OPP.

CA/CAREERS

constable
information
booklet
INTRODUCTION

As an organization, the Ontario Provincial Police

(OPP) is committed to working continuously to
earn the confidence of the citizens of and visitors
to Ontario—a confidence that is never taken for
granted. The OPP fulfills this commitment by
providing the best and most professional service
possible, and by striving to build a culture of trust
and open and honest dialogue with the
communities it serves and among the people it
employs. The OPP aims to create and sustain a
positive working environment in which all
employees have an equal opportunity to fulfill
their potential.

With many of our members, uniform and civilian,

eligible for retirement in the coming years,
there has NEVER been a better time to apply
to the OPP. Despite challenges faced by police
services across Canada and internationally to
attract applicants to the policing profession,
the OPP remains on the cutting-edge of
recruitment practices.

This booklet is designed to help you understand

the application process and provide you with
resources and guidance in relation to areas of
assessment. We encourage our officer and
civilian members to share their experiences of
the OPP as well as how to achieve
competitiveness in the recruitment process.

Please contact Uniform Recruitment if you have

any questions at 1-877-OPP-HIRE, via social
media or email uniformrecruitment@opp.ca.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

facebook.com/OPPCareers

instagram.com/OPP_Hire

twitter.com/OPP_Hire
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications (prerequisites)

Constable Selection System (CSS) minimum qualifications are as follows:
• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or its equivalent (i.e. grade 12
from any province in Canada). Applicants who do not have a grade 12
diploma, but have completed a college diploma program or a university
degree program will be considered as having a grade 12 diploma.
Applicants educated outside Canada should refer to the International
Credential Assessment Service of Canada.
• Class ‘G’ driver’s license with full driving privileges and no more than six (6)
demerit points.
• No criminal record for which a records suspension (pardon) has not been
received or an absolute/conditional discharge has not been sealed.
• Fluency in English.
• Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position, having
regard for personal safety and the safety of members of the public.
• Be of good moral character and habits.
COMPETITIVENESS AND SUITABILITY
The OPP assess applicants’ suitability and competitiveness using the
following areas:
• Education • Driving Ability
• Lifestyle and Life Experience • Communication Skills
• Community Service • Transferable and Special Skills
• Employment History • Motivation
• Leadership • Fitness Level
Below is a further breakdown of the areas:

EDUCATION
While Grade 12 or equivalency is the basic requirement
according to the Constable Selection System (CSS), over 99%
of successful applicants have post-secondary education.
College and/or university are considered equally competitive. In order to pass
Ontario Police College (OPC) exams, candidates must achieve 75%. Law
enforcement-related education is not required, as we value all areas of
study as many programs are transferrable to a career in policing.

LIFESTYLE AND LIFE EXPERIENCE

Uniform Recruitment assesses applicants based on a positive
background, maturity, effective interpersonal and communication
skills, ability to balance finances and other responsibilities, and who
exhibit respect and support inclusiveness and diversity.
A lifestyle that is consistent with OPP values is extremely important,
as Uniform Recruitment looks for applicants who demonstrate these
values throughout their personal, work and volunteer history:

• Accountability • Excellence
• Professionalism • Respect
• Leadership • Diversity
 COMMUNITY SERVICE
Commitment and contribution to one’s
community, such as
volunteering, is a strong indicator of a
candidate’s desire to serve selflessly in the role of a
police officer.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Uniform Recruitment looks for a positive
employment history with experience
in positions of leadership and responsibility, as well
as the ability to highlight transferrable skills. A
positive employment history includes having long-
term positions in a customer service based role and
having good relationships with current and past
employers.

LEADERSHIP
Ability to model mature and responsible
behaviour which benefits others in the
community; lead people through coaching and
mentorship; supervisory experience or volunteer
work.

DRIVING ABILITY
Applicants should strive to develop their
driving skills, which may include additional
driver training and extensive driving experience on
different roads and in different weather conditions.
Applicants must possess a ‘G’ license, have
limited convictions and collisions and no more than
six (6) demerit points.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Refers to direct, clear and genuine efforts
made to make themselves understood
in both written and oral communications. The ability
to articulate oneself in a professional way in an
effort to take charge of a situation, and demonstrate
written communication in a polished, grammatically
correct, error-free way.
 TRANSFERRABLE AND SPECIAL SKILLS
Many skills gained through employment, community involvement
and education are considered transferrable skills to a career in
policing. For example, employment history in the customer service
field is directly transferrable to a career in policing. Police officers are
responsible for excellence in customer service when interacting with the public
on a daily basis. There are many opportunities available throughout a career in
policing, which means that skills developed through previous employment such
as within the trades, business, sciences or accounting are all relevant and
transferrable. Candidates should be able to articulate how their experience and
skills are transferrable to a career in policing.
Special skills are attributes that enhance the applicant’s competitiveness serve
to improve the organization as a whole. Certifications/training above a “G”
class driver’s licence, ability to operate heavy machinery, auto/CMV mechanic,
SCUBA diving, firearms/armourer, mental health/crisis intervention/de-
escalation training, additional written and spoken languages, Auxiliary or
Special Constable training/designation, martial arts or other self-defence are
all examples of special skills; however this list is not all-encompassing.

MOTIVATION
Refers to the reason the applicant is interested in a policing career
recognizing it is not an impulsive career choice and demonstrates an
understanding of all that is required to prepare and learn about the
profession. Exposure to policing through family, friends or their own research
may provide a better understanding of the commitment involved, and the
applicant utilizes different ways of staying informed about the OPP (i.e. social
media, Information Sessions).
 FITNESS LEVEL
Some of the traits assessed in applicants include a healthy lifestyle and
a consistent commitment to long-term fitness through physical activity,
strength and cardio training. As part of the initial application package,
candidates will be required to complete a fitness log. This log can be found
within the application package at opp.ca/careers). All applicants are required to
track their fitness for two weeks utilizing this log, and include it when submitting
their application. Applicants should continue to maintain their log after
submitting their application.
Applicants who are successful in the pre-screening phase will be invited to
participate in a shuttle run or 2.4 km run. In order to proceed to the next steps of
the hiring process, achieving a level 7 on the shuttle run, or a time of 12:38 on
the 2.4 km run will be a mandatory requirement.
Another expectation of fitness is the ability to achieve 75% or higher on the
Fitness Pin within the first week of hire. The components of the Fitness Pin are:
• Push-up • Back extension
• Sit and reach (trunk flexion) • 2.4 km run (aerobic assessment)
The following information is provided for general informational and education
purposes and is not a substitute for professional fitness advice. We encourage
you to consult with the appropriate healthcare and fitness professionals.
PHYSICAL EVALUATION READINESS FOR POLICE
The Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) has been
reimplemented at Ontario Police College, effective September 1, 2019.
During the 13-week Basic Constable Training Program, Recruits will be
expected to pass all components of the test, which includes a pursuit/
restraint circuit and a shuttle run.

PREP components:
• Pursuit/Restraint Circuit, will be evaluated by completing a 25 metre circuit
four times (total distance = 100 metres) as quickly as possible while wearing
a 9 lb soft weight belt that simulates wearing a full equipment belt. During
each rotation, a set of stairs are climbed and on the second and fourth
rotation, a 4 ft fence is scaled. Following completion of the circuit, the
participant completes pushing and pulling on the “body control” simulator,
performs two “arm restraint” simulations, then drags a 150 lb rescue dummy
a distance of 15 meters.
• Aerobic Shuttle Run, evaluated by running back and forth over a 20 metre
course in time with tape recorded signals. The time to cover the 20 metre
course is shortened progressively until you are unable to maintain the pace.
OPC Instructors, along with the OPP Wellness Unit, will work with Recruits
throughout the 13-week Basic Constable Training Program to learn the
techniques and develop the VO2 capacity required to pass each of the PREP
components. However, it is important to note that Recruits will be required to
pass the PREP in order to be appointed as a Police Officer in the Province of
Ontario.
FITNESS PIN COMPONENTS – PROPER PROTOCOLS FOR TEST

Push ups Standard protocol: Modified protocol:

• Lie on your stomach, legs together, • Lie on your stomach, legs together,
hands pointing forward positioned hands pointing forward positioned
directly under the shoulders. directly under the shoulders.
• Push up from the mat by fully • Push up from the mat by fully
straightening the elbows using the straightening the elbows using the
toes as the pivot point. The upper knees as the pivot point. The upper
body must be kept in a straight line. body must be kept in a straight line.
• Return to the starting position, chin • Return to the starting position, chin
to the mat. Neither the stomach nor to the mat. Neither the stomach nor
thighs should touch the mat. thighs should touch the mat,
• Remember to breathe. Do not flex however the lower legs must
the hips or strain forcibly. remain on the mat.
• Remember to breathe. Do not flex
the hips or strain forcibly.
It is unacceptable to have your feet against the wall or for a mat to be placed
under the chin.
 Sit and reach
• Seated on the floor without
shoes, legs fully extended
and the soles of the feet
placed flat against the
measuring device. Soles of
the feet must be 6 inches
apart.
• With knees fully extended,
arms extended and hands
atop one another palms
down.
• Bend at the waist and reach
forward while exhaling.
The position of maximum
flexion must be held for
approximately two seconds.
Knees cannot flex or the time
doesn’t count.

Back extension
• Lie face down on top of the
mats with lower body on
mats.
• Your legs need to be
secured by another person.
• Once secured raise up until
you are parallel to your lower
body. Place your arms
across your chest and hands
on the opposing shoulders.
• Your entire body must be
one straight line. Refer to
pfpo.org for more info on the
proper positioning and length
of hold.
2.4km run
This test is performed outdoors
preferable on a 400-metre track.
• Prior to running warm-up
including the appropriate leg
stretches.
• You must complete a 1.5
mile or 2.4km run in the
shortest time possible.
For more information on the Fitness
Pin, please visit pfpo.org.
TIMELINE AND HIRING PROCESS

Timeline
Generally, the application process ranges from three to six months from
the date the application is submitted to date of hire; however, it can be as
little as two months, so we ask that applicants apply when they are at their
competitive best.

Application Process
When applications are received, they are initially screened for basic
prerequisites under the Police Services Act (PSA). Additional screening is
done to determine their level of competitiveness. In order to apply,
applicants must:
• Complete the application package found at opp.ca/careers as instructed.
• Applications should include experience, skills and competencies that are
relevant to the position of Police Constable, such as leadership roles and
responsibilities, languages spoken, level of fitness and commitment to their
community.
• Supporting documentation such as high school and post-secondary
transcripts, resume, cover letter, course certificates, performance
evaluations and two to three reference letters are required.
• Ensure the fitness log is completed in its entirety for two weeks prior to
submitting your application.
• Scan the application and supporting documentation and submit as one PDF
file to OPPHire@opp.ca. Ensure that your files are less than 10mb.
PRE-SCREENING AND INTERVIEW STAGE
• Applicants who are successful in the pre-screening phase will be invited to
participate in a shuttle run or 2.4 km run. In order to proceed to the next
steps of the hiring process, achieving a level 7 on the shuttle run, or a time
of 12:38 on the 2.4 km run will be a mandatory requirement.
• Those who are successful in the pre-interview fitness assessment will be
asked to fill out a detailed pre-background questionnaire (PBQ).
• Selected candidates will then be invited to attend a Local Focus Interview
(LFI).

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION STAGE

• This investigation is a multi-pronged process that involves a psychological
and medical assessment, vision and hearing assessment, security and
financial inquiries and a thorough character investigation.
• The investigator also conducts a home interview.
Applicants are continuously evaluated for competitiveness throughout the
process.

NEXT STEPS
• Successful applicants will be contacted directly by telephone, offered a constable
position and detachment posting, and invited to attend the Provincial Police Academy
(PPA).
• Successful applicants must be willing to serve anywhere in Ontario.
• Upon reporting to Ontario Police College (OPC), the successful applicant will be
required to pay a tuition fee to OPC prior to the commencement of their training. This
tuition fee is approximately $14,550. Financing options may be available to qualified
candidates through the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) Credit Union.
PRE-OPC – PROVINCIAL POLICE ACADEMY (PPA)
• Successful constable applicants who accept a job offer with the OPP are
invited to report to the Provincial Police Academy (PPA) at General
Headquarters in Orillia for a seven-day orientation and introduction.
• There is no tuition fee required for training at the PPA, and Recruits begin
earning a salary on day one of the orientation.
• Recruits receive academic instruction and physical training on the first
day at the PPA, with the requirement to pass the Fitness Pin test in order
to demonstrate their level of fitness.

Recruits are expected to be able to achieve a score of 75% on the Fitness

Pin while at the PPA.

ONTARIO POLICE COLLEGE (OPC)

• Following a one-week orientation at the PPA in Orillia, OPP Recruits
report to the Ontario Police College in Aylmer for 12 weeks of additional
fundamental police training.
• OPP recruits will interact with recruit constables from other police
services in Ontario and will share common living quarters with up to
seven pod-mates of the same gender.

In order to graduate from the 13-week Basic Constable Training Program,

Recruits will be required to pass all components of PREP test.

POST-OPC, PPA AND ONE YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD

• After completing 12 weeks of police training at the Ontario Police College
in Aylmer, OPP Recruits return to the PPA in Orillia for an additional eight
weeks of police training.
• While at the PPA, recruits will receive enhanced fitness, firearms and
classroom training and instruction, including practical scenarios that
provide opportunities for recruits to apply concepts and theories learned
during their training at the Ontario Police College.
• After graduation, OPP Recruits report for duty at their posted detachment
and commence a one-year probationary period.

CURRENT SALARIES AND DURATION POSTINGS

Current salaries and duration posting information is available on our
website: opp.ca/careers.
OUTREACH EVENTS
We always encourage applicants to attend a Constable Information Session in
order to learn more about our application process and what it takes to be
competitive. In addition to Constable Information Sessions, Uniform
Recruitment also holds a variety of specialized symposiums throughout the
year. Uniform Recruitment staff members attend different events to attract
diverse candidates to the OPP such as career fairs, community events,
conferences, trade shows, banquets and other public events.

To view our full list of events, visit opp.ca/careers.

EMPLOYEE REFERRALS
If you are a member of the OPP and feel that you could recommend a
candidate based on the aforementioned criteria, please consider completing
the Employee Referral Form. Member referrals are extremely valued. If you
feel you can speak to a candidate’s character, either positively or negatively,
please complete the Employee Referral Form located on OPP Connections
and email to OPPHire@opp.ca as it will be helpful throughout the process.
BEFORE APPLYING
Use the Self-Assessment Tool to assess your competitiveness and
suitability prior to applying. This tool will give potential applicants the
information they need to self-reflect on areas for improvement prior to
submitting an application. Visit opp.ca/careers for more information and to
access the Self-Assessment Tool.

CONTACT US
Our phone number is 1-877-OPP-HIRE. As our social media pages are great
sources of information on the hiring process and what it takes to be competitive,
we encourage applicants to follow us on Facebook @OPPCareers and on
Twitter and Instagram @OPP_Hire.

Additional information including updates to the hiring process can also be found
at opp.ca/careers.
 OUR VISION
Safe Communities…
A Secure Ontario

OUR MISSION
To serve our province by
protecting its citizens,
upholding the law
and preserving
public safety.

OUR VALUES

Serving with Interacting with Leading with

PRIDE, RESPECT, INTEGRITY,
PROFESSIONALISM COMPASSION HONESTY
& HONOUR & FAIRNESS & COURAGE

Always doing the right things for the right reasons