Here are some questions that are commonly asked of the Canadian Pacific Police Service.
Why does the railway need its own police?
Railway Police exist to ensure public safety along the tracks & operations of the railway and to protect the railway infrastructure thereby ensuring the security of North America's supply chain. Because the railway is private property and traverses multiple traditional jurisdictions other police agencies have limited ability to enforce the law across the railway system. Additionally policing the railway environment requires a deep understanding of railway safety and operations, knowledge that is not found within other police agencies.
What is the relationship between CP Police and CP?
In Canada CPPS members are employed by Canadian Pacific Railway but are public servants, sworn to the Crown to uphold the law and protect the public. They are the same as city police who are employed by the municipality but are agents of the Crown.
In the United States CPPS members are employed by Canadian Pacific Railway but are commissioned by the State in which they operate to enforce the law to extent defined by the State and to protect public & keep the peace.
Do CP Police carry firearms?
Yes, CP Police officers carry firearms to protect themselves and the public from dangerous and armed offenders.
Can CP Police issue traffic tickets on public roads?
In Canada CP Police have authority to enforce all the laws of Canada and the provinces which includes enforcing the provisions of traffic safety legislation in any place within 500 metres of property owned or administered by the railway. This includes public roads and other public places. You will see CP Police most commonly enforcing traffic safety legislation at, or close to, railway crossings or on roads in close proximity to railway tracks. In some provinces CP Police have been given additional jurisdiction by the Provincial Government to enforce the law in all parts of that province.
The ability to issue tickets or citations on public roads in the United States varies in different jurisdictions.
Can CP Police arrest people outside their jurisdiction?
Like any other police agency in Canada, the CP Police have a defined jurisdiction. However, if an investigation into an incident should take the CP Police into another jurisdiction, the CP Police continue to maintain full policing authority and if CP Police witnesses any dangerous or illegal behavior, the CP Police has the authority to act within the powers of the Canadian Criminal Code.
CP Police in the United States have a federal inter-state authority which permits them to retain their powers and authority across all US jurisdictions.
Who gets the money from tickets or citations issued by CP Police?
Neither the CPPS or Canadian Pacific Railway receive any funds as a result of any ticket or citation issued by CP Police officers. All tickets and citations used by CP Police are the property of the State or Provincial government and all revenue from fines is paid to and retained by the State or Provincial Government.
I wish to contest ticket or citation issued by CP Police, how do I do this?
You must follow the instructions found on the copy of the ticket or citation you were issued. Generally this will mean contesting the issuance of the ticket at court. CPPS cannot reverse or withdraw any ticket or citation as these are not owned by the CPPS.
How do I complain about the conduct of a CP Police Officer?
Your complaint should be addressed to:
Canadian Pacific Police Service
Attn: Police Professional Standards Department
Gulf Canada Square
401 9th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB, T2P 4Z4
Canada