UWindsor’s Special Constable Service Focused on Promoting Community

The University’s Campus Community Police has been rebranded as the Special Constable Service, with the goal of supporting students, and creating community. 

The name change comes alongside the appointment of Michael Akpata , the superintendent of the Special Constable Service in November 2023. Akpata is a proud UWindsor alum and an active Windsor community member.

“I’ve had the privilege of being on this campus since 1986, and I’ve watched it grow and there is a community on this campus,” says Akpata.  

Akpata spent 21 years with the Windsor Police and later transitioned into roles with IBM, BlackBerry, Mutal Link, and St. Clair College – holding different positions from leader for public safety investigations and counter fraud with IBM to teaching in the Border Services Program at St. Clair.  

Akpata says that the legislation change is the reason behind the name change and means that a Special Constable does not carry firearms.  The scope of the service’s duties, role, and partnership with local law enforcement will remain unchanged. 

“Our job like any law enforcement entity is to protect people first and prevent investigative offences. We are Peace Officers.”  

We are here to support students and promote community on campus. 

“If you see something that’s wrong, say something. If we walk around campus, say hello to each other, and increase the feeling of community, those smiles, and engagement make people feel safer, let people know that there’s someone close by, and let them engage in that deeper feeling of campus community. And the more we build community, the better and safer we are,” said Akpata.  

Akpata has been promoting campus safety and students’ rights since taking on his appointment.

Akpata emphasizes the use of the Safe Lancer App that allows students to seek support on campus, using a panic button and a walk-safe feature.  

“I’d ask the students to download the Safe Lancer app because most people have smart devices and that will allow them to be in constant contact with our team.” 

Akpata also states in this day in age students need to be aware of what they post on social media, as well as be mindful of not leaving private property around, like leaving a laptop open and leaving to go get lunch. 

The non-emergency number to call the Special Constable Service is 1234 from any campus phone and of course, 4444 is the emergency number. We will respond and we’ll do our best to ensure the safety of all people on campus,” further added Akpata. 

You can read more about the Special Constable Service by visiting their website.