to Law Enforcement officials
30-Jul-2010, 02:18 PM
#1
to Law Enforcement officials
Hi as some of you who know me know, I have decided on a career goal of being OPP, highway patrol. I have read up on the OPP website on the requirements to join, so I am giving myself 1 year to get into physical shape.
Other than that, what would you guys think I would need? FiveO, you can feel free to chime in because I know you are knowledgeable on laws and stats... Basically I am giving myself a year to prepare and I would like any advice or direction you would give me before I sign up...
Also does anyone know if any law enforcement will have a booth at Importfest? I remember there were recruiters at Performance World early last year or at one of the other autoshows I went to... I regret not speaking with them at that point. It would be weird just walking into a precinct and trying to have a convo, i saw a guy having a convo with a cop on the sidewalk but i haven't had that opportunity yet. Would it be ok to do so? I don't want to interfere with anyone while they are trying to work...
Anybody else can chime in too, and I welcome flamers. Everybody should have their say but i have my reasons for wanting to join.
Other than that, what would you guys think I would need? FiveO, you can feel free to chime in because I know you are knowledgeable on laws and stats... Basically I am giving myself a year to prepare and I would like any advice or direction you would give me before I sign up...
Also does anyone know if any law enforcement will have a booth at Importfest? I remember there were recruiters at Performance World early last year or at one of the other autoshows I went to... I regret not speaking with them at that point. It would be weird just walking into a precinct and trying to have a convo, i saw a guy having a convo with a cop on the sidewalk but i haven't had that opportunity yet. Would it be ok to do so? I don't want to interfere with anyone while they are trying to work...
Anybody else can chime in too, and I welcome flamers. Everybody should have their say but i have my reasons for wanting to join.
30-Jul-2010, 03:09 PM
#4
Admin
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Observation Deck
Posts: 17,528
I applaude you on setting goals and doing what it takes to reach them. You said you've done some research and reading on the topic, you're smart to want to speak to individuals who could give you good advice. The more people that are aware, the more who will say they have a relative or know someone who is an officer, perhaps opportunities will arise the more you canvas to gain greater knowledge of things.
Keep your eyes open the next time you're in a restaurant or a coffee shop (as long as you're not interrupting), and maybe you'll get the chance to speak to someone who is on a break for a few minutes. Also, if there are courses that need to be taken, it might be wise to get course description...will give you an idea what is being looked for in trainees.
I wish you the best on that, Stev.
Keep your eyes open the next time you're in a restaurant or a coffee shop (as long as you're not interrupting), and maybe you'll get the chance to speak to someone who is on a break for a few minutes. Also, if there are courses that need to be taken, it might be wise to get course description...will give you an idea what is being looked for in trainees.
I wish you the best on that, Stev.
30-Jul-2010, 03:22 PM
#6
I applaude you on setting goals and doing what it takes to reach them. You said you've done some research and reading on the topic, you're smart to want to speak to individuals who could give you good advice. The more people that are aware, the more who will say they have a relative or know someone who is an officer, perhaps opportunities will arise the more you canvas to gain greater knowledge of things.
Keep your eyes open the next time you're in a restaurant or a coffee shop (as long as you're not interrupting), and maybe you'll get the chance to speak to someone who is on a break for a few minutes. Also, if there are courses that need to be taken, it might be wise to get course description...will give you an idea what is being looked for in trainees.
I wish you the best on that, Stev.
Keep your eyes open the next time you're in a restaurant or a coffee shop (as long as you're not interrupting), and maybe you'll get the chance to speak to someone who is on a break for a few minutes. Also, if there are courses that need to be taken, it might be wise to get course description...will give you an idea what is being looked for in trainees.
I wish you the best on that, Stev.
30-Jul-2010, 11:45 PM
#9
I myself have taken an interest in joining the police, I infact want to join the TPS instead of OPP. Both great police units none-the-less. I have my test scheduled with ATS (applicant testing services) on September 28th.
By all means I think it's appropriate to talk to police when they aren't busy, Ask them any questions you have about the service, preparation and whatnot. I've been pulled over and given a ticket, and once the ticket was received, the police officer and I got into a small convo about me joining the force and what type of traning/preparation I should take.
You should note that you need some security experience as they like to see that youve been in the industry to an extent prior to employment. volunteering is a MUSTTTTT I can't stress that enough, they want to know that you are in touch with your community and all that good stuff. Go to an information session, they hold them about twice a month for TPS i dont know about OPP, and there you should be hooked up with a recruiter that will aid you on your way.
So lets just say youve done all that nice stuff and youve gotten into shape.
first things first. you'll need to pass the OACP tests at an ATS testing location. pass the physical and written and you'll be invited back for mental, hearing, visual, psycological testing. pass all that, and its time to apply. Im filling out my police application now, let me tell you, prepare for this, is long, boring, tedious, repetitive and everything else boring you could think of. not only that, youve got to get information all the way back to when you were 12, addresses, schools, employment, family members galore, work reference, character references, neighbour refs. any and everything you could think of, they want to know. driving abstract, highschool diploma, college/uni degrees (not needed but an asset).
sorry for the overload of info, but im quite excited myself about it and im very willing to share the info i know. My brother in law is a sargeant and so he's filled me in quite a bit as well. I also suggest the ride alongs, I plan to take a few prior to my testing/applying.
so if ive left anything out or you have any questions, please feel free to ask. oh yeah, great career choice, wish you the best of luck
By all means I think it's appropriate to talk to police when they aren't busy, Ask them any questions you have about the service, preparation and whatnot. I've been pulled over and given a ticket, and once the ticket was received, the police officer and I got into a small convo about me joining the force and what type of traning/preparation I should take.
You should note that you need some security experience as they like to see that youve been in the industry to an extent prior to employment. volunteering is a MUSTTTTT I can't stress that enough, they want to know that you are in touch with your community and all that good stuff. Go to an information session, they hold them about twice a month for TPS i dont know about OPP, and there you should be hooked up with a recruiter that will aid you on your way.
So lets just say youve done all that nice stuff and youve gotten into shape.
first things first. you'll need to pass the OACP tests at an ATS testing location. pass the physical and written and you'll be invited back for mental, hearing, visual, psycological testing. pass all that, and its time to apply. Im filling out my police application now, let me tell you, prepare for this, is long, boring, tedious, repetitive and everything else boring you could think of. not only that, youve got to get information all the way back to when you were 12, addresses, schools, employment, family members galore, work reference, character references, neighbour refs. any and everything you could think of, they want to know. driving abstract, highschool diploma, college/uni degrees (not needed but an asset).
sorry for the overload of info, but im quite excited myself about it and im very willing to share the info i know. My brother in law is a sargeant and so he's filled me in quite a bit as well. I also suggest the ride alongs, I plan to take a few prior to my testing/applying.
so if ive left anything out or you have any questions, please feel free to ask. oh yeah, great career choice, wish you the best of luck
31-Jul-2010, 07:23 PM
#12
Police Foundations @ Seneca College
POLICE FOUNDATIONS - Seneca College - Toronto, Canada
My brother and a few friends have taken this course. It will give you a very strong working background on the Criminal Justice System, current law enforcement practices, and will provide you with how to get into and stay in shape.
While not absolutely required to become an officer, it comes highly recommended and will give you good connections with the officers and detectives who work with the college contributing to the program.
POLICE FOUNDATIONS - Seneca College - Toronto, Canada
My brother and a few friends have taken this course. It will give you a very strong working background on the Criminal Justice System, current law enforcement practices, and will provide you with how to get into and stay in shape.
While not absolutely required to become an officer, it comes highly recommended and will give you good connections with the officers and detectives who work with the college contributing to the program.
01-Aug-2010, 02:51 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississauga and Woodstock
Posts: 616
Well congrats on this goal Stev! When I read you wanting to be OPP it felt good to know that someone down-to-earth is going to be a cop. Also good to hear your not going to Metro, cuz I'm still on about 99.9% of metro guys are douches.
The only I would recommend you do is make sure you do not take a call by yourself. Make sure you call back up if the situation could potentially be dangerous for you. Remember you will be there to serve and protect, but not there to loose your life.
I'll be linking you soon on a different matter.
The only I would recommend you do is make sure you do not take a call by yourself. Make sure you call back up if the situation could potentially be dangerous for you. Remember you will be there to serve and protect, but not there to loose your life.
I'll be linking you soon on a different matter.
01-Aug-2010, 12:45 PM
#15
as opposed to 'multi-quoting', i'll just 'respond to all'....
polkaroo yep i'm a visible minority, half black and half chinese, with a bunch of other races sprinkled in down the lines... i go to NY i look spanish, i come to TO i look mixed lol...
honestly about the ride-along i thought u guys were trolling because i never heard of that before, and I thought it might be dangerous, cops wouldn't want civilians riding with then, etc etc so i googled it and i'm soooo doing it. I might do one at different stations to get a feel for how the regions differ and how the individual cops deal with what's going on 'in their own backyard'... the best quote i've seen online is "this is like an ocean and we're like the sharks, everyone knows it when we're around." i wonder if they make you wear a vest...
the police foundations thing... i gave it about 2 days of serious thought. I might actually end up doing it. my biggest argument was that i'm turning 27 in a month, by the time i get out i will be almost 30 and i figured the force would be like the military, where they prefer you in your prime and scout you when you're young.... i don't know if too much time has passed, i might be too old, etc etc. but at the same time it will give me time to get some things in order like fix my health, fix my credit, and once I am actually learning about the roles/responsibilities of an officer on duty and i take in some anecdotes, i can honestly assess my mental fitness and figure out my main reasons for this line of work beyond the obvious financial gain. I have other reasons but I need to narrow them down so i can have a point of focus. so the foundations course can give me about 2 years to really reflect and figure out "is this for me" and also what options are available career-wise within the force.
i don't have any security experience but i have plenty of community involvement/volunteer experience... and lol @ nick, i've heard metro was pretty bad. the only bad experience i had with metro was when the guy forgot my insurance slip in his car.... i'ma just assume it was an accident
but yea OPP seems to be more community-focused. there's a lot to learn and alot i need to see before committing major resources to this, but thanks guys for your support and contributions... if anybody else has any say or any words of advice or direction i welcome it...
polkaroo yep i'm a visible minority, half black and half chinese, with a bunch of other races sprinkled in down the lines... i go to NY i look spanish, i come to TO i look mixed lol...
honestly about the ride-along i thought u guys were trolling because i never heard of that before, and I thought it might be dangerous, cops wouldn't want civilians riding with then, etc etc so i googled it and i'm soooo doing it. I might do one at different stations to get a feel for how the regions differ and how the individual cops deal with what's going on 'in their own backyard'... the best quote i've seen online is "this is like an ocean and we're like the sharks, everyone knows it when we're around." i wonder if they make you wear a vest...
the police foundations thing... i gave it about 2 days of serious thought. I might actually end up doing it. my biggest argument was that i'm turning 27 in a month, by the time i get out i will be almost 30 and i figured the force would be like the military, where they prefer you in your prime and scout you when you're young.... i don't know if too much time has passed, i might be too old, etc etc. but at the same time it will give me time to get some things in order like fix my health, fix my credit, and once I am actually learning about the roles/responsibilities of an officer on duty and i take in some anecdotes, i can honestly assess my mental fitness and figure out my main reasons for this line of work beyond the obvious financial gain. I have other reasons but I need to narrow them down so i can have a point of focus. so the foundations course can give me about 2 years to really reflect and figure out "is this for me" and also what options are available career-wise within the force.
i don't have any security experience but i have plenty of community involvement/volunteer experience... and lol @ nick, i've heard metro was pretty bad. the only bad experience i had with metro was when the guy forgot my insurance slip in his car.... i'ma just assume it was an accident
but yea OPP seems to be more community-focused. there's a lot to learn and alot i need to see before committing major resources to this, but thanks guys for your support and contributions... if anybody else has any say or any words of advice or direction i welcome it...
03-Aug-2010, 08:29 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: GTA
Posts: 2,305
few small things
1. get your first aid, and get it from St Johns.
2. keep it current to a year. Only fire cares about it being renewed annually, but good to have just in case they change their policy.
3. get your restricted firearms license.
4. make sure you are able to put down volunteer work with references backtracking enough to show that you did it before you wanted a job.
5. remember, they're not only looking for someone polite, you are applying to be an enforcer of the law. You must not fear confrontation.
1. get your first aid, and get it from St Johns.
2. keep it current to a year. Only fire cares about it being renewed annually, but good to have just in case they change their policy.
3. get your restricted firearms license.
4. make sure you are able to put down volunteer work with references backtracking enough to show that you did it before you wanted a job.
5. remember, they're not only looking for someone polite, you are applying to be an enforcer of the law. You must not fear confrontation.
03-Aug-2010, 03:08 PM
#19
^lol jeeeez our best and brightest...
btw thanks for your first post, there's a lot in there that i'm gonna look into in the next few weeks... i think first aid's 1st on the list. also if i remember right the firearms licence is issued by the rcmp? is this correct? i'm googling that but if anybody has first-hand experience.... i remember years ago speaking with a guy who used to work for brinks an he said getting it was a piece of cake and it wasn't that expensive... he said he needed it as a driver.
iunno i kind of figured that once you enroll, if you're successful they would give you that training/licencing in police college at aylmer... maybe they do but having it going in is kind of a bonus? like being bilingual at a job interview... correct me if i'm wrong...
btw thanks for your first post, there's a lot in there that i'm gonna look into in the next few weeks... i think first aid's 1st on the list. also if i remember right the firearms licence is issued by the rcmp? is this correct? i'm googling that but if anybody has first-hand experience.... i remember years ago speaking with a guy who used to work for brinks an he said getting it was a piece of cake and it wasn't that expensive... he said he needed it as a driver.
iunno i kind of figured that once you enroll, if you're successful they would give you that training/licencing in police college at aylmer... maybe they do but having it going in is kind of a bonus? like being bilingual at a job interview... correct me if i'm wrong...
04-Aug-2010, 01:44 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississauga and Woodstock
Posts: 616
few small things
1. get your first aid, and get it from St Johns.
2. keep it current to a year. Only fire cares about it being renewed annually, but good to have just in case they change their policy.
3. get your restricted firearms license.
4. make sure you are able to put down volunteer work with references backtracking enough to show that you did it before you wanted a job.
5. remember, they're not only looking for someone polite, you are applying to be an enforcer of the law. You must not fear confrontation.
1. get your first aid, and get it from St Johns.
2. keep it current to a year. Only fire cares about it being renewed annually, but good to have just in case they change their policy.
3. get your restricted firearms license.
4. make sure you are able to put down volunteer work with references backtracking enough to show that you did it before you wanted a job.
5. remember, they're not only looking for someone polite, you are applying to be an enforcer of the law. You must not fear confrontation.
