Mandate

The Transit Police Service operates within the transportation service region with a mandate to preserve and maintain the public peace, prevent crime and offences against the law, aid in the administration of justice and enforce the laws of Canada and British Columbia, primarily directed towards:
• Any criminal activity or breach of public peace that could affect the safety or security of transit passengers, employees or property
• Conducting investigations and enforcement operations with respect to any unlawful activity on or around transit property
• This does not prevent Transit Police officers from doing the same off of transit property

Jurisdiction and Authority
The jurisdictional police continue to have full policing authority in their respective jurisdictions but will foster a cooperative and collaborative relationship with the Transit Police Service through a "seamless" policing endeavor outlined in the memorandum of understanding, such as joint enforcement and investigative operations. Key elements of the memorandum of understanding are:
Transit Police is a supplemental police service to the jurisdictional police, who have primary responsibility for police services within the transportation service region.

The Transit Police Service assumes primary responsibilities for matters related to:
• Offences committed under provincial statutes
• Criminal Code (Canada) summary conviction offences
• Criminal Code (Canada) hybrid/dual offences
• Offences committed under other federal statutes

In emergency circumstances, the policing agency in the most favorable position to provide initial response will take the necessary and appropriate action.
Transit Police officers' authority is the same as other municipal police officers in BC. This includes enforcing laws relating to the possession of illegal drugs and stolen property, as well as apprehending those wanted on outstanding warrants. In addition to enforcing the laws under the Criminal Code of Canada, Transit Police officers issue violation tickets for transit infractions, including tickets for fare evasion.

Since Transit Police officers will face the same perils as municipal and RCMP officers, they are authorized by the Solicitor General to carry firearms. Transit Police officers receive Provincial standardized firearms training and review at the Justice Institute of BC, and follow similar safety protocols as municipal and RCMP officers with respect to the use of force and firearms.