Community Peace Officer

Brazeau County is looking for a motivated and community-minded individual to join our Community Services team!
Do you have a passion for public safety, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in your community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Peace Officer (CPO) is responsible for community awareness and day-to-day enforcement of Municipal Bylaws and Provincial Statutes. In addition, the CPO will assist County departments, Emergency Response agencies, and outside agencies as required. This position will professionally promote public awareness and education while striving to achieve voluntary compliance. The program is delivered through a proactive, preventative, educational, and highly visible patrol program.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Community Peace Officer, the duties and responsibilities of the CPO include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensures a high level of professionalism when dealing with the public and external contacts.
• Delivers CPO enforcement communications to the public in a calm, non-judgmental, unbiased, and friendly manner
• Responsible for enforcing all municipal bylaws and provincial statutes that are within authority of a Community Peace Officer appointment.
• Patrols municipal roadways to ensure compliance of the Traffic Safety Act and other Acts and Regulations according to Solicitor General appointment, as well as all County Bylaws:
  • Enforces weight restrictions and infrastructure protection on municipal roads
  • Inspects and ensures compliance of Road Use Agreements
  • Maintains accurate records regarding issuance of violation tickets and summons by County CPO’s
  • Develops and reviews the Traffic Management Plan to ensure proper implementation
• Patrols municipal roadways to prevent and detect violations and enforcement of Municipal Bylaws and select Provincial Statutes within the County
• Assists emergency services agencies, when request, by providing additional emergency response support, including traffic control during motor vehicle collisions
• Liaises with RCMP, Peace Officers from other municipalities, law enforcement officials, and emergency personnel for the purpose of carrying out the duties of this position
• Assists County staff on matters that may involve safety and security concerns

Investigations

• Thoroughly investigate inquires or complaints from the public and take appropriate action. Provide fair and equitable solutions for compliance and/or enforcement, and notify complainants of the outcome when applicable
• Prepare professional testimony in court and prepare/produce evidence to support prosecutions
• Document all incidents in approved enforcement reporting software (MRF Records Management, APIS, E-Ticketing) while utilizing databases (iNet/CPIC, ROADS, JOIN) in accordance with governing legislation, departmental policies, and established procedures
• Collect and store evidence in a manner that meets legislative requirements
• Prepare detailed reports, maintain accurate and organized records, and provide professional testimony in court to support prosecutions when required

Public Awareness and Education

• Work with the Brazeau County team to maintain positive public relations
• Participate in community relations, public education and safety, and crime prevention-related initiatives as assigned
• Contributes to planning and delivering public awareness events and initiatives on behalf of Community Services
• Animal Control
• Respond to complaints, apprehend animals, provide safe rescue and release of animals, educate public, answer inquires, complete detailed reports, transport animals, appear and testify in court, maintain files, and liaise with outside agencies as required
• Maintains positive working relationship with any/all animal control contractors as required
• Liaison with rescue groups; and local veterinary clinic regarding canine control and other areas of concern

Decision Making and Independence

• Makes quick and pertinent decisions based on knowledge of laws and regulations as they may deal with the public in confrontational situations and must use sound judgment to resolve them
• Works with a high degree of independence and is required to frequently communicate with the other Community Peace Officers and the Senior Community Peace Officer during shifts
• A high level of discretion and confidentiality is required

Administrative and Other Responsibilities

• Maintains all required CPO certification requirements and proactively schedules training
• Adhere to all the Alberta Solicitor General’s Policies and Directives and follow documentation management accordingly for Solicitor General requirements, including audits
• Adhere to all guidelines and Policies set out by the Solicitor Generals Community Peace Officer Program and Brazeau County policies, along with staying current on legislative changes. Along with timely and organized documentation management that meets Solicitor General requirements, including audits
• Responsible for completing CPO-related documentation
• May be required to provide coverage for the Senior Community Peace Officer during extended absences.
• Accountable for the work group’s compliance with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations, and Codes and actively leads and participates in the County’s Health, Safety and Wellness Program
• Undertakes any other reasonable duty, commensurate with the classification and responsibility of the position, across the department to meet service priorities and business continuity requirements.
• May be required to participate and support Brazeau County’s emergency management team and incident management team during an incident or event.
• Issues with significant impact are referred to the Senior Community Officer for decision in liaison with the Director of Community Services or designate as required
• Provides information to the Senior CPO of the needs as identified during the course of regular duties, which would improve or enhance applicable County enforcement bylaws.

Competency Areas

Education/Training:

• A justice studies or law enforcement diploma or in a related law enforcement field is required.
• A combination of equivalent education and experience in law enforcement may be considered.
• A recruit candidate may be considered if they are a suitable fit for the role and qualified to enroll in officer training within an available intake period of starting employment.

Licenses/Certifications/Designation:

• Must meet the requirements to be appointed as a Community Peace Officer Level 1 as required by the Solicitor General of Alberta.
• Possess a valid Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (P.A.R.E.) certification test that is current and completed within the last six (6) months or equivalent
• RADAR/LIDAR certification or the ability to obtain and maintain for traffic enforcement duties.
• A valid Possession Acquisition License (PAL) is required or the ability to be obtained during employment
• Shotgun Operators course training is required to be obtained during employment
• Animal Control training is required to be obtained during employment
• A valid Class 5 License is required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• A satisfactory Five-Year Commercial Driver’s Abstract is required.
• Emergency vehicle operations course (EVOC) certification is required to be obtained during employment
• A clean Criminal Record Check is required throughout the course of employment. A Vulnerable Sector Check clearance may be required if working with youth on a regular basis.
• Incident Command System 300 Certification will be required to obtained during employment.

Experiences/Knowledge/Skills:

• A minimum of two years related law enforcement experience is desired.
• Prior municipal enforcement experience, including bylaw enforcement, is an asset.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences is required.
• Ability to contribute as a dedicated team member to establish and maintain positive working relationships within the department.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision with strong independent decision-making skills.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to manage time effectively between field and administrative duties.
• Effective writing ability and computer skills are required to perform in this position
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Must have conflict resolution skills to de-escalate conversations and situations effectively
• Ability to uphold and handle complex issues in an ethical and professional manner, and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• The individual should have knowledge of safe handling of domestic animals, including various animal breeds and species
• Extensive knowledge and application of provincial statutes and municipal bylaws are necessary to effectively perform the duties required of an appointed Community Peace Officer.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

• Direct reporting relationships:
• Senior Community Peace Officer

Indirect reporting relationships:

• Director of Community Services
• Chief Administrative Officer or designate
• Senior Management Team

Interaction with external contacts:

• Law Enforcement Agencies
• First Responders
• Alberta Health Services
• Alberta SPCA
• Local/Provincial/Federal Government representatives
• Provincial courts
• Residents and landowners
• Media
• Vendors and suppliers

Classification and Compensation:

• Full-Time Permanent
• Annual salary range is $77,753 to $103,671
• Non-Supervisory
• Some shift work including weekends and evenings is required.
• Hours of work are on a 7-day schedule, up to 37.5 hours per week, this is subject to modified hours from time to time depending upon CPO coverage needs.
• Participates in the earned flex day program
• Eligible for Wellness and TOIL days program
• Eligible for benefits and pension

#LI-DNI