Sub 3 - Job Description

Subsidiary 3 Benchmark
Job Description - 035SH18

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Identification Section

Working Title:	Traffic Sheriff
Department:	Sheriff's Branch
Division, Branch/Unit:	Solicitor General and Public Security
Reports To:	Sergeant
Levels to D.M.:	5

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 Traffic Sheriff provides complex and highly specialized service in collision investigation, Awareness and Educational presentations as well as warrant apprehension and traffic safety enforcement. The Traffic Sheriffs work within continually evolving, ever-changing, and potentially dangerous environments.

Reporting to a Traffic Sergeant, this position works within applicable legislation, policies and procedures, the Criminal Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other provincial and federal statutes. The Traffic Sheriff exercises its authority as a Peace Officer (Sheriff) 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.)

The Traffic Sheriff is assigned to the traffic safety and enforcement unit - Compliance with relevant provincial statutes on designated primary and secondary highways and related public safety is ensured through provision of patrol, awareness presentations and enforcement related activities.

Interprets and enforces various levels of legislation (provincial and federal statutes) through verbal and written warnings, issuing traffic violation tickets , summons, promises to appear and affecting arrests on Federal and provincial warrants and/or seizure of vehicles and other evidence where necessary.

Ensures safety of drivers and the public when detaining vehicles and drivers.

Works closely with the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies to conduct property damage collision investigations and perform other related duties mainly focused on traffic enforcement.

Provides assistance to motorists experiencing various problems (i.e. vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies).

Partners with local law enforcement agencies and other provincial enforcement agencies to coordinate patrols and provide support to investigations, thus promoting consistency in enforcement practices.

Executes outstanding arrest warrants by arresting Criminals who have been identified as a result of a traffic stop.

Provides information to drivers, committees, and stakeholder groups regarding traffic safety, including participating in public education and traffic safety public relations activities.

Construct traffic safety plans in consultation with other stakeholders and partners.

Assist internal and external partners as directed.

Interviews, reports, and legal documents are completed in accordance with established policies and standards.

Completes reports and legal documents in preparation for prosecution.

Ensures that evidence from a collision scene is properly obtained if it is necessary to collect items before the police or RCMP arrives on the scene.

Conducts interviews and takes statements from Peace Officers, 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.)

The Traffic Sheriff provides highly specialized traffic services in close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, provincial enforcement agencies, and integrated law enforcement agencies to promote the safety and security of citizens and communities within Alberta. The position is to maintain a positive relationship with these agencies as well as the public, using excellent interpersonal, public relations, communication, investigative, and crisis management skills.

The position actively contributes to and participates in various training functions, demonstrating commitment to training associated with the specialized assignment and the general competencies associated with a senior Sheriff position. In addition, some Traffic Sheriff positions are involved in curriculum development and course delivery at the training facility, instructing other Sheriffs and stakeholders as required.

This position is expected to represent the Branch, Ministry, and Government in a highly professional manner when interacting with stakeholders and partners, including members of law enforcement agencies within Alberta, members of similar agencies from other provinces, and stakeholder organizations. This position also provides guidance and mentoring for other members of the Sheriffs Branch gaining experience in or recently assigned to traffic enforcement.

The Traffic Sheriff is expected to demonstrate leadership, initiative, and integrity in relation to performance of all aspects of job responsibilities. This position may function as the “second in command” and may be required to assume the duties of the Sergeant as required.

The impacts of action or inaction by the position are significant, and can result in physical injury, danger to the public, and other employees. 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.)

2 years of post-secondary study in law enforcement, police science or social sciences is required along with two years of related experience. The position must complete an internal six week induction program consisting of conflict resolution, criminal law, security procedures, court room protocol, defensive driving, defensive tactics, physical training, arrest apprehension, etc.

A Traffic Sheriff also goes through specialized training. Training requirements are consistent with or exceed that of Alberta law enforcement agencies performing similar functions.

Traffic Safety Enforcement and Investigation Training

Seven week training curriculum (in addition to basic training) that includes traffic enforcement training, emergency vehicle operation training, officer safety, high risk approach, Level 2 Advanced collision investigation, collection of evidence, scenario training, advanced or enhanced driving instruction, Speed detection training and equipment use etc. Upon successful completion of training, position will be certified as a Level 2 collision investigator and will be court-qualified on numerous speed detection practices and specialized equipment operations.

Investigation Training

In addition to basic induction training (or equivalent), specialized training will include investigation techniques, practices and principles, advanced report writing, court presentation and advanced law studies with a focus on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and case law.

The Traffic Sheriff must be competent in all aspects of the duties of a Special Constable (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 as well as all other Provincial and Federal statutes.

The position requires working knowledge of:

applicable policies and procedures;
Standing Operations Procedures;
Emergency Standing Orders;
the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
the Criminal Code of Canada;
the radio communication system;
the Positive Workplace program, including the ability to demonstrate and exercise this knowledge;
Canadian Police Information Center CPIC.

The position requires in-depth knowledge of:

cultural diversity;
legislation (provincial and federal statutes) pertaining to traffic safety enforcement;
various police culture, policies and practices;
use of Digital Video Recording Devices, Laser Speed and Measurement units and Moving mode radar equipment;
Police Motorcycle Operations;
Officer Safety and High Risk Vehicle Takedown Standards.

The position must qualify and maintain:

a Class 5 and Class 6 or better Alberta operator's license;

a minimum Emergency Level First Aid and Level A CPR;

Security Services standards in the use of a firearm, Oleoresin Capsicum spray, the defensive baton, and the Use of Force continuum;

an enhanced level of Security Screening for CPIC.

Key tools provided to include:

firearm, baton, Oleoresin Capsicum spray, and handcuffs;
a hard or soft uniform (full uniform with firearm or blazer with Sheriff’s logo and markings or plain-clothes);
Peace Officer designation pursuant to the Alberta Peace Officer Act.

Any Sheriff position must maintain a degree of physical fitness and demonstrate above average computer skills commensurate with requirements of the specialized function.

Contacts

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

Main contacts for a Traffic Sheriff include any or all of the following:

ministry and government representatives and officials;

representatives of law enforcement agencies, provincial enforcement agencies, and integrated law enforcement agencies within Alberta;

first responders;

representatives of Sheriffs Branch and Correctional Services;

]general public;

representatives of outside agencies;

Media at Collision, educational ,enforcement ,investigations and related situations acting as a representative of the Branch.

The purpose of these contacts is to exchange information; issue traffic violation tickets or summons; seize vehicles; conduct investigations; assess risks and/or threats; identify and resolve conflicts or problems; discuss issues; and apprehend and detain individuals; conduct arrests (including high risk suspects).