Special Municipal Constables

Special Municipal Constables (SMCs) play an important role in VicPD as Community Safety Officers and Jail Guards. SMCs are usually hired into an auxiliary pool, from which we hire for full-time positions.

For many, becoming an SMC is the first step in becoming a police officer as it offers much of the training and experience you need to be competitive in your application, along with mentorship as you work alongside Victoria Police officers. For others, a part-time role as an SMC simply offers an opportunity to be part of the criminal justice system.

SMCs are cross trained as both Community Safety Officers and Jail Guards.

Community Safety Officers assist Victoria Police officers with administrative duties and tasks in support of criminal investigations, which are key to the successful management of case files and to VicPD’s overall delivery of policing services to the community. The duties of Community Safety Officers include:

  • Assisting the public with requests and reports at the Front Desk.
  • Serving subpoenas and summons.
  • Assisting front line officers with tasks including CCTV collection, perimeter security at police incidents, and property transport and management.
  • Providing a uniform presence at public and community events.
  • Aiding or providing relief in the Jail as required.

Jail Guards are responsible for prisoners in the Victoria Police Department jail. This includes the security of prisoners, and all prisoner needs during their detention in the jail. Specific duties include:

  • Maintaining the jail facility and reporting hazards and concerns.
  • Monitoring persons in custody and providing care and meals.
  • Effectively de-escalating, communicating and interacting with persons in custody.
  • Searching prisoners, managing prisoner movements and documenting actions to criminal court standard. Assisting with virtual bail hearings as required.
  • Conducting prisoner intake, documenting health and safety concerns.
  • Account, safekeep and return of property to those entering and leaving custody.
  • Assisting Police Officers in the jail and responding to all jail incidents including medical events. Serving as First Aid attendant for VicPD employees.

Qualifications

To qualify as a Special Municipal Constable applicant, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum age 19 years
  • No criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted
  • Valid Basic First Aid Certificate and CPR (Level C)
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Visual acuity must be no poorer than 20/40, 20/100 uncorrected and 20/20, 20/40 corrected. Applicants having corrective laser surgery must wait three months from time of surgery before applying
  • Hearing requirements: must be above 30 db HL to the 500 to 3000 HZ in both ears, and 50 dB HL in the worst ear at the 3000 + HZ notch
  • Grade 12 High School equivalency (GED)
  • Basic computer skills and keyboarding ability
  • Demonstrated fit and healthy lifestyle
  • Meet the medical requirements of the Victoria Police Department
  • Maturity derived from varied life experience
  • Demonstrated responsibility, initiative, creativity and problem-solving abilities
  • Demonstrated sensitivity to people whose culture, lifestyle or ethnicity is different than your own
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to successfully undergo reference checks
  • Ability to pass security checks, which include polygraph

Competitive Assets (but not pre-requisites)

  • Previous experience as a jail guard or peace officer
  • Fluency in a second language
  • Basic Security Course (BST-Level 1 & 2)
  • First Aid Training OFA level 2

Wages And Benefits

  • Starting wage is $29.44/hr
  • Municipal Pension Plan (full-time only)
  • Physical Training Facilities
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
  • Dental and Vision Care Plan (full-time only)
  • Uniforms and Cleaning Service
  • Group Life Insurance / Basic and Extended Health Plan (including same-sex benefits) (fulltime only)
  • Maternity and Parental Leave

Training
Special Municipal Constables will be trained as both Jail Guards and Community Safety Officers. Training is 3-weeks and provided in house with field portions. Training includes:

  • Booking procedures
  • Use of Force
  • FOI/Privacy Legislation
  • Drug Awareness

Hiring
We are not currently accepting applications for Special Municipal Constables.  The next anticipated competition will be in 2024.  Please follow us on social media to stay informed on current job openings, and consider joining VicPD as a Reserve Constable or Volunteer.