Services

In addition to cruiser and foot patrol, Western Special Constables are frequently found patrolling Western and affiliate campuses on bikes.

Bicycle patrols allow Special Constables quick access to all areas of campus, including many of the path and walk ways that are not accessible by vehicle.

Equally important, travelling on bike allows our Special Constables greater opportunity to engage in conversation and answer inquiries from persons on campus.

Cycling safety and bicycle theft prevention are some of the initiatives offered through the bicycle patrol unit.

Community members who require the use of golf carts/low speed electric vehicles as part of their duties must complete safety training, which includes an online component followed by practical training.

In partnership with Western's Health, Safety & Well-being, the Western Special Constable Service conducts the practical portion of this training.

Community members that successfully complete both training components will receive a certificate which they must have in their possession when operating a golf cart/low speed electric vehicle.

Please contact your leader if you require this training.

The Code Blue Emergency Phones are emergency phones, which provide direct two-way communications to the Western Special Constable Service Communications Operators in the Communications Centre.

There are 29 Emergency Phones located strategically on grounds throughout the campus. At any campus location you are only a few seconds away from a direct link to the Western Special Constable Service should a situation arise where you require assistance.

The Western Special Constable Service (WSCS) provides informative and engaging safety presentations to educate students, faculty and staff on a wide range of topics, including personal safety, crime prevention, emergency response and campus resources. By equipping our community with valuable knowledge and tools, WSCS aims to empower individuals to contribute to a safer university environment. Through our ninety-minute presentations, individuals become more aware of potential situations and are better prepared to respond.

For further information and to arrange for a group presentation, please contact Kim Reynolds at kreno24@uwo.ca  and/or Amanda Pfeffer apfeffer@uwo.ca.

Who are the Western Special Constable Service?

The Western Special Constable Service consists of a team of dedicated safety professionals focussed on ensuring the beautiful campuses of Western and our Affiliates, are safe and secure environments for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. Supported by our Western Special Constable Service Communication Operators within Western’s 911 Communication Centre, our Special Constables have authorities on campus, similar to those of the London Police Service. Our responsibilities also include card access and building perimeter security for Western’s 100 plus buildings.

What are the operating hours of Western Special Constable Service?

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

Can Western Special Constables lay charges and arrest someone?

Yes. Western Special Constables have many of the same powers and authorities on campus as London Police have within the Province of Ontario. Western Special Constables have Canadian Criminal Code authority as well as several Ontario Provincial Acts, including the Liquor Licence Act, Highway Traffic Act, Trespass to Property Act and the Mental Health Act. These authorities are within the campuses of Western University and the affiliate's properties.

Can a Western Special Constable pull me over when I am driving my car?

Yes. Western Special Constables drive marked cruisers that are distinct from London Police Service vehicles. Their focus is traffic management, ensuring safety for all cyclist, pedestrian and vehicular traffic on campus roadways. Under the Canadian Criminal Code and the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, Special Constables do have the authority to stop motorists and cyclists for driving related violations.

Is there a “holding” cell on campus?

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

When I call 911 does the call go to Western Special Constable Service or the London Police Service (LPS)?

Western Special Constable Service is linked by direct line to the London Police Service (LPS), EMS, and London Fire Services. Dialling 911 on a campus telephone will route the call to the Campus 911 Centre who will dispatch a Western Special Constable and any other necessary emergency service. 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 the Campus 911 Centre. Western’s 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.

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

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

In a vibrant community such as Western, hosting approximately 35,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff, campus is similar to a small city. Throughout the year, an average of 8,000 various call types and requests for service are received annually. While many of these may require only a brief investigation, others involve a more in-depth response. Western Special Constables are trained and have appropriate legislative approval to respond to, and investigate occurrences, related to various sections of the federal Criminal Code as well as several Ontario legislated Acts, including the Highway Traffic Act, Liquor Licence Act, Trespass to Property Act and Mental Health Act.

Our Special Constable primary focus is the overall safety of persons and protection of property on Western and Affiliate campuses. They take pride in ensuring investigations are thorough and fair, including recognition of the appropriate level of consequences for the conduct in question. Our goal is to support the “Best Student Experience” and if someone’s conduct is a safety concern to others, there are many options for response, from counseling and warnings to Code of Student Conduct, and finally criminal charges and arrest.

What is Women's Self Defense Training?

The Western Special Constable Service provides women basic information on personal safety, awareness, risk reduction and avoidance. Participants will learn practical defensive techniques that require no special skills.

This program will allow women to be more aware of their surroundings and offers the opportunity to test these learned skills on a real person during an optional simulated attack session.

This course is held in a private group setting and is available for Western students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests.