New Special Constables ready to serve Toronto

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue welcomed the Toronto Police Service’s newest Special Constables on August 18, reminding them that their badges represent both a significant achievement and a responsibility to serve the public with professionalism, integrity and compassion.

The 29 graduates completed 15 weeks of demanding instruction that included the Ontario Police College’s Special Constable Training Program, practical assessments, defensive tactics, Use of Force training and final examinations.

“Sixteen weeks of demanding training have brought you to this moment, but you have spent a lifetime building the character required to stand here,” Pogue told the graduates. “You have developed deep knowledge, sharpened your skills and demonstrated sound judgment under intense pressure.”

The Deputy Chief said those competencies will be essential as the graduates assume duties across police Divisions and court locations.

Some will secure court facilities and protect members of the public, justice participants and the judiciary. Others will assist people in custody, preserve crime scenes and evidence, execute warrants and court orders and support frontline operations.

“Each of you has an essential role to play, and your work helps ensure the entire team operates more efficiently,” Pogue said. “You are essential to keeping our Service and our city running smoothly.”

She also encouraged the graduates to prioritize their physical and mental wellbeing and become familiar with the wellness resources available through the Service.

“We want you to be happy and healthy and to have a long and fulfilling career with us,” Pogue said. “I have every confidence in your ability to serve according to our core values, treating everyone you encounter with empathy and respect.”

Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll reminded the graduates that members of the public may encounter them during some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives.

“How people experience their interactions with the Service matters,” she said. “Your professionalism, judgment and humanity can leave a lasting impression, sometimes in ways you may never fully see or know.”

Carroll said the cultural and linguistic diversity of the graduating class will be an asset in a city as diverse as Toronto.

A total of 52 percent of the graduates speak a language other than English.

“The ability to communicate across languages and cultures is vital,” she said. “It can help build understanding and ensure residents feel heard and respected.”

The graduates demonstrated their commitment to community service even before receiving their badges by organizing a fundraiser in support of The Hospital for Sick Children.

“It is encouraging to see a graduating class already finding ways to contribute beyond the workplace,” Carroll said.

She also recognized the instructors in the Toronto Police College’s Special Constable Training Section and others across the Service who helped prepare the class.

Family members and friends were thanked for supporting the graduates throughout the intensive training period.

“Your support is a major part of this journey,” Carroll said. “These graduates could not be here without you.”

For graduate class valedictorian Rohani Sandal, becoming a Special Constable is the next step in a Toronto Police Service career that began nine months earlier in Parking Enforcement.

That role allowed the University of Toronto graduate to meet Special Constables working in the community and learn more about their responsibilities.

“I saw how they interacted with people and how hands-on they were in the community,” said Sandal, who majored in biology for health sciences and minored in chemistry and psychology. “I knew this was the role for me because I wanted to be out there and closer to the community.”

She praised the instructors for helping the class overcome the physical and academic challenges they encountered.

“The training was amazing,” Sandal said. “The instructors pushed us to our limits, but they never allowed us to give up. Whether it was fitness or academics, they kept encouraging us to continue.”

Graduate Brodie Herron-Olech made a significant career change after working in human resources for about eight years.

He wanted a more meaningful and public-facing profession after spending much of his previous career behind a desk.

“I wanted to do work that allowed me to engage with people and make a meaningful contribution,” Herron-Olech said. “This role allows me to do that while supporting public safety.”

Policing has long been part of his family. His mother worked as a Toronto Police dispatcher, his uncle served with TPS before joining Durham Regional Police Service and his brother is a constable at 33 Division.

Herron-Olech said the combination of classroom instruction and realistic exercises kept him engaged throughout the program.

“The training was a good mixture of theory and dynamic scenarios,” he said. “It was interesting, challenging and allowed us to apply what we learned.”

While he has not ruled out becoming a police constable, Herron-Olech said his immediate priority is gaining experience and establishing himself in his new role.

“I am going to see how I fit into this position and learn as much as I can,” he added. “If I still have that desire to become a police constable later, it is something I could pursue.”

Brooke Camilleri won the High Academic Achievement Award with a mark of 92 percent while Harristen Julius was recognized with the Toronto Police Military Veterans Association President’s Award for drill and deportment.

Mohamedrizwan Kolia was honoured with the Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association Physical Training Most Improved Award and Marcus Baldeo received the Physical Training High Performance Award.