DATE:

22 October 2012

TO/DEST:

Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board

FROM/EXP:

Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service

SUBJECT/OBJET:

SPECIAL CONSTABLE PROFILES

RECOMMENDATION

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

BACKGROUND

On 23 July 2012, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) was requested by R.A. Malatest and Associates Ltd., to participate in a survey focused on the different kinds of Special Constables that are sponsored and approved through the Ottawa Police Services Board. R.A. Malatest and Associates Ltd. is a research firm retained by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to conduct a province-wide review of the Special Constable Program. Prior to submitting the surveys for the OPS and our partners, the Ministry has asked that the Board be made aware of our participation.

DISCUSSION

The Ottawa Police Services Board has the authority under Section 53 of the Police Services Act (PSA) to appoint a Special Constable who has been approved by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Ontario has been employing Special Constables since 1887 for specific duties.

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is conducting a review of the Special Constable Program throughout the province. Data collected from across the province will be aggregated, allowing for the identification of gaps and outliers. Further data collection and clarification will take place with select Services via focus groups and interviews. The OPS has complied fully with the request.

In order to inform their review, the following information is being collected from police services from across the province:

· The use of Special Constables: types of Special Constables, laws enforced and police powers granted;

· Practices regarding Special Constables: use of force and means of identification; and

· Processes regarding Special Constables: training, oversight, discipline, agreements and administration.

The Service has complied fully with the request and has completed profiles of the two areas in which it uses Special Constables, as well as the three arrangements that the Board has with other security and policing partners. The OPS utilizes Special Constables in two key areas: Court Security and Prisoner Transportation, and Document Server and Court Liaison. The OPS has various partners who utilize Special Constables to enforce criminal, provincial and municipal acts in Ottawa, specifically: the RCMP, Carleton University and OC Transpo.

CONSULTATION

Not applicable.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Not applicable.

CONCLUSION

The OPS has completed the requested survey information. Staff will brief the Board on the results of the Study when it becomes available.

(Original Signed by)

Charles Bordeleau

Chief of Police