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.
JOB OVERVIEW:
Responsible for conducting physical surveillance of subject(s) for the purpose of gathering intelligence, evidence of criminal acts and/or other information relevant to an investigation. This includes liaising with investigative teams, arresting subjects, conducting tactical intervention, stopping crimes in progress, and securing crime scenes and evidence.
Detective Constables are required to meet and maintain the highest professional standards required of their role, by conducting themselves in a manner reflective of the SPS Motto, Mission, Vision and Core Values. They have a strong work ethic and are committed to a community-based policing model that looks beyond immediate issues and searches for realistic longer-term answers to complex community and social issues and emerging risks and trends, specific to Tactical Surveillance.
Reporting to the Surveillance Team Sergeant, the Detective Constable is responsible for conducting physical surveillance to gather intelligence, collect evidence of criminal activity, and support ongoing investigations. The role involves working closely with investigative teams to observe, document, and intervene when necessary, including arresting subjects, conducting tactical interventions, stopping crimes in progress, and securing evidence and crime scenes.
Surveillance Team members are expected to carry out operations with discretion, consistency, and professionalism, while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and prioritizing the safety of themselves, their team, and the public. Using sound judgment, specialized training, and technical expertise, the Detective Constable contributes to the effective execution of surveillance and operational plans in support of organizational and investigative objectives.
Apply knowledge of laws governing surveillance, privacy, trespass, and the use of devices.
• Work effectively as part of a coordinated team during surveillance operations, including foot, vehicle, and aircraft-supported deployments.
• Establish and maintain covert surveillance positions, using concealment and positioning for optimal observation.
• Operate surveillance tools and technology such as cameras, radios, drones, GPS mapping, and tracking systems.
• Capture clear, legally admissible evidence; document observations accurately; and ensure proper logging of information.
• Provide precise descriptions of subjects, vehicles, and locations in support of investigations.
• Preserve and record forensic evidence (e.g., cast-off DNA) in accordance with investigative and legal standards.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of operational plans to achieve surveillance objectives.
• Support investigative teams by gathering intelligence, advancing evidence collection, and assisting in tactical interventions, arrests, and crime scene security when required.
• Deliver training and mentorship in surveillance tactics and practices to other members.
• Liaise with law enforcement partners to share intelligence and promote best practices.
• Provide constructive feedback during briefings and debriefings in a professional and respectful manner.
• Make quick, informed decisions in dynamic or unexpected situations, adapting to evolving risks while prioritizing safety of self, team, and the public.
• Remain available for both scheduled and unscheduled callouts.
Mandatory Qualifications
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More than 5-years of exemplary police service, with related training/experience.
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Successful completion of required Surveillance Tactics and Resource (STAR) Course (or equivalent).
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Minimum 1-year of experience in a dedicated Surveillance Team.
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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.
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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.
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Excellent teamwork skills, demonstrating awareness of individual differences, opinions and providing support and input as required.
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Ability to engage partners as required to develop strategies and processes and solve problems.
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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.
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Able to identify, analyze and manage risk to inform balanced, proportionate, evidence-based decisions.
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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.
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Excellent time management and organizational skills with the able to appropriately prioritize and plan own work.
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Client-centered focus and ensure SPS stakeholders, direct or indirect, are treated in accordance with the core values of SPS.
Preferred Qualifications
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DNA Collection Certification (or equivalent).
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Experience conducting surveillance.
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Advanced Driving Course (or equivalent).
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Surveillance Instructor.
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Surveillance Road Boss experience.
Conditions of Employment
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Successful applicants must obtain and maintain the required level of security clearance.
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Successful applicant must provide proof of qualifications.
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Successful applicant must be fully operational and fit for duty. This includes the following abilities and requirements:
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Licensed and able to operate a police vehicle and attend calls for service.
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Qualified and able to use issued force options as and when required (i.e. baton, OC, firearm).
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Trained and able to engage the public in a variety of circumstances, including physical contact if required.
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Able to wear protective equipment, including body armour.
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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.