Thread by @OSCApresident

Well, it’s that time again! Time to educate and advocate. Ever wonder what #Ontario #SpecialConstables are?
What they do?
Why they do it?
How they do it?
This is the thread for you!
#TOpoli #partnersinpublicsafety 1/12

#DYK #SpecialConstables are sworn Peace Officers, defined in s.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/… SPC appointments are approved by the local police services boards with only federal, provincial and municipal authorities needed to fulfil their function 2/12

#DYK #SpecialConstables are employed by 1) Police Services and 2) Non-Police employers such as Housing, Transit and Universities. They are not security and not police. A Special Constable is a Special Constable. 3/12

#DYK Police #SpecialConstables perform functions as: Court security, offender transport, scene management duties, cell block duties, to name a few. @CobourgPolice use #SpecialConstables for many functions that require a Peace Officer but free up police to do police functions 4/12

#SpecialConstables play important functions in police services. Their work requires being a sworn peace officer, but allows Police to perform functions only police can respond to. They are an integral part of the #Police team 5/12

#DYK Non-Police #SpecialConstables - Transit, Housing, Universities - perform law enforcement, public safety, customer service functions to ensure people in vulnerable environments have expedient access to help when required 6/12

Transit, housing, and universities are unique environments, with complex infrastructures. #Special Constables enhance public safety by addressing issues that need more than a security response, but less than a police response. 7/12

Special Constables are tremendous #partnersinpublicsafety. They bridge the delivery of public safety services to their communities by helping address calls for service that otherwise would go to the Police such as: 8/12

Thefts, simple assaults, mischief, passenger/tenant disputes, noise complaints, suspicious behaviour, service complaints, mental health calls to name a few. In these scenarios, #SpecialConstables are trained and equipped to address it professionally and appropriately. 9/12

Often, their uniformed presence in the transit, housing and university communities deters crime, allowing people to move safely in these spaces 10/12

10/ Because these environments are their sole focus, Special Constables often get to know many of the vulnerable people who frequently require assistance and connect them with community resources, thus elevating their access to #publicsafety
11/12

#SpecialConstables are essential #partnersinpublicsafety. They are law enforcement professionals, dedicated, and care very much for their communities. I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with all Ontario Special Constables. 12/12 end