Introducing the Special Constable Program: a New Approach to Community Support

As the rollout of the Municipal Special Constable Program approaches in July, we would like to share what this initiative means for our community.

The Municipal Special Constable Program has been developed to strengthen the City’s ability to respond to non-criminal enforcement matters on municipal property, and to provide additional support to bylaw enforcement officers in the field.  With six specially-trained officers, this program aims to enhance presence, visibility, and support on public property, ensuring a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents.

Initial Focus Areas

The first phase of the Municipal Special Constable Program will focus on three key areas:

1. Enforcement Support in City Parks: The city will work to provide a more consistent and coordinated enforcement presence in city parks, addressing issues such as trespassing and Parks By-Law offences.

2. Collaboration with Bylaw Officers: Municipal special constables will work closely with bylaw officers to assist in situations that may escalate, enhancing both officer and public safety.

3. Increased Visibility: The city will prioritize visibility in areas where community concerns have been raised, particularly during high-demand periods, such as evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

It’s crucial to note that the Municipal Special Constables Program is not designed to replace the Kingston Police's role and responsibilities. Instead, the special constables will have limited enhanced enforcement powers under strict oversight, ensuring that any situations requiring higher authority will still be handled by the Kingston Police. Their responsibilities will continue to encompass emergency response, criminal investigations, and high-risk situations.

Program Coverage and Service Gaps

Beginning in July, municipal special constables will be deployed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s important to remember that these officers are still part of the City’s bylaw enforcement team and will oversee property standards, bylaw enforcement, and parking matters in addition to their special constable duties.

The Municipal Special Constable Program is not intended to provide a 24/7 service. Rather, it aims to address existing service gaps and support bylaw enforcement officers, allowing Kingston Police to focus on high-risk and criminal matters.

Coordinated Community Response

One of the program's key objectives is to ensure a coordinated approach to community safety. Municipal special constables will collaborate with bylaw officers and community partners, such as Home Base Housing and Addiction and Mental Health Services (AMHS), to address encampment-related issues. This collaborative effort will focus on engagement, de-escalation, and connecting individuals to the necessary supports before enforcement action is required.

Additionally, municipal special constables may be deployed to assist Public Works staff during cleanup operations on municipal property, helping to maintain safe conditions for all involved, including staff, contractors, outreach partners, and the public.

Measuring Success

As the program is implemented, the focus will be on evaluating its effectiveness during the first year based on several factors, including:

• Improved enforcement response during evenings and weekends

• Enhanced support for bylaw enforcement officers

• Increased visibility in priority areas

• Appropriate use of special constable powers

While service gaps may still exist, success will also be measured by how effectively the city can coordinate with Kingston Police to ensure continuity of service.

Commitment to Inclusion and Equity

The Municipal Special Constable Program has been developed with a strong emphasis on Indigenization, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IIDEA). Key considerations include:

• Ensuring fair and consistent enforcement practices

• Supporting inclusive engagement in public spaces

• Acknowledging the impact on vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness

• Aligning with the City’s IIDEA Strategy and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Municipal special constables will receive training grounded in IIDEA principles, enabling them to perform their duties professionally and respectfully. This training will ensure they recognize the diverse needs and lived experiences of the individuals they interact with, taking culturally informed and trauma-aware approaches when responding to enforcement matters.

Information for this article was sourced from the City of Kingston’s Update on the Municipal Special Constable Program.