✓ Weekdays ✓ 8hr ✓ Days
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Special Constable - Court Security
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Staff Sergeant, Court Services
POSITION SUMMARY:
To provide security for all court rooms and buildings, and to ensure the safety and well-being of prisoners (Adult and Young Offenders). Act as liaison with Crown Attorneys/Prosecutors/Defense Counsel, as well as the public, as appropriate.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Court Security:
Provide security to judges, Crowns, legal staff and public through careful monitoring of situations in court rooms and buildings. These include Superior Court, Provincial Offences Court, Young Offenders Court, Criminal Court, Family Court, Bylaw Court and Bail Court.
Provide security to prosecutors in Provincial Offences Court.
Highlighted Competencies: Productivity, Communication, Job Knowledge, Interpersonal Skills, Attention to Detail
Prisoner Management/Care:
Provide meals, medication (including blood testing kits and insulin for diabetic prisoners) and emergency medical attention to prisoners, as required. Facilitate the reading of papers (e.g. probation orders, fine orders, prohibition orders) to prisoners, as needed. Determine level of security concern posed by each prisoner, in order to inform the decision regarding use of handcuffs. Arrange for and provide transport of prisoners to and from courts and institutions to meet their court date obligations. Facilitate the transfer of prisoners’ property (e.g. money or jewellery) to outside parties (e.g. family). Ensure the cleanliness and safety of the cells (e.g. presence of biohazards or weapons). Resolve any conflicts which arise between prisoners, while maintaining personal safety and the safety of others. Collect and submit prisoner DNA samples.
Highlighted Competencies: Customer Service, Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Job Knowledge, Attention to Detail
Document Processing:
Serve notices/subpoenas/summons/certified copies of documents in court rooms and throughout the city. Swear to subpoenas/summons/warrants and information before a Justice of the Peace. Effect arrests in warrants and surety revocations. Accurately maintain daily court dockets in Bail Court, Criminal Court, Provincial Offences Court, Assignment Court and Superior Court. Maintain information regarding prisoners and update Crown briefs, as required. Direct correspondence to appropriate departments at end of court day. Release information to approved parties.
Highlighted Competencies: Productivity, Job Knowledge, Attention to Detail
Liaison:
Liaise with legal staff, prisoners and the public to arrange interviews between prisoner and defense or duty counsel. Liaise with staff from outside agencies (e.g. Probation and Parole, Family and Children Services), as necessary. Schedule officers for trial dates in a manner which minimizes or eliminates call outs and overtime. Answer enquiries from the public as appropriate.
Highlighted Competencies: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Job Knowledge
Other:
Responsible for any other duties as assigned.
JOB COMPETENCIES:
Ø Customer Service (Internal & External)
Ø Computer/Technical Skills
Ø Communication (Oral & Written)
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must possess a current and valid OACP Certificate issued through OACP Certificate Testing OR current Use of Force Qualifications (experienced)
- Must provide completed Hearing and Vision forms as well as completed Fitness Log and Fitness Journal
- Be a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident
- Be of good moral character and habits
- Must be certified by a physician as physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position, having regard to his or her own safety and the safety of members of the public
- Possess a valid Class G license for the province of Ontario and not have more than six (6) accumulated demerit points
- First Aid and CPR certification is required
- An applicant must, with unaided vision, not exceed 20/50 in both eyes, correctable to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses. Radial Keratotomy surgery is recognized only after a one- month period from the surgery date, and pending the approval of the police physician
- Must be amenable to the rules, regulations and procedures of the GPS
- You must be physically fit and be able to obtain a minimum of 75% on the Ontario Police Fitness Test and pass GPS Use of Force training
- Must be able to complete and pass the psychological testing component
- Must complete legislative training for special constables under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA) and successfully pass the OPC Special Constable Examination
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment involving potential for physical harm and sensitive/disturbing information
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
- Climate controlled areas – station, courts, cell area
- Extensive sitting, listening
- Intense mental concentration
- Potential requirement for Use of Force procedures to be applied
- Some lifting (approximate maximum of 40)
- Hours of work vary and may require some extended shifts to meet multiple deadlines
- Potential for exposure to bodily fluids and the risks therein
