Ontario Police Recruitment Process

Police Recruitment - Ontario Police Services

The majority of Police Services in Ontario will require candidates to complete and obtain the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) certificate. Effective January 1, 2020 the OACP will implement a new Constable Selection System (CSS) that is designed to assist Police Services in Ontario to identify, screen and test candidates prior to commencing their application process. The OACP-CSS consists of the following 3 stages during the initial pre-hiring phase:

Phase One

Stage 1: Online Information Package
Stage 2: Mental Ability Assessment - PAF Test
Stage 3: Personality Assessment - ESQ2

For candidates that started the OACP certificate process under the older ATS system, there is an equivalency form you can submit as the OACP will give credit to applicants who have completed prior or unfinished tests undertaken before January 1, 2020.

Phase Two

Interview Phase Essential Competency and local focus interviews are conducted, as per ongoing staffing requirements. Competencies These are knowledge, skills and abilities which are being assessed during the entire selection process, which must be demonstrated to be considered for the position of police officer with any Ontario Police Service. They are:

1. Analytical Thinking: The ability to analyze situations and events in a logical way, and to organize the parts of a problem in a systematic way.

2. Self Confidence: A belief in your own abilities and judgements, and a recognition of personal limitations and development needs.

3. Communication: The ability to demonstrate effective listening, verbal and written communication skills.

4. Flexibility/Valuing Diversity: The ability to adapt your approach in a variety of situations, and to work effectively with a wide cross-section of the community representing diverse backgrounds, cultures and socio-economic circumstances.

5. Self-Control: The ability to keep your own emotions under control and to restrain negative actions when provoked or when working under stressful conditions.

6. Relationship Building: The ability to develop and maintain a network of contacts, both inside and outside the police service.

7. Achievement Orientation: The desire for continuous improvement in service or accomplishments.

8. Medical/Physical Skills and Abilities: Job-related medical/physical skills and abilities, including vision, hearing, motor skills, cardiovascular endurance and upper-body strength.

Phase Three

Background Investigation Phase An extensive and comprehensive background investigation will be conducted, as well as a psychological test and interview with a psychologist. Applicants that are successful through the interview process may proceed to the background investigation stage. The background investigation may include, but is not limited to, reference checks, verification of educational documents, verification of employment history and credit cards. Part of the background is further supplemented with a psychological assessment, which includes an interview with a psychologist.

Phase Four

Final Selection Review Phase All of the information collected from the previous stages of the selection process is reviewed and compared to the selection criteria. A conditional offer of employment may be made to qualified applicants. This offer will be conditional on a medical examination. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a probationary period, and complete all mandated training. The successful completion of any phase of this process does not guarantee proceeding to the next phase. Upon being selected and signing a job offer the applicant must be willing to go on training at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario for a period of 13 weeks.