An idea that came to Jonathan Jamieson in the middle of an overnight shift is now being implemented across the Western Special Constable Service, with a new addition to uniforms during Truth and Reconciliation Week.
Jamieson designed a patch for WSCS members to show support and open dialogue with Indigenous communities. His concept was inspired by the Medicine Wheel, a teaching framework used and adapted across many Indigenous communities. In this patch, the Medicine Wheel is represented by four quadrants of white, yellow, red and black.
“It’s surreal that this is happening. It’s so cool to know my patch is going to be worn by our team,” said Jamieson, an Indigenous special constable who joined WSCS in 2024.
“I want to promote open and honest communication that fosters the positive interaction between our service and the Indigenous community. Normalizing positive interactions with those in the uniform is one of my priorities, because I know the barriers can be big and deep. I hope this design helps to signal ‘yes, I’m wearing a vest, but I’m a human being still,’” he said.
Jamieson said he understands the trauma and uncertainty many Indigenous people carry and feel toward law enforcement.
He hopes the new patch – which will be worn during special days and times of year, including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Week in November, National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Women, Girls, and Two- Spirited people (Red Dress Day) on May 5 and Indigenous History Month in June – will highlight special constables as a supportive force for all on campus.
“I want to help build understanding and trust. We know there are some who won’t report concerns to us because there’s mistrust. We want you to come to us when you have troubles,” he said of Western constables.
Bill Chantler, director of Campus Safety and Emergency Services at Western, said he was pleased to see Jamieson’s vision come to fruition.
“We are very proud of Jonathan and this initiative towards building a stronger community. Jonathan is very thoughtful and genuine, and he truly makes a difference with our campus community through his service as a member of the Western Special Constable Service,” Chantler said.
‘Help someone through a tough time’
Joining WSCS showed Jamieson the possibilities that come with community-focused approaches to policing, from clothing drives to supporting those in mental health crises.
“We’re always seeking genuine engagement. Not just our patrol division, but the community resources team as well. It’s inspiring to be here and be part of that,” he said. “I want to be that person who can help someone through a tough time. I want to make their life a little bit easier, a little bit better.”
Jamieson is no stranger to facing challenges.
Raised by his grandmother, who died when he was 16, Jamieson navigated significant instability, including bouts of homelessness.
“I focused on how I could pick myself back up. I managed to get back on my feet after having nothing. I got my security licence and started building connections.”
It led him to the world of policing, starting at Fanshawe College with the police foundations program. He started to dream of a world where he could make a difference.
After working for campus and hospital security teams, Jamieson applied to work with WSCS. Two years into his role at Western, he sees himself staying long-term, now setting goals to becoming a coach officer and sergeant.
Colleagues and mentors have demonstrated the importance of prioritizing relationships and human interactions, whether that’s responding to students in crisis or addressing emergencies on campus.
“There’s always an emphasis on support first – how can we make this better, make life easier? I don’t think I would be in this position today if I hadn’t gone through what I went through. I base it on my own experience.”
It’s also what inspired the new patch.
Jamieson is excited to see his idea turned from dream to reality, and eager to see the design worn by WSCS members throughout the year.
“This wasn’t for profit or to give me an advantage; that was never my mindset. I did it for change, for hope, for building new trust within the community,” Jamieson said.
“Sometimes people see us and they don’t see the people behind the vest. I’m hopeful this patch eventually fosters this change.”
Learn more about how Western is navigating new realities.
Jonathan Jamieson with the Western Special Constable Service designed a patch to be worn on uniforms during days of recognition for Indigenous communities, including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
