Cell Guard (Auxiliary)

Surrey Police Service; Surrey; On-site; Part time

Job summary

A municipal police agency in Metro Vancouver seeks an Auxiliary Cell Guard to monitor prisoners, prepare meals, and maintain records. The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills and attention to detail, with Grade 12 education and required First Aid certification. This role includes rotating shifts and offers competitive hourly pay. Candidates must pass a police security clearance.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Unionized position benefits

Qualifications

• Must obtain and maintain police security clearance including a polygraph examination.

Responsibilities

• Monitor prisoners visually and via closed-circuit TV.
• Prepare and serve meals to prisoners.
• Maintain daily records and documentation.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Observational skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency with photographic and computer equipment

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Emergency First Aid and CPR C certification

Job description

Surrey Police Service (SPS)

Cell Guard

Auxiliary

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is Surrey’s new municipal police agency. On November 29, 2024, SPS became the police of jurisdiction, and assumed responsibility and command for policing and law enforcement in Surrey. SPS is working to redefine policing with innovative new approaches and community‑based solutions. It’s an exciting time as SPS continues to expand our team with talented people who want to help shape the future of policing in Surrey. To date we’ve hired over 550 police officers and over 450 civilian support staff and will grow to be one of the largest independent police services in Canada. Since day one, SPS has been intentional about building a culture that is inclusive, respectful and supportive, with a strong focus on employee wellness and career development.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Surrey Police Service (SPS) has an exciting opportunity for auxiliary Cell Guard. The Cell Guard is responsible for monitoring prisoners' well‑being using closed‑circuit TV, preparing and serving meals, and maintaining detailed records, including prisoner logs and incident reports. This role ensures proper documentation, responds to inquiries about jail procedures, and provides information to superiors and Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers. Additional duties include monitoring supplies, reporting cell maintenance needs, assisting in emergency first aid, and supporting fellow staff.

The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, follows SPS policies and procedures, and remains calm in emergencies. They possess excellent observational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with photographic and computer equipment, including SPS policing systems. Knowledge of the legal system, safety regulations, and SPS operations is an asset. Physical strength, stamina, and police security clearance are required.

SCHEDULE / HOURS OF WORK

To be eligible for this auxiliary position, incumbents must be able to commit to a minimum of eight (8) days (Day and Night shifts) of availability per month. Shifts may include weekdays, evenings, weekend and holidays. Assigned shifts may be pre‑scheduled or by call‑in.

The anticipated schedule for a full‑time position is 40 hours per week, which follows a rotating shift pattern of four days on followed by four days off. Each shift is 12 hours long, with each rotation including two‑day shifts and two‑night shifts. Please note, the hours are subject to change based on operational needs and adherence to the Collective Agreement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Open, close doors, and monitor prisoners visually.
• Use closed circuit TV in cells to check prisoners' physical condition.
• Prepare and serve meals to prisoners.
• Maintain daily records, including prisoner log, meal counts, and incident reports.
• Ensure completed documentation is attached to C-13 prisoner forms.
• Handle inquiries related to jail procedures and prisoners in custody.
• Provide information to superiors and Surrey Police Service (SPS) police officers regarding prisoners.
• Monitor and maintain supplies.
• Advise supervisor of necessary cell maintenance.
• Assist in first aid for prisoners in emergency situations.
• Assist other staff in performing their duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of Grade 12, or equivalent, supplemented by related training and experience.
• A valid Emergency First Aid and CPR C certification with AED is required.
• All applicants must obtain and maintain the required police security clearance throughout their employment with SPS, which includes a mandatory polygraph examination.

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

Surrey Police Service is committed to providing a supportive and fulfilling work environment for our Auxiliary and Temporary Full‑Time (TFT) employees. They have access to valuable resources such as the Employee Assistance Program (FSEAP), offering confidential support for personal and family matters, as well as a dedicated Employee Services team to assist with well‑being. At SPS, we prioritize creating an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere where all employees are supported in their professional and personal development.

• This is a unionised position, represented by CUPE 402.
• The salary range for this position is $29.76/hour to $32.57/hour (pay grade 17L) based on 2024 Rates.

Applications must be submitted through our online Careers page. This posting will remain open until 11:55pm on November 28, 2025; however, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close earlier if a suitable candidate is selected.

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Thank you for your interest in working with SPS. We pride ourselves on hiring members that model the mission, vision, and values of SPS through unquestioned integrity and sustaining a visible, credible, inclusive, and respected profile.