Special constables are required to take an eight-week training program once hired, plus additional training with their home services. They receive training in the Mental Health Act and de-escalation.

Waterloo Regional Police adding 24 new constables at a ceremony in Kitchener after completing training; diverse backgrounds in work and volunteering before joining.

Ottawa police have expanded their use of special constables — unarmed peace officers with nearly all the training of a patrol officer but without the option to use lethal force — to take some of the ...