15 Oct. 2013 – For immediate release
Carleton University celebrated the 20th anniversary of swearing in its first special constables today. The special constable designation means that the Police Services Board has approved the applicant be given peace officer powers – which allows them to make arrests, conduct investigations and charge individuals under certain provincial laws. Special constables do not lay criminal charges, but work with the Ottawa Police Service in cases where criminal charges would be appropriate.
“This is our 20th anniversary celebrating the special constable program,” said Duncan Watt, Vice President (Finance and Administration). “I would like to recognize people who aren’t here today, one is Chief Brian Ford who was the chief when this program was put in place and the other is our past director of Campus Safety Services, Mark Tinlin, who had this brilliant idea 20 years ago. We are very grateful for their foresight and leadership.”
Carleton is one of just nine other universities in Ontario to have special constables.
“In 1993, Carleton University and the Ottawa Police Service entered into an agreement to give special constable status to Carleton security officers,” said Allan Burns, director of Campus Safety Services. “An original group of security officers started the training to become special constables, which included attending the Ontario police college and taking the basic recruit training course.”
Today, those in training are put through use-of-force instruction and testing, and must complete written tests on topics such as federal and provincial laws, case law and use of force.
“The Ottawa Police Service is fortunate to work together with these dedicated officers to provide a highly skilled and professional service,” said OPS Chief Charles Bordeleau. “University campuses are growing more complex and are communities within communities. Tens of thousands of students and employees visit this campus each and every day and they rely on us to maintain safe and secure campuses.”
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For more information
Steven Reid
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
(613) 520-2600, ext. 8718
(613) 265-6613
Steven_Reid3@Carleton.ca