Cell Guard
Regular, Full Time
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is Surrey’s new municipal police agency. On November 29, 2024, SPS became the police of jurisdiction, and assumed responsibility and command for policing and law enforcement in Surrey. SPS is working to redefine policing with innovative new approaches and community-based solutions. It’s an exciting time as SPS continues to expand our team with talented people who want to help shape the future of policing in Surrey. To date we’ve hired over 550 police officers and over 450 civilian support staff and will grow to be one of the largest independent police services in Canada. Since day one, SPS has been intentional about building a culture that is inclusive, respectful and supportive, with a strong focus on employee wellness and career development.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Surrey Police Service (SPS) has an exciting opportunity for a Regular Full-Time Cell Guard. The Cell Guard is responsible for monitoring prisoners' well-being using closed-circuit TV, preparing and serving meals, and maintaining detailed records, including prisoner logs and incident reports. This role ensures proper documentation, responds to inquiries about jail procedures, and provides information to superiors and Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers. Additional duties include monitoring supplies, reporting cell maintenance needs, assisting in emergency first aid, and supporting fellow staff.
The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, follows SPS policies and procedures, and remains calm in emergencies. They possess excellent observational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with photographic and computer equipment, including SPS policing systems. Knowledge of the legal system, safety regulations, and SPS operations is an asset. Physical strength, stamina, and police security clearance are required.
Schedule / Hours of Work
The anticipated schedule for this position is 40 hours per week, following a rotating shift pattern of four days on followed by four days off. Each shift is 12 hours long, with each rotation including two-day shifts and two-night shifts. Please note, the hours are subject to change based on operational needs and adherence to the Collective Agreement.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Opens, closes doors, and monitors prisoners visually.
- Uses closed circuit TV in cells to check prisoners' physical condition.
- Prepares and serves meals to prisoners.
- Maintains daily records, including prisoner log, meal counts, and incident reports.
- Ensures completed documentation is attached to C-13 prisoner forms.
- Handles inquiries related to the jail procedures and prisoners in custody.
- Provides information to superiors and Surrey Police Service (SPS) police officers regarding prisoners.
- Monitors and maintains supplies.
- Advises supervisor of necessary cell maintenance.
- Assists in first aid on prisoners in emergency situations.
- Assists other staff in performing their duties.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Successful completion of Grade 12, or equivalent, supplemented by related training and experience.
- A valid Emergency First Aid and CPR C certification with AED is required.
- All applicants must obtain and maintain the required police security clearance throughout their employment with SPS, which includes a mandatory polygraph examination.
BENEFITS & COMPENSATION
Surrey Police Service offers a comprehensive benefits package, including extended health and dental coverage, a defined benefit pension through the Municipal Pension Plan, generous vacation entitlements, and ongoing professional development. Employees also benefit from short-term and long-term disability coverage, travel and life insurance, discounted access to City of Surrey recreation facilities, and a dedicated Employee Services team providing personal and family support. With a strong focus on well-being, career growth, and work-life balance, SPS is committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace. Note – The aforementioned benefits only apply to eligible full-time positions within SPS.
• This is a unionized position, represented by CUPE 402.
• The salary range for this position is $29.76/hour to $32.57/hour (pay grade 17L) based on 2024 Rates.
Applications must be submitted through our online Careers page. This posting will remain open until 11:55pm on November 28, 2025; however, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected.
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Thank you for your interest in working with SPS. We pride ourselves on hiring members that model the mission, vision, and values of SPS through unquestioned integrity and sustaining a visible, credible, inclusive, and respected profile.