YRT Special Constable Services

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Law enforcement agency

YRT Special Constable Services

Agency overview
Formed	2005
Jurisdictional structure
Legal jurisdiction	York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva transit system in York Region, Ontario, Canada
Operational structure
Headquarters	50 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Sworn members	25 (2020)^[1]
Unsworn members	11
Website
Official website

The YRT Special Constable Services is the security section of the York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva transit system in York Region, Ontario, Canada. The Special Constable Services were launched in September 2005, and are responsible for safety and security on the YRT and Viva. These Special Constables are peace officers, have similar powers as police officers, and are sworn in by the YRT and the York Regional Police. Authorized as "Special Constables" by the York Police Services Board, pursuant to Section 53 of the Ontario Police Services Act. The Special Constable appointment, by its very nature affords "peace officer" powers under section 2 of the Canadian Criminal Code, as it relates to the duties of the YRT/Viva Transit System.

Jurisdiction

A contingent of Special Constables patrol YRT and Viva properties and enforce:

Criminal Code
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Regional Municipality of York Transit Bylaw (No. 2017-7),
Mental Health Act

They also enforce the Trespass to Property Act of Ontario, as agents of the property.

Special constables wear distinct uniforms with black jackets and blue shirts with Special Constables identification (blue and black crest on their shoulders), handcuffs, ASP baton and pepper-foam.

Fare Media Inspectors are enforcement officers responsible for fare inspections on Viva and issuing fines relating to fare evasion.

YRT/Viva Special Constables also drive in unmarked and marked cruisers.

The special constables patrol within areas served by the YRT/Viva (mostly in York Region, but Toronto as well) in marked vehicles.

Constables are armed with handcuffs, OC foam and expandable baton only.^[2]

References

^ "2020 Annual Report - York Region Transport". Retrieved 2023-08-28.
^ "York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) - 2014 Enforcement and Security Annual Report" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2023-08-28.