Special Constable Patch Special Constable

TTC Special Constables

  • TTC Special Constables carry out a variety of activities to enhance public and TTC employee safety and deal with emergencies.
  • As part of the TTC’s strategy to reduce crime, the Transit Patrol Section conducts walking and mobile patrols, fare evasion inspections and law enforcement activities throughout the transit system.
  • The Community Response Unit targets patrols and enforcement activities to specific locations in response to community concerns.
  • The plain-clothes Criminal Investigations Unit concentrates on intelligence gathering and follow-up investigations into such crimes as pickpockets, assaults, robberies, graffiti and counterfeit fares. Each year, TTC Special Constables make approximately 800 arrests, issue about 5,500 Provincial Offences tickets and respond to 10,000 calls, working with the City’s emergency agencies and the Toronto Police Service.

Uniformed and plainclothes TTC Special Constables are sworn by the Toronto Police Service.

Transit Special Constables have the same powers as a Police Officer to enforce the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Trespass to Property Act, the Liquor License Act, and section 17 of the Mental Health Act on all TTC properties and vehicles. Persons in violation of TTC By-Law No.1 may be fined.

For your safety

TTC Special Constables work in partnership with the Toronto, Peel, and York Regional Police Services and with the community to put your safety and security first, system-wide (including TTC routes outside Toronto).

The Powers of a TTC special constable

TTC Special Constables are appointed by the Toronto, Peel, and York Regional Police Services Boards and have the powers of a Police Officer to enforce the following laws for incidents taking place on (or in relation to) TTC property and vehicles:

  • Criminal Code of Canada
  • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Trespass to Property Act
  • Liquor License Act
  • Section 17 of the Mental Health Act

TTC Special Constables can transport persons to Police Divisions, Detoxification Centres or designated hospital facilities (under the Mental Health Act). TTC Special Constables enforce the Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence Act and the TTC By-Law No. 1.

Examples of TTC By-Laws & Fines Offence

  • Smoking on TTC Property is a $115 fine
  • Fail to tender appropriate fare is a $115 fine
  • Commit nuisance on TTC Property is a $115 fine

Safety innovations

TTC Special Constable Services staff also develop programs to improve public safety such as Transit Community Watch and the Request Stop Program. They review and recommend improvements to TTC stations, facilities and design drawings and apply CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles to ensure risks are controlled. TTC Special Constables are also involved in the delivery of security awareness training programs to front line TTC employees to help them carry out their role as TTC Safety Partners. TTC Special Constables participate in Community Liaison Committees to discuss crime prevention initiatives.

Subway safety and security measures

Here's what you can look for:

  • Passenger Assistance Alarm (yellow strips) on subway and RT cars
  • Telephone/radio contact between vehicle Operators and Transit Control
  • Designated Waiting Area (DWA) on subway platforms
  • Security mirrors throughout the transit system

Platform intercom enables direct contact with the Collector Please visit www.toronto.ca/ttc/safety.htm for more details and to familiarize you with these safety features.

Fighting crime together

The TTC has partnered with Crime Stoppers to fight crime on the TTC and in the community. Rewards are offered for information on graffiti, vandalism, ticket, token and Metropass counterfeiting and assaults on passengers and TTC employees. In addition, important messages on major Crime Stoppers’ initiatives in the broader community are displayed on TTC buses, streetcars and in Collector Booths and on Platform Video Screens.

How to reduce the risk of vehicle theft

  • Lock it and pocket the key
  • Keep car keys and house keys on separate rings
  • Do not hide an extra key on the outside of the car
  • Lock valuables in the trunk or glove compartment
  • Park in well-lit and busy places

Report suspicious cars and persons – call the police immediately if you suspect a theft. Common sense is your best defense.