Employment Progression

The Operations section has primary responsibility for the employment of all Commissionaires. It starts the day you walk in and pick up an application for enrolment. They determine the number of new Commissionaires required and when a course should run, based on the amount of work currently available and anticipated. A class is selected for the next course from available candidates who have been screened as suitable. The Directorof Administration holds an introductory session and then the Training Officer, Dusty Miller, conducts two weeks of training.

Following successful completion of the training and selection for enrolment, Karen Hanbury takes over as the new Commissionaire's supervisor and provides employment from the "A" or spares list. Commissionaires on the list must be available for any and all assignments at the call of the Dispatcher or the Duty Officer. All candidates must successfully complete a 90 day period of probation once they have been enrolled.

Karen manages casual employment to meet the needs of short term clients and provides back up and replacements for our regular detachments. Ray is assisted by the Duty Officer, Dave Eden, who performs this function from his briefcase and cell phone outside of normal office hours.

After a period of time on the "A" or spares list most Commissionaires join a permanent detachment with regularly scheduled work. This depends on turnover at the detachments or creation of new detachments as a result of additional contracts. Selection for assignment to a regular detachment is normally accomplished through an interview process, led by the Detachment Commander. A further 90 day period of probation must be successfully completed at the new detachment.

Operations Management

The Director of Operations is responsible to the CEO for all operational matters. He is the immediate supervisor of the Detachment Commanders and is responsible for supporting the detachments to provide the best service we can to our clients. This includes provision of properly trained personnel and equipment such as radios, cell phones, vehicles, rain gear, safety items, computers, and other items specific to the job site. The Director of Operations is responsible for maintaining contact with the clients and for renewing our contracts. He is also involved with finding new contracts by responding to Tenders and Requests for Proposal.

The Operations section in the Divisional Office has two major components. An Employee Relations Officer who advises Divisional Office staff, Detachment Commanders and Commissionaires in all areas of Human Resources, including Employee Relations, Labour Relations, Benefits and Occupational Health and Safety.

The ongoing management of client contracts is performed by four Customer Services Managers, who also act as backup to the Dispatcher and the Duty Officer when required.

Helen Salmon manages all federal, provincial and municipal contracts and tracks their particulars and renewal dates. She sets up new contracts and new detachments and oversees the preparation and upkeep of all of our post orders.

Harry Elliott coordinates the RCMP Guards and Matrons program and conducts the training required for these positions. He liaises closely with the RCMP Detachments to ensure their requirements are met.

Bill Chimko manages a combination of Provincial Government and commercial contracts and provides technical advice on the full range of security challenges facing Commissionaires and clients, including Threat Risk Assessments. Bill has brought a wealth of experience as the supervisor of the Royal BC Museum which he is putting to good use, particularly on fostering client relations.

Ray Doucette is responsible for the growing mobile patrol business, which has three vehicles in use in the Victoria area. This is a growing line of business which also provides a change of pace for the Commissionaires who conduct the patrols.

Our most enjoyable work in Operations is supporting Commissionaires in the field and getting your feedback on how to do the job better and how to improve your service to your client.

We also look forward to chatting with you informally when we visit your sites or when you visit the Divisional Office. Our coffee pot is always on.