Mission Statement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All 911 calls made from Western’s campus will go directly to the London Police Service (LPS) 911 Communication Centre.
Western’s blue emergency phones, red phones and the AlertWesternU SOS app will continue to be directed to Western Special Constable Service (WSCS).
For non-emergency calls to WSCS, please call 519-661-3300 or Ext. 83300.
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.
