Sub 3 - Job Description

Subsidiary 3 Benchmark
Job Description - 032SH05

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Identification Section

Working Title:	Perimeter Security Sheriff
Department:	Sheriff's Branch
Division, Branch/Unit:	Solicitor General and Public Security
Reports To:	Sergeant
Levels to D.M.:	6

Purpose

(Brief summary of the job, covering the main responsibilities, the framework within which the job has to operate and the main contribution to the organization.)

The Sheriff Branch is responsible for several areas that directly support law enforcement agencies, provincial enforcement agencies, and integrated law enforcement agencies in Alberta and plays a lead role in the Ministry’s commitment to promote safe and secure communities throughout the province. These areas include: traffic safety patrols and enforcement on provincial highways, warrant apprehension services, investigations, surveillance services, providing courthouse and “identified or designated provincial critical infrastructure” facilities security, prisoner management and transport services, and executive and judiciary security services. The Branch also offers security consultation for provincial facilities and maintains a 24-hour security control centre at Government Centre.

The Perimeter Security Sheriff contributes to the provision and maintenance of safe and secure settings for all persons within designated Government facilities or provincial courthouses. Work is performed within ever-changing and potentially dangerous environments, with the position ensuring the safety of Government buildings and provincial courthouses by providing perimeter security screening and for special events and conferences as required. This position also provides security for certain situations where non-lethal force security is appropriate. The Perimeter Security Sheriff also patrols Government buildings and facilities, reporting suspicious activity and taking action as necessary, and patrols and searches the perimeter of provincial courthouses.

Reporting to a Sergeant, the position works within applicable legislation, policies, and procedures, the Criminal Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and all provincial and federal statutes. The position exercises its authority as a Sheriff with Peace Officer status under the Alberta Peace Officer Act.

Responsibilities and Activities

(Purpose of the job can be broken down in different responsibilities and end results. Each end result shows what the job is accountable for, within what framework, and what the added value is.)

1.	The safety and security of courthouses throughout the province are maintained. Activities: Uses electronic equipment to perform perimeter security screening at provincial courthouses, screening people entering court facilities for weapons or other prohibited or restricted contraband. Searches individuals when there are indications that they are carrying weapons or contraband. Engages verbally with individuals to ensure weapons and contraband do not enter court facilities; uses physical force to enforce mandate if and/or when verbal diffusion skills are not successful. Conducts arrests and Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) checks in accordance with applicable guidelines (i.e. Charter Rights). Ensures control and continuity of exhibits. Patrols courthouses and reports suspicious activities; patrols and searches perimeter of courthouses. With the support of more senior Sheriffs, may assist with prisoner management within courthouses or prisoner transport as required. Provides directions and answers enquiries from the judiciary, courthouse employees, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, and the public; act as Ambassador for Law Courts. Provides security for situations (i.e. Judicial Dispute Resolution, Family After Separations) where non-lethal force security is appropriate. Assists with special events and conferences at various locations by providing perimeter security screening (also provides traffic, crowd, and parking control).

2.	The safety and security of designated Government buildings and facilities throughout the province are maintained. Activities: Patrols designated buildings and facilities (i.e. Government Centre) on foot or in a vehicle, reporting suspicious activity or taking action as necessary to preserve life or the destruction of property. Maintains safety and security of Government buildings by ensuring only appropriate personnel are issued access cards and keys to a variety of secure areas. Conducts arrests and Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) checks in accordance with applicable guidelines (i.e. Charter Rights). Ensures adequate levels of safety and security by providing a compliance audit function with respect to the day-to-day operations of contracted security personnel. Monitors security surveillance equipment and uses electronic scanning equipment as required for job functions, identifying and resolving problems with equipment as required. Maintains working knowledge of geographic layout of Government buildings and facilities to efficiently and effectively respond to all alarms (panic and/or fire). Assists employees of and visitors to designated Government buildings by giving directions and information, liaising with clients, assisting with security and safety matters, and acting on complaints of criminal acts and parking violations. Assists with security at special events by coordinating traffic and providing crowd and parking control.

3.	Interviews, reports, and legal documents are completed in accordance with established policies and standards. Activities: Completes reports and legal documents in preparation for prosecution. Conducts interviews and takes statements from Sheriffs, complainants, witnesses, suspects, etc. Maintains and processes exhibits, prepares court briefs and disclosure documents, and gives evidence in court(s).

Scope

(Illustrates what internal or external areas the job impacts, and the diversity, complexity, and creativity of the job.)

In addition to providing perimeter security screening for provincial courthouses, the Perimeter Security Sheriff also provides site security for designated Government buildings and facilities. The position is relied on to represent the Branch, Ministry, and Government in a highly professional manner when interacting with Government and courthouse employees, elected officials, the judiciary, visitors to Government buildings and courthouses, and the public.

The position is responsible for perimeter security for provincial courthouses, using electronic equipment to screen people entering courthouses for weapons or other prohibited or restricted contraband and carrying out patrols of Government buildings and courthouses and their perimeters.

The impacts of action or inaction by the position are significant and can result in physical injury or danger to individuals within provincial courthouses and Government buildings. Other consequences of action or inaction by this position can include political embarrassment, financial loss, property damage, civil lawsuits, grievous bodily harm, or death.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Most important knowledge factors, skills and abilities including knowledge about practical procedures, specialized techniques, etc.; analytical and conceptual skills and abilities; and skills needed for direct interaction with others not only diplomas and degrees. Specific training if it is an occupational certification/registration required for the job.)

Post secondary certificate in law enforcement, police science or social sciences is required along with one year of related experience.

Position must successfully complete a two-week training program at the Solicitor General and Public Security Staff College. In addition, the position is required to complete a one week on-site orientation; training in the identification of prohibited and restricted weapons and items; and specialized training relating to the area of assignment (i.e. electronic scanning devices).

The Perimeter Security Sheriff must be competent in all aspects of the duties of a Sheriff with Peace Officer authority, including the use and application of the Alberta Peace Officer Act, the Criminal Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other provincial and federal statutes. In addition to well developed and demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, the position develops recommendations for management with respect to resolving technical problems, upgrading equipment, and other operational issues.

The Perimeter Security Sheriff requires working knowledge of:

applicable Ministry policies, Branch policies and procedures, and legislation and regulations (i.e. Public Works, Supply and Services Act; Crown Property Regulations; Petty Trespass Act; Trespass to Premises Act; Motor Vehicle Act; Edmonton Parking Bylaw; and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;

the radio communication system;

cultural diversity and the Positive Workplace program.

The Perimeter Security Sheriff also requires:

extensive knowledge and expertise as to the operation of electronic scanning devices to screen individuals for weapons or other prohibited contraband;

extensive knowledge and expertise in identifying prohibited and restricted weapons and other items.

The Perimeter Security Sheriff must qualify and maintain:

a minimum Emergency Level First Aid and Level A CPR;
Security Services standards in the use of O.C. spray, the defensive baton, and the Use of Force continuum.

Key tools provided to the Perimeter Security Sheriff include:

baton, O.C. spray, handcuffs;
a hard or soft uniform (full uniform without firearm or blazer with Sheriff’s logo and markings);
Peace Officer designation pursuant to the Alberta Peace Officer Act.

The position must maintain a degree of physical fitness and demonstrate basic computer skills.
A valid Alberta Class V or better operator’s license is required.

Contacts

(Main contacts of this position and the purpose of those contacts.)

Main contacts for position include:

employees of government ministries (i.e. Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, Alberta Justice);
the judiciary;
representatives of law enforcement agencies and first responders;
lawyers;
representatives of outside agencies;
visitors to provincial courthouses;
general public.

The purpose of these contacts is to perform electronic screening of individuals entering provincial courthouses; exchange information; assess risks and/or threats; resolve conflicts or problems; and discuss issues.