Constable - Crisis Intervention and Prevention Unit (PHMOT)

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 have hired over 500 police officers and over 450 civilian support staff. As we continue to hire exceptional individuals, SPS 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.

This position is within SPS’s Crisis Intervention and Prevention Unit, formerly the Surrey RCMP’s Police Mental Health Outreach Team (PHMOT).  

The role of the Crisis Intervention and Prevention Unit is to provide a collaborative array of partnership programs that includes crisis assessments, outreach, and support

Reporting to the Sergeant Crisis Intervention and Prevention Unit (CIPU), the Constable works in collaboration with health professionals and community partners to provide specialized responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises. In partnership with Fraser Health clinicians, the Constable conducts crisis assessments, outreach, and follow-up support, balancing enforcement responsibilities with a focus on safety, intervention, and prevention.
 

This position provides frontline support to patrol officers and other investigative units on matters involving mental health concerns, ensuring that responses are trauma-informed, legally sound, and consistent with Surrey Police Service (SPS) policies and priorities. The Constable contributes to community safety by building positive relationships with vulnerable individuals, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and promoting early intervention strategies that reduce harm and improve outcomes for individuals in crisis.

• Work in collaboration with Fraser Health clinicians as part of a joint response team, providing police support in crisis assessments, outreach, and follow-up interventions related to both criminal and civil matters.
  • Support patrol officers and other SPS sections in responding to incidents involving individuals experiencing mental health challenges, offering guidance, expertise, and specialized intervention.
  • Manage client files, including the preparation and maintenance of PRIME reports, CPIC flags, and other records in accordance with SPS and provincial standards.
  • Prepare reports, documentation, and evidence packages in support of the criminal justice process, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal requirements.
  • Act as a resource to SPS members, government agencies, and community stakeholders on matters involving mental health, including participation in inter-agency meetings, committees, and presentations to SPS leadership.
  • Conduct risk assessments and, where necessary, exercise authorities under the Mental Health Act (e.g., Section 28 apprehensions, Forms 4, 10, 21) and the Criminal Code of Canada, ensuring the safety of the individual and the public.
  • Maintain working knowledge of SPS policies, the Mental Health Act, provincial statutes, and emerging best practices in mental health response and crisis intervention.
  • Enforce the Criminal Code, Mental Health Act, provincial statutes, and the Motor Vehicle Act, maintaining operational readiness, sound judgment, and proficiency in the use of force continuum as per SPS standards.
  • Build positive, respectful, and empathetic relationships with persons experiencing mental illness, fostering trust, de-escalation, and safe outcomes.

• More than 2 years of exemplary police service, with related training/experience.

• Has attended and has successfully completed the required police training from a recognized police academy as per the BCPPS. See link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/criminal-justice/police/standards/2-2-1p-exemption-process.pdf.

• As per the BCPPS, retired police officers with less then three (3) years into retirement are eligible to apply (providing they had successfully completed the required police training from a recognized police academy, as noted above.

• Education in a related field or equivalent work experience, supplemented by certifications and training demonstrating a track record of continuous development.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to focus messaging and with the ability to understand/evolve presentations and messaging to the needs of the audience.

• Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and diverse stakeholders. 

• Excellent teamwork skills, demonstrating awareness of individual differences, opinions and providing support and input as required.

• Ability to engage partners as required to develop strategies and processes and solve problems.

• Problem solving skills with the ability to identify cause and effect and develop a course of action designed to target root causes as well as manage impacts. 

• Able to identify, analyze and manage risk to inform balanced, proportionate, evidence-based decisions.

• Able to review and reflect on own performance objectively and to take steps to maintain and enhance competence and professional standards appropriate to the role.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the able to appropriately prioritize and plan own work.

• Skilled in the use of standard IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.

• Client-centered focus and ensure SPS stakeholders, direct or indirect, are treated in accordance with the core values of SPS.

• Demonstrated experience in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

The following education and/or designations are deemed assets:

• Degree, graduate degree, or recent professional development in: Psychology, Social Work/Counselling, Police Negotiator, or field related to the responsibilities.

The following job specific experiences are deemed assets:

• Experience in dealing with vulnerable populations including those living with mental health issues, addiction or the inadequately housed.

• Experience working with community partners.

• Ability to work both alone and with a partner.

• Previous plainclothes experience.

Conditions of Employment 

• Successful applicant must obtain and maintain the required level of security clearance.

• Successful applicant must provide proof of qualifications.

• Successful applicant must be fully operational and fit for duty. This includes the following abilities and requirements:

• Licensed and able to operate a police vehicle and attend calls for service.

• Qualified and able to use issued force options as and when required (i.e. baton, OC, firearm).

• Trained and able to engage the public in a variety of circumstances, including physical contact if required.

• Able to wear protective equipment, including body armour.

• Be available to be on call as required to support operations.

Please note:

Substantive Corporals who are hired as Constables with SPS will be paid at 115% of SPS’s First Class Constable rate, providing they have at least eight years of policing service. They may also apply for SPS’s Sergeant Promotion Process without participating in the Sergeant Qualification Process, providing they pass the SPS Sergeant Exam and apply for promotion within five years of joining SPS.

SPS and SPU are in the process of renewing the Temporary Transition Agreement on Tenure. While the agreement has not yet been finalized, it is expected that members will commit to a minimum of one year.

Our Values

Values of Honour, Integrity, Respect, Courage, Compassion, and Inclusiveness guide how we serve Surrey residents, engage with the community we serve, and work with each other to keep the community safe. These values are the foundation of our commitment to delivering excellence in policing service to Surrey citizens.