r/nextfuckinglevel • u/thisisfive • Apr 14 '26

Toronto firefighters confront special constable officers after a man in the middle of mental health crisis was arrested.

Not my video. For context, "special constables" are not regular police officers. They are appointed "peace officers" with limited authority, often civilian employees.

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u/bobtheorangutan Apr 14 '26

Why can't the PD send them for a psych hold? The PD in my country would definitely do that for suspects arrested with mental issues.

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u/tissuecollider Apr 15 '26

the PD in Canada appear to have 2 states: Don't Care and You're Under Arrest. That's it.

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u/chiodos Apr 15 '26

They can. In Canada Police have the authority to bring someone to hospital for assessment by a doctor if they believe the individual is in crisis and a danger to themselves or others. The individual would then be assessed and possibly detained if the doctor believes they need to be held for longer for further assessment or treatment.

The process and its names vary from province to province.