Get Accepted & Paying Your Way
Admission requirements can vary widely depending on the type of program and institution offering it. Another consideration is how to pay for this education and training. During your application process, keep the following pointers in the back of your mind to help you get into the best program to meet your needs and goals as a future police officer.
Entrance requirements
Entry into various degree programs in law enforcement will all require some general points, such as completing an application, paying an application fee and presenting proof of high school graduation.
The associate degree program might require:
- A personal statement
- Transcripts from any other college courses taken
The bachelors degree might require additional information:
- An essay
- Transcripts from associate degree work
- Completion of certain prerequisites
- A resume of related experience
Application process & fees
Paying for Your Program
How much a training or educational program costs depends greatly upon the degree level you want to obtain. For instance, obtaining an associate degree will cost much less than a bachelors degree will. To learn more about financial aid options and how those will affect your financial bottom line, visit our online financial aid handbook:
Step 4
What Does A Police Officer Do
The duties of a police officer largely depend on where they are located. In large cities, officers are usually given very specific job duties or will be assigned to a fraud, murder, drug-trafficking, or rape unit. Each unit has a specific goal, and the officers within the unit are trained solely for that objective.
Police officers in rural areas rarely have the opportunity to specialize in any given area of law enforcement. Due to lower crime rates and the relatively small population, officers in townships, co-ops, and other rural areas take care of any or all law enforcement tasks, from simple traffic infractions to child protection or murder cases.
A police officer’s primary duty is to maintain public order. Patrol officers on foot, in a car, or even on horseback spend their days dealing with people who break the law. There are the typical traffic violations that need to be dealt with, of course, but police officers also receive calls to investigate burglaries or other serious crimes.
Police officers may give a warning or citation or, if the offence is serious, they have the authority to arrest and detain a suspect. Dangerous circumstances may arise if the suspect carries a weapon, takes a hostage, or flees in an attempt to resist arrest. Police officers, however, are trained to defend both themselves and possible victims. They keep streets and neighbourhoods safe, even if that safety requires them to be in situations where they may have to put their lives on the line.
What Do You Need To Become A Police Constable In Toronto
Officer candidates follow a detailed application and training process to become police constables with TPS. Once hired, new recruits attend the Ontario Police College for Basic Constable Training. You need to meet the following minimum requirements to become a Police Constable in Toronto:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada,
- Be at least 18 years of age,
- Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position, having regard to your own safety and the safety of members of the public,
- Have successfully completed at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent. . Where education has been completed outside Ontario, official proof of equivalency must be obtained,
- Be of good moral character and habits, meaning that you are an individual other people would look upon as being trustworthy and having integrity.
In addition, you must:
- Have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted,
- Possess a valid driver’s license with no more than six accumulated demerit points, permitting you to drive an automobile in Ontario with full driving privileges,
- Have current certification in CPR and first aid by the time the offer of employment is given,
- Possess a valid O.A.C.P. certificate,
- Have a minimum of 20/40 vision, with normal colour acuity,
- Successfully pass the hearing standards as outlined by the O.A.C.P.,
- Be able to pass a security clearance as well as a background investigation, credit and reference checks.
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Advantages Of Being A Police Officer
Are You Suited To Be A Police Officer
Police officers have distinct personalities. They tend to be enterprising individuals, which means theyâre adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. They are dominant, persuasive, and motivational. Some of them are also realistic, meaning theyâre independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty.
Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if police officer is one of your top career matches.
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Is It Worth It
If youve asked an officer about the training academy, youve probably heard a similar response: It was mentally and physically draining, but it was completely worth it!
Many officers will remember their training as incredibly challenging but find their job exceedingly rewarding. The relationships that are built during training can turn into lifelong bonds and friendships. Plus, the skills learned in the academy are essential to the job once you get started.
Some Police Officers Develop Paranoia Over Time
Since their job can be quite dangerous, many police officers also develop significant paranoia over time.
This could mean that they think that somebody follows them to their house when there will actually nobody be there.
This can be quite problematic since police officers may attack uninvolved residents due to their paranoia.
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Critical Thinking And Observation
There is no such thing as a routine call in law enforcement. Officers need the ability to quickly and efficiently evaluate and analyze facts, observations, and information so they can make sound decisions. Officers must be able to think critically if they’re going to help members of the community solve problems and resolve conflicts.
Keen observation skills are essential. Being able to visually, mentally and emotionally gauge a situation quickly can save your life and the lives of others. Detail-oriented individuals tend to be better observers because they can pick out small details at a moments notice. If you’re not a detail-oriented individual, try training yourself to be a better observer.
List Of The Disadvantages Of Being A Police Officer
1. It is a job where youre faced with human misery every day. Law enforcement officials often see the divisiveness of communities at a personal level every day. They are asked to respond to situations where people are experiencing one of their worst days. At the same time, they are also tasked with providing safety and security to their jurisdiction. They see this conflict on an almost daily basis, then are asked to write you a speeding ticket if you break the law. All of that comes together to create people who are often cynical as their first reaction.
2. There are extreme stressors present in the position every day. Police officers are often working long shifts after not getting a chance to rest properly the night before. Their work often leads to social or societal isolation because theyre always a cop, even when not on duty. Whether theyre on patrol or doing paperwork in the office, it would be fair to say that there is always a constant threat of danger to worry about. Add that to the constant exposure to the negative elements of humanity, and youll find many officers dealing with stress every day.
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How Much Control Do I Have Over How I Handle My Calls
The Seattle Police Department takes a lot of pride in our officers. Patrol officers are the most visible representatives of our Department to the community. That is why training is so rigorous – by the time you are assigned to patrol you are ready to work independently. With the confidence of knowing that your co-workers are there for backup, and a solid foundation of laws, policies and tactics, your response to each call is ultimately up to you.
What Do Police Look For In A Background Check
The background exam is a very thorough investigation of the applicants past. It is common for the hiring parties to speak to colleagues, family members, neighbours, landlords, as well as present and past employers. This helps to determine whether you have a track record of high ethical standards in all areas of your life. You will be required to provide your criminal record, driving record, credit history, and history of alcohol and drug use. Additionally, you will need to pass a polygraph exam that shows whether you have been dishonest or deceitful in answering any of the questions throughout the application process.
When applying to police agencies, you will be disqualified if*:
- You have matters pending at a criminal court
- You participated in any indictable offenses. These offenses are the mostserious of criminal activities, which include murder, sexual assault, and terrorist activities.
- You have a criminal conviction that has not been pardone.
- You participated in less serious criminal behaviour or activity within one year of applying. These activities are referred to as summary conviction offenses under the Criminal Code. They include illicit drug use, theft, and impaired driving.
- You have been dishonourably discharged or dismissed from any other law enforcement organization
- You have a pending or current personal bankruptcy
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Municipal Police Force Salaries & Benefits
In comparison to the federal police force, the municipal police agencies offer slightly higher salaries.
The Calgary Police Service offers a starting salary of approximately $66,000/year.
The Vancouver Police Department offers new hires $70,154/year with an incremental increase to $90,198 after 3 years. Benefits include paid vacation, medical and dental benefits and a BC Municipal Pension Plan membership.
The Toronto Police Service has a starting salary of $63,564.98 for their cadets. After year 3, police officers receive an annual salary of $90,836. Benefits include paid vacation, family medical and dental benefits, life insurance, pension plan, parental/maternity leave and more.
Considering that the median income for individual Canadians was $36,400 in 2018, according to Statistics Canada, the starting salary for a Canadian police officer is an attractive one.
When deciding between the federal or municipal level, keep in mind that while the RCMP might have a lower salary, the role involves police duties at the international, federal, provincial and municipal levels with a much wider variety in operational and administrative opportunities.Some specializations that are unique to the RCMP are: Integrated Border Enforcement Team, National Security, Marine Services, International Peace Operations and many, many more.
Disadvantages Of Being A Cop
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Looking To Become A Police Officerany Tips
When I looked up “Ninjas” in Thesaurus.com, it said “Ninja’s can’t be found” Well played Ninjas, well played.
- Monte Creek, BC
- +1
poleman wrote: A post secondary education in pretty well anything that is law related will help a lot. Police departments want educated officers and pick them ahead of less educated ones.A second language is also a huge benefit, but you should be proficient in it.If you are a visible minority, you’ve got it made. If you are a white male, not so much. Yes, police departments still select on this basis.
When I looked up “Ninjas” in Thesaurus.com, it said “Ninja’s can’t be found” Well played Ninjas, well played.
- +1
sal911 wrote: Lolol dont have a secondary education in law but I do in graphic design!, Im also pakistani so im a visual minority? And speak more than just English…fluently Thanks for the info!
- +1
poleman wrote: A post secondary education in pretty well anything that is law related will help a lot. Police departments want educated officers and pick them ahead of less educated ones.A second language is also a huge benefit, but you should be proficient in it.If you are a visible minority, you’ve got it made. If you are a white male, not so much. Yes, police departments still select on this basis.
- +1
- +1
- 57 upvotes
- +3
Remember to be an RFD-er and NOT a degenerate.
AndrewShev wrote: sounds like a guy who applied and never got in. Go for it then if it’s so rewarding and easy.
- Away from RFD idiots
- New Brunswick
- +1
- +7
- +1
actually
- +1
How Do I Become A Toronto Police Officer
The following points outline the process for becoming a police constable with the Toronto Police Service
- Obtain an OACP Certificate of Results from www.OACPCertificate.ca
- Complete medical forms with appropriate physicians for hearing and vision standards
- Complete an ongoing fitness log logs from the most current two-weeks may be requested at any time
- Submit Toronto Police Service online application
- Pre-Screening
- Complete the Leger 20m Shuttle Run, obtaining a minimum of Level 7
- Pre-Background Questionnaire and written Local Focus Interview
- Blended Interview and Local Focus Interview )
- Complete the Minnesota Multi-Phasic Personality Inventory
- Background Investigation
- Psychological Assessment
- Successfully complete the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police test, as well as the Leger 20m Shuttle Run, obtaining Level 7
- Conditional Offer of Employment Pending Medical Examination
- Cadet-in-Training at the Ontario Police College
Please be advised that the process for becoming a Police Constable is competitive and as such, an applicant may be declined at any stage of the process.
If you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact a member of the recruiting section.
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What Is The Workplace Of A Police Officer Like
Police officers rarely work a regular, 40-hour week. Officers work late at night, on the weekends, and even on holidays. Most police officers work outdoors while on patrol, and are subjected to all types of weather conditions. Police work is also mentally gruelling. Officers often witness terrible crimes or become the focus of a criminal’s rage and abuse. Police officers must handle the stress brought on by these situations while remaining calm and collected.
Working as a police officer can bring on a range of emotions. It can leave you feeling satisfied, sad, rewarded, disgruntled, lonely and fulfilled, all within the same shift. A police officer needs to be a warrior, an information booth, a social worker, a guardian angel, a marriage counselor, and an arbitrator . The mental challenges are far more rigorous than all of the physical challenges put together.
Police officers carry the power of life and death on their hips, and are empowered to do things that, were they done by civilians, would get those civilians arrested. They can control traffic, take and imprison people against their will, and seize property. However, they are constantly reminded of the constraints that they must work under in order to exercise that power lawfully and fairly.
How Important Is Accreditation
Accreditation refers to an outside organization reviewing a particular school or program to ensure it meets certain standards of quality. Accreditation is important for police training programs because it serves as a mark of quality graduates who complete their education and training can be confident that what they have earned will be accepted by future employers and peers. The specific entities that offer accreditation will vary depending on the program. For instance, many associate or bachelors degree programs will not be accredited at the program level, but the school offering the degree will be accredited. This will usually be a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the US Department of Education.
As for the accreditation of police training academies, the most prominent is the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, or CALEA.
Step 3
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Pass The Licensing Exam
The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your states police licensing board exam. Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam.
Each state has its own licensing board, so the tests will also vary. But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment with a police department.