Authority and Jurisdiction

Special Constable Appointment

Western Special Constable Service officers are appointed as special constables under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019.

Under Ontario Regulation 396/23, WSCS officers fall within the category of special constables not otherwise described in items 1 to 4 of the regulation. The prescribed purpose for this category includes providing security in relation to the premises of the special constable employer.

Each officer’s appointment defines the purpose, geographic jurisdiction, powers, and conditions under which the officer may exercise special constable authority.

A special constable appointment does not make an officer a police officer. WSCS officers exercise only the authorities granted through applicable legislation and the terms of their appointments.

Geographic Jurisdiction

WSCS officers exercise their special constable authority on the following properties in London, Ontario:

• Western University’s main campus
• West Campus (formerly Brescia, now part of main campus)
• Platt's Lane Estates
• Huron University College
• King’s University College

WSCS provides special constable services to Huron University College and King’s University College under service agreements. Officers’ appointments extend their special constable authority to those affiliated university college properties.

Incidents outside these properties are generally handled by the London Police. WSCS works with the London Police Service and other agencies when an incident involves both campus and off-campus locations.

Powers and Authorities

Within their appointed jurisdiction and while performing authorized duties, WSCS officers may exercise the powers granted by law and specified in their individual special constable appointments.

Depending on the circumstances and the authority provided by their appointments, WSCS officers may:

• Investigate criminal offences, provincial offences, safety concerns, and violations of University policies
• Arrest individuals when lawful grounds and applicable arrest authority exist
• Detain individuals where detention is legally authorized
• Conduct searches and seize evidence or property when authorized by law
• Lay charges or issue provincial offence notices for offences they are authorized to enforce
• Direct traffic and stop vehicles where Highway Traffic Act authority applies
• Enforce trespass laws and remove or arrest individuals when legally authorized
• Take custody of a person apprehended under the Mental Health Act where permitted
• Use reasonable force only where legally authorized and necessary in the circumstances

These authorities are limited by legislation, WSCS policies and procedures, required training, geographic jurisdiction, and the terms and conditions of each officer’s appointment.

WSCS officers are not police officers and do not have unrestricted police authority. Matters outside WSCS authority or jurisdiction are referred to or handled in partnership with the police service or agency responsible.

Primary Legislation

WSCS officers operate under several federal and provincial laws. The authority available in a particular situation depends on the legislation involved, the officer’s appointment, geographic jurisdiction, and the circumstances of the incident.

This list summarizes key legislation and is not exhaustive. WSCS officers may also enforce other federal, provincial, and municipal laws where authorized by legislation and their appointments.

Accountability and Oversight

WSCS officers are accountable for exercising their authority lawfully, professionally, and within the limits of their special constable appointments.

• Western University is responsible for the administration, policies, training, supervision, and operation of WSCS as the special constable employer
• Special constable appointments and authorities are subject to Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and applicable regulations
• Officers must comply with Ontario Regulation 410/23, the Code of Conduct for Special Constables
• WSCS policies, procedures, reporting requirements, and supervisory review guide how officers perform their duties
• Complaints about special constable conduct or WSCS policies and services are reviewed through the applicable complaint process
• Appointment authorities may be restricted, suspended, or revoked when legal or appointment requirements are not met

Members of the Western community may submit compliments or complaints concerning the conduct of a WSCS member or the policies and services of WSCS.