Should T.T.C. Constables Carry Guns?

While shootings on the subway are hardly a common occurrence in the city, Friday’s frightening burst of gunfire on a moving train confirmed the daunting reality that public transit isn’t immune to violence.

The shooting, which injured a teenaged girl, has also raised questions concerning whether or not T.T.C. Special Constables should be armed with guns rather than just their standard batons and pepper spray. 

A T.T.C. study probing that question is set to begin next month and will be completed by the end of the year.

But retired T.T.C. Special Constable Bernie Hachey doesn’t need to wait for the study’s results.  He’s adamant that those hired to assure a safe atmosphere on trains, streetcars, and buses should be equipped with handguns and tazers.

“We are dealing with people with knives religiously,” he argues.  “It’s constant.  You take the east end for example, we have steady eight guys working the east end stations because of the high crime areas.  A lot of these kids are carrying knives, a lot of them are carrying pistols.”

“One of the reasons that I’m speaking out on this…is if I can prevent one life (from being lost) so they can defend themselves in a confrontation, then I’ve done my job.”

T.T.C. Chief General Manager Gary Webster, stressed that Friday’s incident doesn’t mean the system is unsafe.

“The transit system is a subset of the city and is certainly very reflective of how safe our city is. So we’re comfortable we have a safe property. The subway system is safe to ride. I take it every day. Certainly what we saw last Friday evening is not normal,” he said. 

“It’s quite out of the ordinary to have that kind of an event take place on the subway. But having said that, quite appropriate that we do a review and that we understand what is the appropriate use of force.”

T.T.C. Chair Adam Giambrone weighed in on the debate, saying;  “We haven’t asked for our Special Constables to have guns.  We think that we have an adequate level of security with our Special Constables working very closely with Toronto Police Services.”

In the meantime, police have released security photos of three suspects. 

What Do TTC Special Constables Do?

They have the powers of a police officer, although some complain they’re not given all the tools to work with. But they’re still busy. They make an estimated 800 arrests a year, give out about 5,500 tickets and answer over 10,000 calls about crimes or incidents on the system. They’re often the first responders before police arrive.

According to the TTC, they have the power to enforce the law in the following areas for crimes that take place on Red Rocket property or vehicles.

-Anything that violates the Criminal Code of Canada including robberies and assaults

-Offences involving the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

-Trespassing

-Breaches to the Liquor License Act

-Care of those needing help under the Mental Health Act (including transporting those in distress to detox centres or mental health facilities.)

-Fare evasions or counterfeit fares

-Pickpockets

-Graffiti

Source: TTC