campus police building

Mission Statement

WSCS Logo

Campus Safety and Emergency Services is a values-driven service based on dignity and respect. We are committed to excellence in professional standards, personal development, community partnerships, and activities contributing to the safety, security and quality of life in the diverse University community.

Who are the Western Special Constable Service?

The Western Special Constable Service consists of a team of dedicated professionals that provide a safe and secure environment to community members and guests at Western University and its affiliated University Colleges. Patrol officers and their supervisors are sworn in as Special Constables and have authority "on campus" similar to that of London Police.

What hours is the Western Special Constable Service open?

The Western Special Constable Service is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Western Special Constable Service Communications Centre and Reception is accessed through a 24 hour entrance at the rear of the Stevenson-Lawson Building.

Can Western Special Constables lay charges or arrest someone?

Yes. Western Special Constables have many of the same powers and authority on campus as London Police have for the entire Province of Ontario. For the purposes of the Criminal Code, Western Special Constables are peace officers. Authority for WSCS is the area within the boundary lines of University and affiliate's properties.

Can Western Special Constables lay charges or arrest someone off campus? If so, how far off campus?

Western Special Constables have jurisdiction within the boundaries of Western University and its affiliated University Colleges. If a Western Special Constable determines a criminal offence occured outside WSCS jurisdiction, the London Police Service will be contacted to continue the investigation.

Do Western Special Constables carry guns?

Western Special Constables do not carry guns. Every sworn member is trained, and recertified annually, in provincially mandated "Use of Force" training. Western Special Constables do carry a baton, Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper) spray, and handcuffs.

Where can a Western Special Constable pull me over in my car ?

Western Special Constables drive marked vehicles distinct from London Police Service vehicles. Their primary focus is traffic management on campus roadways. In cases of criminal driving offences, such as impaired driving, Western Special Constables will pull over driver within their jurisdiction.

Is there a holding cell on Campus?

There is no holding cell on Campus. When a person needs to be held in custody, Western Special Constables will transport in custody person to the London Police Service Headquarters Detention Unit.

When does a 911 call go to Western Special Constable Service and not London Police Service (LPS)?

Western Special Constable Service is linked by hotline to LPS, EMS, and Fire Services. Dialling 911 on a campus telephone will route the call to Western Special Constable Service who will dispatch a Western Special Constable and any other necessary emergency services. Dialling 911 on a cell phone or Bell Canada pay phone will route the call to the LPS 911 Centre. If the call is routed to the LPS 911 Centre, and the emergency is on campus, the LPS 911 Operator will conference the call back to Western Special Constable Service. The Western Special Constable Service portable radio system is also linked to the city wide radio system. This "trunked" radio system allows for two way radio communications between all emergency services in London.

Do Brescia, Huron, and King’s University Colleges have their own Special Constable Service as well?

No. Western Special Constable Service provides this service under contract to the affiliated University Colleges. The appointment from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the London Police Service Board extends the Special Constable authority to the Affiliated University Colleges.