Becoming a Special Constable

Special Constables/Justice Practitioners


In the Province of Ontario, Special Constables are an integral part of Ontario’s web of community safety. As a Special Constable, you are appointed with the same powers as a police officer under the Police Services Act depending on your function and role in the community. Although you are provided with the same powers as a Police Constable, the powers and limitations are outlined within your independent role. There are currently more than 3,000 Special Constables in the Province of Ontario, all of whom have many different and important functions that contribute to public safety. Some of these roles include:

  • University Campus Safety
  • Public Transportation Safety
  • Municipal Community Housing Safety
  • Intergovernmental Services
  • Police support that includes but is not limited to court security and offender transport.

Please note that the application process for Special Constables and justice practitioners is the same as that for Police Constable. Be sure to check with the agency that you choose to apply to on whether or not you are required to complete the fitness log and medical examination. You may be exempted.

Some Special Constable and justice practitioner agencies do not require an OACP Certificate. Please ensure you check with the agency you choose to apply to if the OACP Certificate is a pre-requisite.  

Special Constable Agencies that Utilize the OACP Certificate Process

Below are only some of the many Special Constable/Justice Practitioner Agencies that utilize the OACP Certificate as part of their hiring process. We encourage all applicants to contact the agency for more information about the hiring process and information the specific requirements and duties. You can apply to these positions below once a job competition opening takes place on the corresponding job board. This can be found under the "Careers" Section.

Metrolinx
Transit Safety Constable
Job Position Information: Transit Safety Officer Recruitment Process (metrolinx.com)
Openings can be located here: http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/careers/careers.aspx

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC)
TCHC Special Constable
Job Position Information: The Community Safety Unit (CSU) (torontohousing.ca)
Openings can be located here: https://www.torontohousing.ca/careers/communitysafetyunit/Pages/Apply-today.aspx

York Region Transit
Transit Enforcement
Job Position Information: Transit Enforcement - York Region Transit (yrt.ca)
Openings can be located here: York Region Jobs