of prisoners.
•    Provides information to Custodial Facility Sergeant regarding high risk prisoners. Reports any incidents to Custodial Facility Sergeant.

**Please see job description for full details

You Have:

•    Basic knowledge of reading, writing, mathematical and communication skills, normally acquired through the attainment of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent as determined by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
•    One (1) year of previous experience working on security, loss prevention or in a by-law capacity.
•    Ability to meet government criteria for appointment as Special Constable.
•    Physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position.  Ability to meet testing requirements, while being cognizant of own safety and the safety of members of the public, as determined by:
o    successful completion of the physical fitness test
o    certification by a qualified practitioner as meeting the required vision standards
o    certification by a licensed medical practitioner as physically able to perform the duties of the position
o    a psychological examination and report satisfactory to the Chief of Police
•    Valid CPR (Basic Rescuer Level) and Standard First Aid Certificates, from an accredited agency, with renewal as per police standards.

You Are:

•    Skilled in the operation of a personal computer with the ability to input data into computerized systems, using software packages such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
•    Communication and interpersonal skills using tact and diplomacy required to respond to and take control of emergency situations in a sensitive manner while dealing with uncooperative and highly volatile prisoners, individuals with mental health disorders, language barriers, sexual assault victims; to gather required information; to clarify and interpret court orders and information to prisoners, to recognize and defuse unpleasant, physical confrontations and difficult contacts; to interact with highly emotional and distressed prisoners in a calm professional manner while working under pressure in a chaotic environment.
•    Able to speak clearly and control rate of speech, able to compose and broadcast transmission using acceptable police jargon.
•    Able to travel within and outside the Region to attend court, transport and escort prisoners, or to attend training as required. Knowledge of regional streets and ability to read maps to locate addresses.  Ability to drive police prisoner van or vehicle while driving in inclement weather conditions, while operating radio equipment and monitoring video surveillance and security features, with distractions such as rowdy prisoners, while monitoring traffic conditions.  Ability to inspect and conduct basic maintenance checks on assigned vehicle.
•    Able to use basic problem solving and observation skills to assess high risk prisoners and situations, in dealing with individuals with possible mental health, medical and dependency issues in order to safely and accurately preform job functions such as fingerprinting, prisoner circulation and DNA extraction.
•    Able to summarize events of incidents for direct data entry of events.  Ability to input Will States directly into Incident templates or occurrences as requested by investigating officers.  Ability to monitor Remand Documents and jail papers.