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Rookie council members ponder arrest powers for bylaw officers
ting members. Mayor Marcel Guibord also attends as part of his overall duties as an ex- officio member of all committees. The minutes for the meeting show that during the review of procedural bylaws, there was discussion regarding past situa- tions where the OPP were called to attend at council. Campeau stated in the minutes that “our bylaw officers could, with minimal training, handcuff problem people and es- cort them outside during meetings.” A further presentation on the matter was planned for the September administration committee meeting following which there would be an announcement at the next committee of the whole council. But there was no such announcement made during the Oct. 7 committee of the
whole session in Bourget. The Vision contacted the Ministry of Mu- nicipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correc- tions (MCSC) about whether or not coun- cil has authority to give such power to the city’s bylaw department or whether it cross- es into the jurisdiction of the OPP and other police forces. An email from the MMAH stated that “the head of council may expel any person for improper conduct at a council meeting” and that “decisions regarding security at council meetings are decided locally.” But an email from MCSC indicates giving arrest powers to local bylaw officers is not a simple matter. It states the police are the primary law enforcement authority in On-
tario. Other security agents may be given power as special constables but they still have limited law enforcement authority and are not police officers. Also the power to designate someone as a special constable is restricted. Amunicipal council does not have the authority. “Special constables are appointed by (ex- isting) police service boards or the Commis- sioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, sub- ject to the approval of the ministry.” The email also states that special con- stables must receive “adequate and effec- tive training, including the use of force and weapons. Employers must also have appropriate policies and procedures in place regarding use of force and weapons.”
GREGGCHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca
ROCKLAND | Should the bylaw officers for the City of Clarence-Rockland have the power to arrest and handcuff residents for unruly behaviour during council meet- ings? That is a question that some members of council have been pondering since the Au- gust 26 meeting of the city’s administration advisory committee. But the answer may not be a simple one. Coun. René Campeau chairs the admin- istration committee and Councillors Diane Choinière and Guy Félio are the other sit-
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