Letters
Campus Police Offer Thanks for Support
The issue of whether the word “police” can be used in conjunction with campus police forces in Ontario has come to an end in favour of the five universities involved — Guelph, Toronto, Waterloo, Western and Windsor. The issue was first raised several years ago by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, but it was put to rest May 23 when Minister Monte Kwinter wrote a letter to Ian Clark, president of the Council of Ontario Universities.
In the letter, the minister wrote that “given the unique history of the five universities, I have decided to continue to approve the appointment of their special constables, with the proviso that the term ‘campus police' and/or ‘community police' (or any combination) be predicated wherever and whenever used by ‘a special constable service' . . . .” He agreed to the request that the word “police” be restricted and grandfathered to the five universities.
On behalf of the University Police Association (UPA), I would like to thank members of the University community for the support they have given us on this issue over the past few years. The list of supporters is too large to mention everyone, but I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few. Perhaps the most supportive was president Alastair Summerlee, who wrote many letters and attended meetings to lobby on our behalf. The UPA believes his leadership was instrumental in garnering the support we received both on campus and off. Nancy Sullivan, vice-president (finance and administration), was also supportive, and among her behind-the-scene efforts, she allowed us to distribute petitions on campus. This initiative was led by Const. Jim Armstrong and was extremely well-received.
We also had overwhelming support from CUPE, the Steelworkers, CUP, the Professional Staff Association, the exempt group and CUOE, as well as student groups such as First Response, Interhall Council, Safe Walk and Residence Life. In addition, Chris White, director of Environmental Health and Safety, and the entire Joint Health and Safety Committee were supportive on a number of levels.
Off campus, we were fully backed by the Guelph Police Service, particularly Chief Rob Davis, who has ensured that training requirements for Campus Police are met and that we are supported and assisted by his officers.
Finally, a special thank you to Ian Clark for successfully lobbying the minister on our behalf.
As president of the UPA, I offer our sincere thanks to the University community and the Guelph Police Service for their support, commitment and dedication to the safety of the University of Guelph campus.
Bryce Kohlmeier, President, University Police Association
At Guelph welcomes letters to the editor. They should be limited to 500 words and submitted electronically to Barbara Chance at b.chance@exec.uoguelph.ca.