The Ottawa Police Service celebrates graduation of 20 new special constables

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 12, 2025  2:00 p.m.

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is proud to welcome 20 newly appointed Special Constables following the first Special Constable graduation ceremony yesterday.  

The Solicitor General, the Honorable Michael Kerzner; Ottawa Police Service Board Chair, Salim Fakirani; Chief Eric Stubbs; OPSB member, Dave Donaldson; OPSB Executive Director, Habib Sayah; Deputy Chief Paul Burnett; Deputy Chief Steve Bell; Crown Attorney, Dallas Mack; Ottawa Police Association President, Matthew Cox; Senior Officers’ Association member, Jonathan Sweet; Father William Penney; and Jack Sutcliffe, representing his father, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, were in attendance to celebrate this milestone with the class.

This cohort has successfully completed the OPS Special Constable Training Program, which covers key areas such as provincial and federal law, investigative support, ethics, de-escalation, and community engagement. The graduates will now be deployed in assignments across the organization to support frontline officers, investigations, and specialized units. 

“This graduation represents a new chapter for both our Service and these individuals,” said Deputy Chief Steve Bell. “Special Constables are a key part of our commitment to modern, responsive policing that meets the evolving needs of our community.” 

Under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), Special Constables are authorized to carry out an expanded range of duties under the direction of a police officer, including assisting with investigations, securing evidence, and supporting mental health and crime scene response. 

These graduates will also support the goals of  Project Complement, a service-wide initiative that leverages Special Constables and civilian personnel to strengthen OPS operations, support member wellness, and increase investigative capacity. 

• Recruits have lived across Canada and internationally (India, El Salvador, Mexico, Russia, Lebanon, Scotland). 
• Represent different provinces and cities (Quebec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia). 
• Languages:  
  • Multiple languages spoken or understood: Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, Russian, Arabic. 
  • One new member is learning Italian. 
• Generalist Special Constables bring backgrounds as: 
  • Security officers, protection agents, business development and training professionals, court liaison coordinators, paramedics, behavioural counsellors. 
  • Experience with: the Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Carleton Detention Service, Canadian Blood Services, OPP, Ottawa Hospital, By-law Services, National Defence, Ottawa Community Housing. 
• Forensic Identification Technicians: 
  • Advanced education (Master’s, PhDs). 
  • Expertise in: forensic science, neuroscience, chemistry, toxicology, mental health. 
  • Worked with: Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Toronto Police, Canadian Border Services, Forensic Pathology Services, Centre of Forensic Services, Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada. 
• Educational backgrounds: criminology, psychology, legal/paralegal studies, police foundations, security management, paramedicine, culinary arts, health and fitness. 
• Volunteer experience with: OPS Auxiliary, firefighting, ski patrol, Armed Forces Reserves, Shelter Movers, youth support organizations. 

“Each of these graduates brings a unique background and skillset that will strengthen our Service,” said Staff Sergeant Pascal Labine of Project Complement. “We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to the contributions they will make across the organization.” 

The OPS extends its congratulations to the graduating class and welcomes them as valued members of the team, dedicated to serving and protecting the community.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service. 

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