Kingston to roll out new special constables starting in July

Six newly-trained officers will assist Kingston Police in non-criminal enforcement.

We are a little more than a month away from having newly-minted special constables patrolling the streets of Kingston.

City Council will be receiving an update on the Special Constable Program at Tuesday's meeting.

City Council approved a plan last year to have six by-law enforcement officers be trained to become special constables that would assist Kingston Police in non-criminal enforcement matters.

The special constables would be given certain policing powers including the ability to make an arrest.

The staff report to Council will clarify the role of the special constable. It says the special constable will provide enforcement support within City parks, work directly with bylaw officers to assist in situations that may escalate, and increase visibility in areas where community concerns have been consistently raised. 

The report goes on to say that the special constable will not replace Kingston Police officers. The special constables will be deployed 8 am to 8 pm weekdays, and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends starting in July.

City council approved establishing the special constable program in response to the number of calls to emergency services that were deemed low priority.

Story by Ken Hashizume