Laurier shares recommendations for implementing Special Constable Service Review

July 28, 2022

Wilfrid Laurier University is sharing our report that maps out an actionable path to implementing the recommendations presented in the external review of the Special Constable Service (SCS).

The report is the latest step in the process of reviewing the SCS as part of the university’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Action Plan.

The goals of this comprehensive review are to strengthen the way the SCS supports students, faculty and staff who identify as Black, Indigenous or racialized as well as those who are members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, and to ensure everyone on our campuses feels safe, valued and welcome.

Developed by an advisory committee comprised of student, staff, faculty and alumni representatives, the report includes 11 recommendations with actions to fulfill each recommendation.

“To ensure equity, diversity and inclusion on our campuses, it is vital that members of Black, Indigenous and racialized communities and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community feel safe and supported,” said Barrington Walker, vice-president equity, diversity and inclusion, who is on the advisory committee. “I am confident the outcome of this review process will be beneficial in enhancing the SCS and improving relationships between our special constables and all of our community members.”

The recommendations within the report reinforce taking a holistic and engaging approach to the way support is provided by the SCS that helps establish strong relationships between our special constables and our community.

“This plan represents Laurier’s vibrant, diverse community in a fair and thoughtful manner,” said Darren Thomas, associate vice-president, Indigenous Initiatives, who is on the advisory committee. “I believe these recommendations will foster our goal of ensuring all members of our community feel a sense of belonging.”

The advisory committee was tasked with making recommendations based on an assessment of the previous external review conducted by three external experts retained by the university. These experts brought a diverse set of perspectives and backgrounds in relation to racial justice and community policing. In developing their review, they gathered feedback through focus groups that included students, staff, and faculty groups.

The committee also assessed responses from the university’s survey on the SCS that was sent out to all Laurier community members.

“A critical component of this process is gathering input from our community,” said Ivan Joseph, vice-president: student affairs, who is co-chair of the advisory committee. “We are grateful to all our community members who contributed their valuable perspectives to this review. This process enabled us to have important conversations about how to better serve our diverse community.”

The next step in the progression of the SCS review is to develop an implementation plan that will guide putting the recommendations into operation. The plan is scheduled to be complete in the fall with a phased-in implementation beginning January 2023.

“Now we must determine the optimal way to implement the actions laid out in the plan and ensure we meet our community’s needs,” said Lloyd Noronha, vice president: finance and administration who oversees the SCS. “As we move through this process, we are focused on continuing to take a thoughtful and engaged approach.”

We encourage our community members to review the recommendations. For more information or to ask questions about the latest report, email scsreview@wlu.ca. Updates will be provided as we progress on the recommendations for implementation.

Internal advisory committee members include:

• Carrie Sanders, director of the Centre for Research on Security Practices and co-chair of the advisory committee;
• Ivan Joseph, vice-president, student affairs and co-chair of the advisory committee;
• Pegah Jamalof, undergraduate student representative;
• Shane Symington, undergraduate student representative;
• Ann Marie Beals, graduate student representative;
• Terry Roswell, faculty representative;
• Adam Lawrence, dean of students;
• Barrington Walker, vice-president, equity, diversity and inclusion;
• Darren Thomas, associate vice-president, Indigenous Initiatives;
• Candice Joseph, alumni representative;
• Kristin Bridge, manager of special projects, student affairs; and
• Megan Csanits, administrative support.