An internal report is recommending that London City Hall hire special constables to address a gap in law enforcement coverage. The proposal, which has gained support from Mayor Josh Morgan, would see special constables operating under the direction of the municipal government rather than the local police service.
Mayor backs special constable plan
Mayor Josh Morgan has indicated his support for the idea, suggesting that special constables could help fill enforcement gaps in the city. According to CTV News, Morgan stated that the move would provide additional resources for community safety without overburdening the London Police Service.
The internal report outlines a framework for recruiting and deploying special constables, who would have limited police powers but could handle specific tasks such as bylaw enforcement, traffic control, and security at city properties.
Addressing enforcement gaps
The recommendation comes amid growing concerns about response times and resource allocation within the London Police Service. The report notes that special constables could free up sworn officers to focus on more serious crimes, while still maintaining a visible presence in neighborhoods.
According to the report, special constables would be trained and equipped to handle non-criminal matters, reducing the burden on the police force. The city would oversee their operations, ensuring accountability and alignment with municipal priorities.
Next steps
The proposal will now be considered by London City Council, which will weigh the costs and benefits of establishing a special constable unit. If approved, the program could launch within the next fiscal year, with an initial cohort of constables deployed to high-traffic areas and city facilities.
Mayor Morgan emphasized that the plan is not intended to replace the police service but to complement existing resources. “This is about ensuring we have the right tools to keep our community safe,” he said.
