Peace Officer, Protective Services bei University of Saskatchewan

Under the supervision of the Staff Sergeant, the Peace Officer is responsible for proactive and reactive general patrol duties. By engaging with the University community, our Peace Officers protect life and property, prevent crime, engage in problem-solving initiatives, and enforce and investigate violations of federal, provincial, and municipal law in accordance with our authorities.

The Peace Officer is required to understand University disciplinary processes and provide information to victims or departments when dealing with non-criminal incidents which require an administrative response.  

Nature of Work:

This position reports to the Staff Sergeant while patrolling and safeguarding the University on foot, by bicycle, and in marked vehicles. Peace Officers form part of a team providing 24-hour/365 days per year coverage to the University community.  Peace Officers work frequently with other first responder agencies and community stakeholders.

Peace Officers must demonstrate high levels of sound judgment, and critical thinking, and apply departmental policies and procedures in the absence of supervision: Independence is exercised daily.

Peace Officers may be required to operate in the role of Incident Commander in the event of an emergency. Senior Peace Officers may be asked to operate as Field Training Officers to help instruct new members. They may also be invited to act as Corporals and take on additional supervisory duties.

Above-average physical fitness is expected.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Conducts assigned duties and patrols using bicycles, foot, or vehicles while assigned to a platoon and working a variety of shifts
• Responds to events in progress, health incidents, traffic accidents, alarms, University events, disasters, emergencies, or other stressful situations which require intervention
• Performs patrol functions including attending complaints, executing warrants, checking on suspicious persons, investigating suspicious activities, obtaining and recording information relevant to assigned duties, and performing traffic enforcement
• Will create partnerships with community members by spending time meeting, conversing, and understanding their individual needs
• Through problem-solving, officers will proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime
• Gathers and processes intelligence through field interviews and observation
• Initiates investigations because of a complaint, assigned file, or observation of activity; applies investigative procedures, e.g., gathers information, interviews witnesses and suspects, takes statements, seizes evidence, requests specialized services, and concludes investigations whenever possible
• Provides qualitative advice and support to victims; assists with administrative investigations and discipline
• Promptly completes and submits required reports during the shift the incident occurred unless approval is granted by a supervisor to turn work in at a later date
• Assists in departmental function by participating in special projects to leverage each officer’s unique abilities
• Complies with departmental guidelines and policies and adheres to the University of Saskatchewan Core Values
• Enforces federal, provincial, and municipal laws; processes arrests, prepares cases, and presents evidence in court
• Performs related duties as required or assigned

Education:

A post-secondary certificate or degree in a related field (policing, sociology, psychology), or equivalent combination of education and experience (law enforcement, or security).  

Licenses:

Must possess a valid class 5 driver’s license

Skills:

• Be of Good Character (Criminal Records and Vulnerable Sector Check with fingerprints)
• Capacity to coach, guide, and instruct new Peace Officers in departmental operations
• Be in excellent physical condition, with the ability to perform demanding physical tasks. Candidate may be asked to demonstrate physical ability. Successful completion of the POPAT (Police Officer Physical Abilities Test) or equivalent is mandatory
• Cognitive interpersonal and communication skills, critical thinking, sound judgment, and decision-making
• Visual and hearing acuity
• Good listening skills; good command of the English language
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Highly motivated
• Ability to remain in control, composed, and organized under pressure or in high-stress situations
• Ability to multi-task efficiently
• Someone who enjoys helping others
• Professionalism and integrity
• Readiness to accept new challenges
• Ability to adapt easily to technology changes
• Ability to work with a team and develop team relationships
• Ability to articulate clearly on the telephone
• Ability to handle the flexibility of shift work

Hiring Process:

• Qualified applicants must complete a pre-employment mental aptitude examination.
• Extensive background checks are completed by the Hiring Manager. References are contacted to determine if an applicant's personal history, traits, and characteristics are suitable for a career in law enforcement. People contacted for these interviews include present and past employers and colleagues, family members, long-time friends, neighbours, and landlords.