SPECIAL CONSTABLES
About Special Constables
What are U of T Special Constables?
The Special Constables who serve with the University of Toronto Campus Safety are dedicated to creating a safe, secure and equitable environment for those who work, live and study on the St. George Campus.
Special Constables are granted enhanced authority by the province through the Toronto Police Services Board, which effectively gives members of the organization the authority of a police officer while on campus. This brings expanded powers to deal with criminal and provincial offences, thereby requiring less Toronto Police presence on campus. The Policy on Policing grants authority to enforce university policy, bringing infractions to the attention of the academic or departmental leaders.
The nature of work performed on campus provides the potential for emergencies of a unique nature. Special Constables are specially trained to deal with campus occurrences that require sensitivity and discretion when responding to community needs.
The St. George campus is a unique university community within an urban setting. Consequently, our Special Constables are specially trained to respond to a variety of campus occurrences with sensitivity, discretion and authority. Special Constables patrol the campus by foot, car and bicycle in order to provide a visible presence.
Our Special Constable Training Program is designed to provide our Special Constables with a sound knowledge of the laws and procedures that front-line officers are required to apply in the performance of their duties. Training includes but is not limited to the areas of Crime Prevention, Law Enforcement, Assistance to victims of crime, and Emergency response.
What authority does a U of T Special Constable have?
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Special Constables are appointed by the Province of Ontario and managed by the Toronto Police Services Board.
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Special Constables have the authority of a police officer on or in relation to University property.
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Special Constables are able to deal with criminal and provincial offences, thereby requiring less Toronto Police presence on campus.
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Special Constables have the powers of arrest and release, have the discretion to act on criminal and provincial offences, and have the authority to transport prisoners within the City of Toronto.
How can I identify a U of T Special Constable?
The University of Toronto Campus Safety employs Special Constables that work in various capacities. All Special Constables will always carry a service-issued metal badge and a warrant card with their photograph on it while on duty. They will display their badge and warrant card upon request.
Uniformed Special Constables may be found wearing one of two uniforms depending on the season or the nature of their work.
General Duty Uniform
From the top down, this uniform consists of:
1) Dark navy blue short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt with Campus Safety Special Constable patches on both sleeves below the shoulder.
2) Dark navy blue cargo pants
3) Duty belt
4) Black duty boots
Special Constables will have their name tag displayed above the shirt chest pocket and epaulettes on the shoulders with their badge number embroidered on it.
Special Constables may also wear a baseball cap or issued forage cap, depending on their duties.
Summer and Bicycle Uniform
From the top down, this uniform consists of:
1) Special Constable baseball cap or bicycle helmet
2) Two-tone polo shirt (top is neon green, bottom is black) with Special Constable patches on both sleeves below the shoulder.
3) Black cargo pants or shorts
4) Duty belt
5) Black duty boots or running shoes
Special Constables will have their name tag displayed above the shirt chest pocket. Newer style uniform shirts will also have epaulettes on the shoulders with the officer's badge number embroidered on it.