Police Constable

As a member of Toronto Police Service, you will be a part of a diverse and inclusive team that shares a passion for keeping Toronto safe. You’ll take on responsibility for preventing and solving crimes of all kinds. From collecting evidence to pursuing suspects to comforting victims, police officers are there at every step. Beyond crime prevention and investigations, Toronto’s police officers also keep our communities safe by maintaining order during public events, responding to emergencies and more. 

As a police officer, you’ll also have the opportunity to work in tandem with other emergency experts in Toronto, including Communications (9-1-1) operators, emergency medical services and firefighters. Most importantly, you’ll get to connect with people in communities and see for yourself the positive impact the Toronto Police Service has on communities in our city.
 

Things you should know

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• 18+ years of age
• 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
• Successfully completed at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent (note: Official transcripts and diplomas will be required). Where education has been completed outside Ontario, official proof of equivalency must be obtained*
• Good moral character and habits, meaning that you are an individual that other people view as being trustworthy and having integrity
  
  * If you have attended secondary, post secondary or graduate school in any foreign country you must contact an organization specializing in foreign credential evaluation and obtain a document verifying your credentials before submitting your application.

• Have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted
• Possess a valid driver's licence 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. (Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Certificate)
• Successfully pass the hearing standards as outlined by the O.A.C.P.
• Have a minimum of 20/40 (uncorrected) vision, with normal colour acuity*
• Be able to pass a security clearance as well as a background investigation, credit and reference checks**
• Be physically ready and able to achieve stage 7 of the Shuttle Run and pass the PREP test (Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police) 

Shift Schedule

Day, Afternoons, Nights. The shift schedule varies in each Division. The duration of each shift also varies and are either 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts. Applicants should be aware that we provide service to the community 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which includes statutory holidays.  
 

Role and Responsibilities

The fundamental role of a police officer is about commitment to public service. As a new constable or an experienced officer joining the Toronto Police Service, your focus will be on protecting members of the public, preventing and investigating crimes, and assisting victims. By joining us, you will be working in partnership with communities and service delivery agencies to address crime, disorder, and community safety issues with an understanding of, and a sensitivity toward, the complex needs specific to each neighbourhood.
A police constable's job is a complex one. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• conducting a full and thorough investigation of offences
• preparing for and attending court, a hearing or inquiry to give evidence
• providing support immediately after an incident, which can victimize, traumatize or create concern for a neighbourhood and its residents
• being proactive and using information, evidence, and insights from neighbourhood partners to identify issues and co-develop solutions, including referrals to appropriate community resources

Salary & Benefits

The Toronto Police Service provides its members with some of the industry’s leading salaries and benefits, effective wellness programs and rewarding personal and professional development opportunities.
The following table represents the salary structure for Toronto Police Service Constables.
Toronto Police Service Base Salary (as of January 2021)

• Cadet in Training         $67,680
• 4th Class Constable    $75,218
• 3rd Class Constable    $85,971
• 2nd Class Constable   $96,716
• 1st Class Constable    $107,456

Compensation and Benefits

As a full-time employee of the Toronto Police Service you receive:

• Family Health Care Plan
• Family Dental Plan
• Vision/Hearing Care
• Pay Direct Pharmaceutical Card
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• On-site fitness facilities
• Access to the Police Credit Union (for additional information please visit tpcu.on.ca)
• Pension Plan (OMERS)
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Parental Leave

What will my hiring journey look like?

Your journey will be unique to you. Because we take a holistic and rigorous approach throughout our hiring process, the length of time your application takes to process can vary.
 

1. Pre-application

   • Participate in a General Information Session

   • Complete your Pre-Application checklist

   • Possess a valid Ontario Chiefs of Police (OACP) certificate

   • Possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License

   • Prepare to complete the Shuttle Run: Stage 7

2. Application & Pre-Screening

   • Complete your online application

   • Complete your pre-background questionnaire and written Local Focus Interview (LFI)

   • Complete your fitness assessment (Shuttle Run: Stage 7)

3. Interview & Background Investigation

   • Complete you blended interview (Essential Competency and Local Focus Interviews)

   • Successfully complete your background screening

   • Complete your written psychological assessment (MMPI-2)
      

4. Offer of Employment

   • Accept your conditional offer of employment

   • Complete your pre-hire fitness assessment (PREP)

   • Complete the Cadet-In-Training Program (3 weeks – Toronto Police College)

   • Complete the OPC Training Program (12 weeks – Ontario Police College)

   • Complete post-training (9 weeks – Toronto Police College)

   • Participate in your sworn ceremony

Where do I see myself?

With over 180 different career opportunities within the Toronto Police Service, you are encouraged to seek out the challenges that interest you the most.  Generally speaking, you must be classified as a First Class Constable with a minimum of five (5) years road experience before you will be considered for any of the above specialized units. Where do you see yourself?

• Divisional Primary Response Unit
• Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit
• Emergency Task Force
• Financial Crimes Unit
• Forensic Identification Services
• Homicide and Missing Persons Unit
• Mounted Unit
• Marine Unit
• Police Dog Services
• Sex Crimes Unit
• Traffic Services

Explore all the units on our Organizational Chart

What would make me a competitive candidate?

Because we receive thousands of applications each year, you should take the time to ensure you are at your competitive best before you apply. Traditionally, we hire three classes a year – April/August/December – and the number hired per class varies depending on the needs outlined by the TPS and the Toronto Police Services Board. So, how can you be a competitive candidate among all the applicants?

Some of the things we consider are:

• Additional language skills (includes ASL)

• Lived experience

• Job-related experience

• Continued education and self development

• Driving skills with a solid driving record

• Strong work ethic

• Volunteerism*

• Proven leadership and problem solving skills and resiliency

• Embrace the TPS Core Competencies and Core Values

• Physically fit 

• Experience or education in the areas of mental health, effective communication and de-escalation

* Candidates are encouraged to volunteer their time with any legal organization in Toronto. Community service with exposure to people in crisis is advantageous. There is no specific number of volunteer hours required. Hours of service are to be determined by a candidate’s personal schedule.

I have military experience. Does this change my application process?

The TPS is a military friendly employer. All current and past members of any military service must successfully pass through the Cadet-In-Training Constable Selection System, not as an experienced officer. Military Police with minimum of two years service can apply to the TPS as a lateral hire.

How long does the hiring process take?

Applications are valid for a period of one year from the date you submit it. If you have not been contacted within one year from the date you submitted your application, a new application, with current certifications, are required. Due to the high amount of interest and volume of applications, not all applications will be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Only applicants who meet the organizational needs of the service will be selected for an interview. When you apply for the position of Police Constable you are applying for the role and not a particular recruiting class. Your application will remain on file for future consideration within the one-year timeframe. 

1. Pre-Application Stage

Before you begin the application process, there are a few things for you to consider. You want to make sure you are a competitive candidate and are physically ready to be successful at the shuttle run. Learn more by registering for the online General Information Session by clicking on "Information Sessions Registration" and sellecting the session date that works best for you. These sessions are held throughout the year.

Your next step will be to obtain your OACP Certificate as follow:

• Register and complete the OACP assessment
• Obtain your final OACP Certificate of results at OACPCertificate.ca
• Complete your medical forms with the appropriate physicians to confirm you meet the required hearing and vision standards (Forms available from OACPCertificate.ca)
• Complete an ongoing fitness log; logs from the most current two weeks may be requested at any time (Forms available from OACPCertificate.ca)
• Be physically fit to successfully pass stage 7 of the shuttle run. A good gauge for you to assess your ability is to run 1.5 miles in 12 minutes,10 seconds

OACP certificates issued prior to January 1, 2020 will be accepted, but all components of the certificate must be valid and/or have a valid OACP Certificate of Equivalency. For more information please visit: stps.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/OACP-CSS-Certificate-Equivalency-Guide.pdf.
 

2. Application and Pre-Screening stage

Once you have met all the minimum requirements, have your OACP certificate, and are able to successfully achieve stage 7 of the shuttle run, then you’re ready to submit your online application.

3. Interview & Background Investigation stage

During this stage of the process you will prepare for your interview. To help you, our recruiters provide an optional mentoring session. It is critical that you know and embrace our Core Values and Competencies for your interview. During this time, it is also critical to ensure you maintain and build on your fitness level. Additional physical testing will be scheduled as part of your conditional offer.

So, what happens now that you are in the background stage? 

• If successful, you will be selected to move forward in the process and invited to attend an optional Interview Mentoring Session to help you prepare for your interview. You are provided with generic information about the interview process to assist in your preparation. The interview questions are based on the Service's Core Competencies and Core Values. 
• You will be scheduled for a blended Essential Competency Interview (ECI) and Verbal Local Focus Interview (LFI). 
• The interview is conducted by two members of the Background Investigator team
• Suitable candidates will move forward and have a Background Investigator assigned to your file
• The background investigator will continue an in-depth review of any criminal record, police contact, driving history, credit history, education history, employment history, alcohol use and drug use will be investigated further. 
• During this process, you may be invited to participate in the MMPI 2 – written psychological assessment, including a further in-person interview with a psychologist.
• In addition, a medical assessment and report from a physician will be requested 
   

• If you have been successful and selected for a conditional offer of employment then you will be notified by a Talent Advisor
• Your offer of employment is conditional on a couple of things, including a full medical assessment 
   

Where will I do my training?

As a Cadet-In-Training hire, you will proceed with formal training as follows:

• 3 weeks of orientation at the Toronto Police College
• 12 weeks at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario (Monday to Friday only)
• 9 weeks of further training at the Toronto Police College

Courses covered during the 24-week training program will include defensive tactics, driving, firearms, neighbourhood policing and investigative training.
Once you successfully complete the cadet-in-training program at both colleges, a graduation ceremony is held where you will receive your badge and formal assignment. It is at this point that you are officially sworn in as an Officer and reclassified as a 4th class constable.
The fees for the Ontario Police College Recruit Training are $14,850.00  (As of Jan 2021)

Recruits of the Toronto Police Service have two payment options:

• One-time payment of $14,850.00
• A cadet loan offered by the Police Credit Union. Visit tpcu.on.ca.
   

Diversity & Inclusion

We are dedicated to hiring people with lived experiences, who embrace and adhere to the Service core values and who are committed to the citizens of Toronto as much as we are. We continually strive to hire talent who reflect the communities we serve. We actively conduct targeted outreach and partner with the community to identify candidates from various backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religion, sexual orientations, and other identities to bring diverse members into the Toronto Police Service.

Military Experience

The Toronto Police Service recognizes that those whom have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Veterans possess many transferable skills and there are many positions within the TPS where such skills and experience are desirable. Talent Acquisition collaborates with Veterans Affairs Canada and will continue to support military members and veterans as they transition into the civilian work environment.

Experienced Officers/Lateral Hires

The Toronto Police Service seeks applications from experienced police officers. When Experienced Officer job postings are active, you will find the posting under the “Uniform Opportunities” icon as a Lateral/ Rehire application. This applies only for those who have served as a Military Police officer.

Visit our Lateral Hires webpage for more information on how to apply.

Why Toronto?

Toronto is a city of nearly 3 million people but still feels like a collection of small neighbourhoods where you’ll meet people from all around the world. People are drawn to this safe and inclusive city, with half the population being immigrants to Canada, choosing to raise their families and share the food and culture of their homelands. It’s the most exciting and dynamic place in Canada where people flock to our entertainment, museums, art galleries, restaurants and sporting events creating lifelong memories. And through our growth, we’ve managed to work together to keep our community one of the safest large cities.