Sergeant - Arson Team

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. We have already hired over 500 employees 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.

JOB DETAILS:

Reporting to the Staff Sergeant overseeing Serious Crimes, the Arson Team Sergeant is the unit level Team Leader responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations assigned to the Arson Team including the investigation of suspicious fires where criminality is suspected. The Arson Team Sergeant will be the subject matter specialist in determining the origin and causes of suspicious fires and will assist the SCU Staff Sergeant in managing the team’s arson investigations which may include; the organization and planning of a fire investigation, securing of a fire scene, and the preservation, collection, transportation and storage of perishable and/or potentially hazardous evidence. The position will be required to understand investigative techniques to major fire scene investigation and case management, liaising with other SPS investigators, Coroner, Crown Counsel, Office of the Fire Commissioner, evidence analysis, and conducting suspect and witness interviews.  The position will be required to have requisite qualifications to provide expert testimony in court and legal proceedings.

The Sergeant will ensure guidance and direction is provided in relation to Major Case Management, adherence to the B.C. Provincial Policing Standards, Benchmark file reviews and regular weekly reporting for Benchmark investigations. The Sergeant will guide the team in the development of operational plans, the deployment of conventional and non-conventional investigative strategies and the liaison with other police units and agencies. The incumbent in this role will protect and promote workforce wellbeing, occupational health and safety and inclusion to enable a high performing team.

Coordinate and implement safe work procedures on all Investigative Services Bureau arson investigations. Maintain all IS Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for fire investigations and crime scene examination items.

The position will establish and maintain a close working relationship with the Surrey Fire Department, Private Investigators, Insurance Bureau Of Canada and ensure protective / investigative equipment are properly maintained.

The position will ensure members assigned to the Arson crime scene adhere to the standards set out by WorkSafe BC including use of the PPE.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effectively identifies and secures all manner of fire investigative scenes, including structure and vehicle fires, and has a sound working knowledge of relevant policies and procedures and of the range of forensic science services available to analyze a fire crime scene.
• Effectively identifies health hazards (e.g. falling debris, weakened structures, smoldering hot-spots, noxious gases, etc.) even after the fires have been suppressed.
• Provides investigative expertise to the service in the area of fire causation and arson; including the acquisition of fire investigation reports from the Surrey Fire Department for criminal proceedings.
• Supervises all aspects of their team’s assigned cases and fire investigations ensuring best practices are followed including Major Case Management principles, the B.C. Provincial Policing Standards and trauma informed approaches.
• Supervises and mentors team members in all aspects of fire investigation including investigative interviewing, preparation and execution of operational plans, judicial authorizations, file management and disclosure ensuring protocols, procedures and statutory requirements are followed.
• Manages and coordinates the investigative resources within the team ensuring effective collaboration which may also include the other SCU teams, SPS units/sections, police agencies and/or specific individuals with specialty skills.
• Provides effective oversight of a variety of serious and/or complex crime scenes related to suspicious fires and arson investigations.
• Continually monitors work priorities, their teams’ wellness and work stressors, supporting the team as required while ensuring service delivery is not impacted.
• Has and maintains the requisite training to be deemed an expert witness in fire causation when testifying in court.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Substantive Sergeant or Corporal with 10+ years of progressive policing experience in community policing, investigations, or support services. NOTE: Corporals applying for SPS Sergeant positions must have a specialized skill set and be approved by the Surrey Police Union for promotion upon hire.
• Corporals must have at least two years as a substantive in the rank and a passing qualification/JSE score (within the last three years), and must be approved by the Surrey Police Union in order to be promoted upon hire.
• Minimum of two years experience on a major crime, serious crime, general investigative section or arson investigation plain-clothes investigative unit.
• Successfully completed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033 Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator
• Successfully completed the JIBC Fire 1280 – Fire Cause and Origin 3 course.
• Recent experience in arson or fire causation investigations.
• Experience in complex fire related crime scene management.
• 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.
• Able to demonstrate a track record of continuous development within operational policing and leadership. Preference to those with advanced educational courses or degrees.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to set out logical arguments clearly, adapting language and message to meet the needs of diverse people/audiences.
• Able to develop and motivate a team and create strong engagement of individuals with their personal and team objectives and with SPS values, behaviours and strategic priorities.
• Able to review and assess own, individual, and team performance against expected standards, providing objective and effective feedback and ensuring corrective actions are taken where necessary.  Able to coach and mentor team for professional development.
• Able to plan ahead and allocate work appropriately within the team.
• Able to identify key stakeholders and partners, understand potential roles and to take appropriate steps to understand their needs and concerns and develop excellent working relationships.
• Problem solving skills with the ability to identify cause and effect and develop a course of action, drawing on evidence base, designed to target root causes, mitigate risks, and manage impacts.
• Able to problem solve, critically question, and identify potential opportunities to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness across own team.
• Able to identify, analyze, and manage risk to inform balanced, proportionate evidenced-based decisions.
• Able to manage the introduction of new processes or ways of working at team level.
• Able to develop and maintain professional resilience and wellbeing in oneself and others in dealing with complex and challenging situations.
• Able to maintain composure and deal effectively with others and quickly build relationships, trust and rapport with team, peers, and the public.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and provincial legislation and municipal bylaws along with a solid understanding of use of force legislation and practices including powers of arrest and search. 

Up to date and current on all use of force options training requirements with their current police department.

Able to work shifts, extended workdays, and overtime when required.  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, when required.
• Able to wear protective equipment, including body armour.

Conditions of Employment 

• Successful Applicants must obtain and maintain the required level of Security Clearance.
• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Our Values

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