Constable - Operational Skills Unit

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is Surrey’s new municipal police agency. The transition from the RCMP to SPS is well underway and SPS has spent the past three years building a local, modern, accountable police service for Surrey residents. On November 29, 2024, SPS will become the police of jurisdiction, assuming responsibility 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 400 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.

The Operational Skills Unit (OSU) Constables play a critical role in the training and development of SPS Sworn Members. These Instructors must be experienced and proficient in operational skills training and instructing in areas such as crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, scenario-based training, firearms, less lethal platforms, searches, application of the Criminal Code of Canada and the BC Provincial Policing Standards, and reporting obligations. These positions require candidates to be approved and recognized as police use of force and/or firearms instructors.

Constables are required to meet and maintain the highest professional standards required of their role, by conducting all actions in a legal, balanced, proportionate, and justifiable manner to uphold the law and achieve the best outcomes in a wide range of situations/incidents.  They may be an operational officer or may provide specialized policing functions.

SPS Constables 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. 

Employment Status

Regular Full Time

Position Overview

To instruct operational skills training to all Surrey Police Service staff. This includes mandatory and advanced skills operational training. Ensuring all training programs are consistent with British Columbia Provincial Policing Standards, where applicable. Collaborate with SPS committees and units/sections to develop and coordinate focused training that enhances members’ operational skills to safely deploy in the City of Surrey. Keep current with policing issues and develop operational skills training that is appropriate, evidence-based, and has the greatest chance of a successful outcome for police, members of the public, and subjects of complaint. Foster an environment of lifelong learners amongst all SPS members.

• Deliver Firearms and/or Operational Skills and De-escalation instruction and initiatives, implement operational goals identified by Staff Sergeant and/or Sergeants, and provide training in alignment with the BC Provincial Policing Standards and the BC Police Act. 
• Provide advice and guidance to SPS sworn members to ensure responses are delivered within policies and legislation. Achieve the best possible outcomes for community and member safety.
• Identify opportunities for new ways of working and innovation in policing, applying experiences, training, and team input to identify solutions to challenges within the area of responsibility.  Support the implementation of problem-solving and evidence-based policing initiatives by championing and applying relevant methodologies and approaches.
• Assist with training, policies, and compliance in a safe and effective training environment for all sworn members in operational skills and firearms instructions.
• Monitor the development and delivery of training programs, and the related recordkeeping, ensuring alignment with legislation, policies, and guidance, which enable effective law enforcement and the initiation of criminal justice proceedings.
• Develop and execute the Operational Skills and/or Firearms training strategies in accordance with SPS’s objectives and values.  Monitor and manage the delivery of training related to Firearms and Operational Skills objectives, and devices. Implement effective strategies to identify issues and improve team/individual performance.
• Under the guidance of the Sergeants, devise appropriate development plans to enable high performance and safety for SPS sworn members. Maintain strict adherence to policies and procedures.
• Under the guidance of the Sergeants, educate SPS sworn members on regulatory changes and new police technology or methods.
• Review related police documents and conduct inspections of officers and equipment.  Audit relevant reports for ongoing continuous improvement. Prepare reports and maintain required SPS records.
• Maintain and promote a respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Cooperate with legal and law enforcement stakeholders and testify in court as required.
• Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Use organization and time management skills to appropriately prioritize and plan your own work.
• Draft lesson plans and after-action reports.
• Work collaboratively with OSU members and develop a cohesive team in the OSU.
• Report to the Sergeants of OSU.

• Hold the minimum rank of Constable.

• Be fit for the position by the estimated placement date.

• Work the shift schedule of the position.

• Work irregular hours if required in the position.

• Be available for any required training and/or orientation.

• Meet or exceed the mandatory Job Specific Requirements listed below.

• Be up to date or scheduled for all mandatory training.

Job-Specific Mandatory Training Requirements

• Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Pistol Instructor Course or Basic Firearms Instructors Course (or equivalent) or,

  • Standard Use of Force Instructor Course or Police and Public Safety Instructor Course (or *equivalent).

    •  *A certificate/qualification from a certified police Use of Force instructor course. Instructor course curriculum should contain a variety of use of force topics. Section 3.0, Sub Section 3.2, Subject 3.2.3, 2(b) of the BC Provincial Policing Standards can be used as a reference.

Job Specific Preferred Training Requirements

• Pistol Instructor Course or Basic Firearms Instructors Course (or equivalent)

• Standard Use of Force Instructor Course or Police and Public Safety Instructor Course (or equivalent).

• Crisis intervention and De-escalation instructor course - (or equivalent).

• Instructional Skills Workshop – (or equivalent).

• Currently certified as an instructor in at least one of the following areas:

  • Use of Force Instructor in the Province of British Columbia.

  • Firearms Instructor in the Province of British Columbia.

  • Operational Medicine or First-Aid Instructor.

  • Crisis Intervention or De-escalation Instructor.

•  Experience / exposure in the martial arts and specifically, the grappling arts.

Job Specific Mandatory Experience Requirements

• Does not have, within the previous 5 years, any substantiated use of force complaints or findings of misconduct in relation to use of force.

• Has no assault convictions.

• Is considered suitable for this type of instruction, which includes not having a pattern of complaints of use of force or other behaviour that is of concern to the SPS over the course of that officer’s working career.

Job Specific Preferred Experience Requirements

• Experience in the above noted “Duties and Responsibilities”.

• Experience in teaching and preparing operational skills instruction.

Conditions of Employment 

• Successful applicants must obtain and maintain the required level of Security Clearance.

• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

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.

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.