Careers with the Community Safety Unit

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    What is the Community Safety Unit? 

    The CSU is a team of special constables, parking enforcement officers, dispatchers, community safety advisors and other management and administrative staff, who collaborate with internal and external partners to foster community safety and well-being in TCHC communities.  

    CSU staff work directly in TCHC communities, conducting patrols and site visits, responding to calls, helping to resolve complaints and disputes, assisting victims and apprehending offenders, building relationships within communities by breaking down barriers of lived experiences, and partnering with other law enforcement, fire, and social service agencies. 

    TCHC special constables have peace/police officer authority on and in relation to Toronto Community Housing properties and can enforce the following legislation: 

    • Criminal Code of Canada, 
    • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 
    • Mental Health Act, 
    • Liquor License Control Act, 
    • Trespass to Property Act, and 
    • Provincial Offences Act. 

    Though Special Constables as designated as “Police Officers” to enforce or act on provincial legislation, they are not police officers and do not identify themselves as such. 

    Positions available

    • Special Constables: Provide 24-hour, 7-day-a-week security and safety services to TCHC communities, while developing strong partnerships and community ties with tenants, staff, local agencies and other stakeholders to improve the health and well-being of the community. 
    • Parking Enforcement Officers: Provide a full range of parking control and administrative duties, such as ensuring that illegally parked vehicles are dealt with in an appropriate manner including tagging and/or towing or posting vehicles with warning notices.  

    • Dispatchers: Use radio/dispatch skills to receive, assess, and respond to telephone calls involving requests for assistance, filing complaints, reporting incidents and emergencies. 

    • Community Safety Advisors: Accountable for gathering information and maintaining effective relationships and networks with tenants, community agencies, Toronto Police Service, City of Toronto officials and others to identify crime and social order problems and support the development of effective solutions. 

    • Dispatch Supervisors: Oversee and coordinate day-to-day operations of the Community Safety Unit dispatch services team, including leading staff, managing resources, administering the dispatch services program, Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) administration and relationship management. 

    • Field Supervisors – Sergeants: Coordinate and supervise a large team of special constables and other security staff in providing community patrol and response coverage to TCHC communities, incorporating site and mobile control, dispatch and parking services. Coordinating with emergency agencies such as the police, fire and ambulance services. 

    • Field Intelligence Officer: Receive and assess intelligence information of a confidential nature. Facilitate the flow of information/intelligence between TCHC, Community Safety Unit and the Intelligence Services of TPS . 

    • Managers – Staff sergeants: Lead a team of field supervisors, special constables and dispatchers in supporting a safe and secure environment for TCHC tenants and staff in a 24/7 environment. 

    • Other management and support staff positions 

    Learn more about the CSU.

    What you need to join the CSU

    • Experience or knowledge of law enforcement, safety and security practices and techniques, social services or other applicable fields.  
    • The ability to demonstrate good judgment in responding to emergency situations, carrying out security and safety duties, assessing security incidents, investigating complaints and incidents and, when necessary, de-escalating difficult situations. 

    • Capability to physically and mentally perform the duties of the position, having regard for your own safety and the safety of members of the public. 

    • The ability to successfully pass a police background check. 

    • A valid driver’s license with a good driving record and full driving privileges in Ontario. 

    • A passion for creating healthy and vibrant communities for some of Toronto’s most vulnerable residents by being proactive, solution-focused and accountable. 

    • A commitment to treating every TCHC tenant with respect and integrity and creating an inclusive environment. 

    • The ability to develop strong working relationships with Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire Services, community partners and social agencies. 

    What you’ll need to become a Special Constable: 

    • All applicants will be required to submit a valid certification letter from Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police ("OACP") or proof of prior Peace Officer status within Canada in the past 5 years and proof of a valid Fit Pin (physical test exemptions may apply). Please visit https://oacpcertificate.ca/ or contact OACP directly at 647-777-8313 or email support@oacpcertificate.ca for additional information. 

    • Valid G license. 

    • Possess and maintain full security and police clearance including fingerprinting and background check.

    • Must pass mandatory re-qualification training, tests and background investigation/checks, as required. 

    If you think you have what it takes, apply today!

    Current opportunities

    Learn more about our hiring process and training program