Uniform

Frequently Asked Questions

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• After I submit my application, how long will it take to get an Interview?

  Applicants assessed best able to meet the organizational needs of the service will be invited for physical testing. Upon successful completion of physical testing, applicants will then receive information regarding their interview date.

• Does the Toronto Police Service offer a PREP practice session?

  Yes, the recruiting team hosts fitness practice sessions that expose participants to both components of the PREP (Pursuit Restraint Circuit & Shuttle Run). To see details and to register, click the “Information Sessions” tab on our Careers main page.

• How many volunteer hours do I need to fulfil the volunteer component of my application?

  There are no set hours for volunteering. The hours of service are to be determined by a candidate’s personal schedule.

• Is the Toronto Police Service currently hiring?

  For the latest information regarding our hiring status, please visit our careers page for more information.

• What are the basic requirements for becoming a Police Constable with the Toronto Police Service?

  Up-to-date application requirements can be found under the “Police Cadet in Training” job posting under “Uniform Officer” on our Join Service page.

• What is the age limit for applying to become a Police Constable?

  A candidate must be 18 years of age to apply. Otherwise, there is no upper age limit.

• What is the O.A.C.P. Certificate of Results?

  The OACP Certificate is a certificate approved by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and must be obtained by a candidate upon hire. For information to obtain the certificate, visit oacpcertificate.ca.

• What is the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) test?

  The PREP test is a mandatory, two-part fitness test (Pursuit/Restraint Circuit and 20-metre Shuttle Run) required to complete for the Toronto Police Service uniform hiring process.
   

  Pursuit/Restraint Circuit

  The Pursuit/Restraint Circuit simulates a foot pursuit and includes obstacles, control of a person who resists arrest and the dragging of an incapacitated person. Throughout this test, a candidate will be required to wear a 9 lb weighted belt AND a 9 lb vest to simulate the weight of standard police equipment. Candidates must complete the circuit in 2m37s or less to be successful.
   

  Aerobic Shuttle Run

  The shuttle run assesses a candidate’s level of aerobic fitness and is evaluated by running back and forth over a 20-meter course in time with tape recorded signals. The time to cover the 20-meter course is shortened progressively. Candidates must complete stage 7 to pass the component.

• Should I join the auxiliary before I apply to the police?

  There is no requirement by the Toronto Police Service to have a candidate be an Auxiliary Officer prior to applying to the Police Constable position.

• Does the Toronto Police Service accept applicants who have undergone corrective eye surgery?

  Yes. Provided that they have successfully passed the vision test as outlined in the OACP medical package (oacpcertificate.ca). The decision to undergo corrective eye surgery is strictly the personal decision of the candidate and not a requirement of the Toronto Police Service. If a candidate has any questions regarding corrective eye surgery and the vision test, please contact OACP for more information.

• What is the passing grade for the O.A.C.P. tests?

  There is no numerical grade assigned to the O.A.C.P. testing. Regardless of how you do, you will receive the certificate upon completion of the assessment.

• How long is my application on file for?

  Applications are valid for a one-year period from the date they are submitted. If you have not been contacted within one year from the date you submitted your application, a new application, with current certifications is required.

• Can I apply to more than one service?

  Yes, you may have active applications with other Police Services outside of Toronto Police.

• How do I get in contact with a recruiter?

  There are several ways to get in contact with a recruiter, you can either:

  • Refer to the “Connect with the Recruiting Team” section of the Toronto Police website and email them
  • Message the TPSRecruiting social pages (Instagram, Facebook, X)
  • Call the general Recruiting phone number (416-808-2222 ex. 78101)
• After I submit my application, how long will it take to get an interview?

  Once you submit your application (and have successfully passed the pre-screening questionnaire), you will be invited to the physical testing component (PREP) of the Police Constable hiring process. After passing the PREP, you will receive further information about the interview portion of the process.

• How long does the hiring process take?

  There is no set timeline for the hiring process. Each applicants’ file is reviewed individually, and progress can vary based on a number of factors. Applicants should also keep in mind that they are applying for the role of Police Constable, not for a specific intake date.

• How often does the Toronto Police Service hire within a year?

  Currently, the Toronto Police Service hires 4 classes per year for up to 90 recruits.

• What is the cost of attending the Ontario Police College?

  Tuition for the Basic Constable Training program at the Ontario Police College (OPC) is completely free. The Government of Ontario eliminated the previous $15,450 tuition fee.

• Do I get paid while training?

  Yes. Once hired, a candidate is classified as a Police Cadet in Training and will receive a salary of the job posting’s listed rate.

• I am a current/past member of the military. Do I get special consideration?

  Although we appreciate your service in the military, all current and past members of any military service will proceed through the Constable Selection System like any other candidate.

• Does the Toronto Police Service accept on-line applications from international candidates?

  The Toronto Police Service does accept online applications for the Police Constable position from international applicants provided that the applicant has met the minimum requirements as outlined on the job posting.

  Please note:

  • TPS cannot influence Canadian Immigration procedure,
  • TPS has no affiliation with any Immigration Consultant Organizations.

  If you are unsure of what the minimum requirements for the Police Constable position are, please refer to the job posting on our Join Service page.

• Do I need a Police Foundations diploma or a Law and Security diploma to be hired?

  There is no requirement by the Toronto Police Service for a candidate to attend any Police Foundations or Law and Security program. The only requirement in regards to education is that a candidate possess a minimum grade 12 diploma or equivalent certificate.

• If I attended school in a foreign country, do I need an equivalency certificate?

  Yes. Any candidate having attended secondary, post secondary or graduate school in any foreign country must contact any organization specializing in foreign credential evaluation and obtain a document verifying those credentials before submitting their application. Please refer to the Resource section of the Careers website, specifically the education section for more information.

• How long do I have to work as a primary response officer before I can apply to a specialized unit?

  Generally, an officer must be classified as a first class constable with a minimum of five (5) years road experience before they can be considered for any specialized units.

• How many specialized units are there within the Toronto Police Service?

  There are over 180 specialized units within the Toronto Police Service and they include:

  • Police Dog Services,
  • Marine Unit,
  • Mounted Unit,
  • Emergency Task Force,
  • Drug Squad,
  • Forensic Identification Services,
  • Homicide Squad.
• Will having declared bankruptcy affect my chances of becoming a Police officer?

  If an individual has declared bankruptcy and is interested in applying to the Police Constable position, the candidate must first resolve their credit situation prior to applying.

• If I have a criminal record, can I still apply to become a Police Constable?

  As per the OACP requirement, if an individual has been convicted of a criminal offence (in any country), they must first obtain a pardon prior to applying. Furthermore, if the individual has had a 'Findings of Guilt' which has resulted in absolute or conditional discharge, their records must be 'sealed' by the RCMP, prior to applying.

  (This will be done automatically following one year if the absolute discharge is registered after July 24, 1992. For a conditional discharge, this will be done automatically following three years if the conditional discharge is registered after July 24,1992. Otherwise you must apply to have these records sealed.)

• How do I obtain a pardon?

  Please refer to the Resource section of the Careers website, specifically the Pardons section for more information.

• What if I have a criminal record, is it necessary to disclose this?

  Yes. Failure to knowingly not disclose a criminal record or any other information on the application can be grounds for disqualification from the Constable Selection System.

• Do I need my Possession and Acquisition (PAL) or Possession only (POL) licence to become a police officer?

  There is no requirement to obtain either of these licences when applying to the Toronto Police Service.