1. That the contents of this report be received by the Board for its information.

SYNOPSIS:

This report has been submitted in accordance with the agreement between the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The agreement requires the TTC to annually report to the Board statistical information regarding enforcement activities, training, supervision, complaints and other issues of concern.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND:

At the request of the Toronto Transit Commission and with the approval of the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board appointed designated employees of the Toronto Transit Commission responsible for law enforcement and security as Special Constables. The first of such appointments occurred in January 2002.

The Toronto Transit Commission has an approved Special Constable workforce of eighty-seven. New TTC Special Constables must complete a comprehensive ten week training course covering such topics as legal authorities, procedures, defensive tactics, officer safety and ethics. Recruits are tested and evaluated prior to receiving their designation as a Special Constable. Classroom training is supplemented by a formal on-the-job coaching program consistent with current policing standards within the Toronto Police Service.

Special Constable appointments by the York Regional Police Services Board confer upon TTC Special Constables peace officer powers for the purpose of enforcing the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and any ancillary Acts required for the enforcement of or compliance with the foregoing. In addition, the Board has conferred police officer powers to TTC Special Constables for the purpose of enforcing the Liquor Licence Act, the Trespass to Property Act, Section 17 of the Mental Health Act, the Child and Family Services Act and the Railways Act for incidents that occur on or in relation to TTC property and vehicles. TTC Special Constables have also received Provincial Offences Officer designation from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services for the purpose of enforcing the Liquor Licence Act, Trespass to Property Act and the TTC By-Law No. 1.

General supervision of the TTC Special Constables comes under the authority of the Chief Special Constable who has delegated the authority through an established rank structure. Mandatory training was carried out as required and a number of additional opportunities were provided to enhance the skills and knowledge of staff. Some of the training is provided by qualified police instructors at the C.O. Bick Police College and all aspects of training and supervision are overseen by a Toronto Police Service Staff Sergeant acting as a Liaison Officer.

Over the course of 2006, there were no arrests made by TTC Special Constables in York Region and there were no complaints reported to York Regional Police Professionals Standards Bureau related to the TTC Special Constables operating within the Region. Only one occurrence report regarding damage to a TTC bus in the Steeles bus loop was forwarded to York Regional Police.

The 2006 reporting process satisfies the reporting conditions as set out in the Agreement. York Regional Police staff will continue to liaise with the TTC to ensure the terms of the Agreement are fulfilled.