Sub 3 - Job Description

Subsidiary 3 Benchmark
Job Description - 036SH23

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Identification Section

Working Title:	Traffic Sergeant
Department:	Sheriff's Branch
Division, Branch/Unit:	Solicitor General and Public Security
Reports To:	Director
Levels to D.M.:	4

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 Sergeant is directly responsible for delivering complex and a highly specialized program in traffic enforcement and related traffic safety initiatives. The Traffic Sergeant ensures that high levels of coordination exist with stakeholders and partners with interests in the program, including other ministries, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), local and integrated law enforcement agencies, and provincial enforcement agencies.

As a senior supervisory position for a specialized program, the Sergeant must be sensitive to not only operational requirements but also to scrutiny of the program and associated actions of staff members by stakeholders, the public, and the media. A constant focus on professionalism and safety of Sheriffs performing traffic safety enforcement is paramount, given that work is performed within continually evolving, ever-changing, and potentially dangerous environments.

Reporting to the program Director and working within applicable legislation, policies, and procedures, the Criminal Code, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and all provincial and federal statutes, the Traffic Sergeant exercises its authority as a Special Constable (Sheriff) with Peace Officer status under the Alberta Peace Officer Act. In the absence of the program Director, the Traffic Sergeant may be responsible for performing the duties of Acting Director.

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 specialized program and related initiatives are delivered for an assigned area (i.e. region or unit) through effective supervision of Traffic Sheriffs carrying out associated functions. Orients Traffic Sheriffs as to program-specific issues and operation of associated equipment as required. Assigns responsibilities and holds Sheriffs accountable for their actions and decisions. Performs administrative functions, including completing reports and preparing updates and budgets. Prepares and delivers performance evaluations and participates in recruitment of Sheriffs as required. Coaches and mentors Traffic Sheriffs. Identifies training requirements and collaborates with management and Staff College representatives to ensure training programs are delivered. Ensures Security Services standards are met and maintained in the use of designated tools and techniques (i.e. Incident Management Intervention Module (Use of Force), firearms, defensive batons, Oleoresin Capsicum (O.C.) spray, handcuffs).

2.	Appropriate staff members are deployed to specific locations, approved events, and/or assignments in accordance with specific program priorities and performance expectations. Evaluates deployment strategies in collaboration with analytical support and other representatives as appropriate. Identifies concerns and issues associated with specific program through stakeholder involvement and discussions. Collaborates with representatives of local and integrated law enforcement agencies and provincial enforcement agencies to determine and evaluate deployment strategies.

3.	Ensures Traffic Sheriffs and other staff members associated within the area are assigned and available for the execution of responsibilities. Determines work schedules based on operational requirements. Liaises with head office to ensure adequate reporting and communication for all administrative issues (i.e. performance summaries, budgets, etc.). Supervises analytical and administrative support staff assigned to the program, unit, and/or region as appropriate. Ensures Sheriffs and other staff members display high standards of dress, deportment, and professionalism.

4.	The safety of persons in custody and/or properties seized is ensured. Liaises directly with representatives of the Alberta Government, local and integrated law enforcement agencies, RCMP, provincial enforcement agencies, first responders, etc. on an operational basis.

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

6.	The Director is supported in achieving the mandate and goals of the assigned specialized program. Represents the program and Branch by developing and maintaining positive and professional relationships with Government officials and representatives, law enforcement and other agencies, the public, and stakeholders. Participates in business and operational planning activities and ensures staff members are informed of issues impacting work areas; collaborates with program and Branch representatives to ensure coordination and integration of activities. Provides input to development of and revisions to Emergency Standing orders and procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, and contingency plans. Remains current as to new and innovative techniques and strategies associated with the specialized program. Participates in committees and projects, ensuring requirements and perspectives of the program, region, unit, Branch, and/or Division are represented as appropriate. The Traffic Sergeant is responsible for providing leadership and guidance to Traffic Sheriffs. Specific program accountabilities include: The traffic safety enforcement program ensures compliance with relevant provincial statutes on designated primary highways and related public safety through provision of patrol, enforcement, and related services by: Interpreting and enforcing various levels of legislation (provincial and federal statutes) through verbal and written warnings, issuing traffic violation tickets or summons, and affecting arrests on warrant and/or seizure of vehicles where necessary; ensuring safety of drivers and the public when detaining vehicles and drivers. Working closely with the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies to conduct property damage collision investigations and perform other traffic-related duties. Providing assistance to motorists experiencing various problems (i.e. vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies). Partnering with local law enforcement agencies and other provincial enforcement agencies to coordinate patrols and provide support to investigations, thus promoting consistency in enforcement practices. Executing outstanding arrest warrants. Providing information to drivers, committees, and stakeholder groups regarding traffic safety, including participating in public education and traffic safety public relations activities.

Scope

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

The Traffic Sergeant supervises the delivery of a specialized program in a designated region of the province. This position manages the efforts of Traffic Sheriffs delivering traffic enforcement, as well as the delivery of educational, awareness, and other initiatives developed through the specialized program or by other provincial stakeholders with interests in the assigned program. The Sergeant also oversees the activities of staff members when assigned to Government-sponsored and other approved events and ensures Sheriffs are trained in all aspects of assigned functions and related tools and equipment.

The Traffic Sergeant develops evaluation strategies for program operations within the assigned area of responsibility. This position is expected to model a highly professional approach when representing the assigned program and the Branch, Ministry, and Government to stakeholders and partners, including members of law enforcement, provincial enforcement, and integrated law enforcement agencies within Alberta, members of similar agencies from other provinces, and stakeholder organizations.

The Traffic Sergeant requires highly developed and demonstrated problem solving and leadership skills along with professional judgement, initiative, and integrity to deal with stressful and unexpected situations. Excellent communication and negotiation skills combined with environmental and political sensitivity are required to interact effectively with representatives of the Government, the public, stakeholders, and partners. This position also demonstrates leadership in and commitment to ongoing training and development, particularly training associated with the specialized program and the general competencies associated with a Sergeant position.

This position must be able to think rationally while under great pressure. The consequences of failing to do so are significant, ranging from political embarrassment and criticism of the Alberta Government to financial loss, property damage, and civil lawsuits to injury or death to Traffic Sheriffs or other staff members if placed in unsafe environments or conditions.

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.)

In addition to possessing the skills and competencies expected of Traffic Sheriff positions performing the services and functions associated with the program, the Traffic Sergeant is expected to demonstrate skills and competencies associated with supervising, motivating, and training Sheriffs and other staff members. The Sergeant will have completed training at least equivalent to that completed by Traffic Sheriff positions:

Traffic Safety Enforcement

seven week course (in addition to basic training) that includes traffic enforcement training, emergency vehicle operation training, officer safety, high risk approach, property damage collision investigation, collection of evidence, scenario training, advanced or enhanced driving instruction, etc. Upon successful completion of training, participants will be certified as Level 2 collision investigators and will be court-qualified on numerous speed detection practises and specialized equipment operations.

Investigation

In addition to basic induction training (or equivalent), specialized training will include investigation techniques, practises 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 Sergeant must be competent in all aspects of the duties of a Special Constable 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 Sergeant requires working knowledge of:

legislation (provincial and federal statutes) pertaining to the specialized program;
applicable policies and procedures;
Standing Operations procedures;
Emergency Standing Orders;
equipment associated with the specialized program (i.e. radar, laser, etc);
the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
the radio communication system;
the Positive Workplace program, including the ability to demonstrate and exercise this knowledge;
emergency vehicles protocol if applicable to specialized program;
various police cultures, policies and practices.

The Sergeant also requires knowledge and awareness of:

cultural diversity;
organized crime and gang behaviour;
police motorcycle operations;
digital video recording;
officer safety and High Risk Vehicle Takedown standards and procedures.

The Sergeant must qualify and maintain:

a Class V or better Alberta operator's license;

a minimum Emergency Level First Aid and Level C CPR;

Security Services standards in the use of a firearm, O.C. spray, the defensive baton, handcuffs, and the Use of Force continuum;

an enhanced level of security screening for CPIC.

Key tools provided include:

firearm, baton, O.C. 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.

The Traffic Sergeant must maintain a degree of physical fitness and demonstrate computer skills commensurate with requirements of the position.

Contacts

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

Main contacts for the Traffic Sergeant vary may include any or all of the following:

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

ministry and government representatives and officials;

first responders;

stakeholders with interests in specialized program (i.e. traffic enforcement, safety, and education);

general public;

Alberta motorists;

representatives of outside agencies;

offenders;

lawyers and judiciary;

media contact at the regional level regarding education, enforcement and investigational initiatives in addition to being the contact at some vehicle collision situations.

The purpose of these contacts is to exchange information; provide direction; collaborate on specialized program issues and initiatives; assess risks and/or threats; and identify and resolve conflicts or problems. The Sergeant may also be required to apprehend and detain individuals and conduct arrests (including high risk suspects).

Organization

(Working titles of positions reporting directly to this position.)

The Traffic Sergeant supervises Traffic Sheriff positions assigned to a designated region or unit. This position may also supervise administrative and analytical support staff associated with the specialized program.