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 487 police officers and 458 civilian support staff, for a total of 945 employees! 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.
Reporting to a Inspector, an SPS Staff Sergeant is responsible for developing competencies within their unit while ensuring that organizational standards are met, and objectives achieved. Sergeants are responsible for sustaining a respectful and inclusive workplace and a community-based police service that is free of discrimination, disrespectful behaviour and harassment. They co-ordinate, monitor, and respond where necessary, to front line policing activity to uphold the law, enable public safety, and build public confidence in policing in line with legal frameworks and SPS policy guidelines. Sergeants enforce federal and provincial statutes, municipal bylaws, and generally maintain law and order and prevent crime.
Staff Sergeants model the mission, vision, and values of SPS through unquestioned integrity and the sustainment of a visible, credible, inclusive, and respected profile. 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.
The SPS Investigative Support Unit is comprised of several specialized, highly skilled teams consisting of sworn police investigators and civilian support staff. These teams include:
- Digital Forensics Team
- Forensic Video Analysis Team
- Economic and Cyber Crime Investigation Team
- Legal Application Support Team
- Covert Intercept Team
- Polygraph Team
- Forensic Interview Team
The Investigative Support Unit Staff Sergeant role requires a broad range of specialized technical knowledge, skill, and experience in subject areas that are fast paced and rapidly evolving. The Staff Sergeant will report to the Inspector in charge of the Investigative Support Section, within the Specialized Operation Division.
The Investigative Support Unit has a critical mandate to provide highly technical support to all aspects of policing operations for SPS. The Staff Sergeant of this unit will need to possess significant experience in the areas of digital forensics, cybercrime, electronic surveillance, and judicial authorizations, as well as a proven ability to adapt investigative techniques and successfully lead teams through rapid change to keep up with changes in legislation and case law.
- Currently hold the rank of a substantive Staff Sergeant.
- Currently a serving police officer in Canada with a minimum of 10 years of service with exemplary police service and in good standing.
- 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.
- Degree or diploma in computer science or related field or demonstrated equivalent experience.
- Completion of the full Digital Forensics / Technological Crime training program
of a Digital Forensics Unit of a Canadian law enforcement agency. (or equivalent)
- Minimum three (3) years experience working in a technical policing environment, with an understanding of digital evidence management, and tools and processes related to accessing digital evidence.
- Experience working with partners in technical areas of policing relevant to multiple specialty units in this section.
- Extensive experience with, and understanding of, judicial authorizations and disclosure.
- Experience overseeing and managing advanced technical training for specialized police services relevant to multiple specialty teams in this unit.
- 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 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.
- Skilled in using specialized software related to own area of work to extract, analyze, plan and report on data.
- 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.