Those seeking employment with the Niagara Regional Police Service often have similar questions about various topics.  The following are common questions and answers that we commonly receive.  Should you require additional information, or if you have a question that doesn't appear below, feel free to contact us.

• Are you currently hiring?
  • The Niagara Regional Police Service accepts applications year-round in order to develop a candidate pool of which to draw upon when the needs for hiring arise.  We are currently accepting applications.
• Can I talk to a recruiter?
  • Our Recruiting Officers are available to speak with all interested persons who wish to find out more about a Career in Policing, or to gain information about the hiring process. A Recruiter can be reached during normal business hours at (905) 688-4111 extension 5051.  The receptionist will then connect you with a recruiting officer.
• Will I automatically get an interview?
  • Not every applicant will get an interview. The applications will first be screened in order to ensure the candidates meet the minimum qualifications as described in our Recruiting Information link. Of those applications that are considered, interviews will be conducted in a timely manner, taking into consideration the Police Service’s organizational needs. Applications are held for a 12-month period.
• Is my age a factor
  • Persons interested in applying for the position of Police Constable must be between18 and 65 years of age. This age range is a requirement of the Police Services Act of Ontario. As long as an applicant is successful in the testing process, he/she can be considered for the position of Police Constable.
• How long does it take to get hired?
  • There is no concrete answer to this question. The selection process is complex and time consuming, and therefore will take some time. The time you submit your application in relation to the time we are looking at hiring will determine the length of time from start to finish. Should an applicant not be successful with our Service, there is a minimum waiting period of up to 1 year. Results of other Police Services interviews and other areas of testing are also considered and will determine if there is a waiting period before you may apply here.
• Do I get paid while I am in training?
  • Yes. You are considered an Employee of the Niagara Regional Police Service when you are sent to the Police College as well as for the pre-College orientation. You are paid as a Cadet Constable in Training at a specified rate of pay.
• How often do you hire?
  • The Niagara Regional Police Services hiring practices are based on minimum staffing levels as approved by the Police Service Board. Our Service hires as the needs arise. The Ontario Police College has 3 Recruit Class intakes every calendar year, and the seat availability at the College is also a determining factor of our hiring opportunities.
• What type of Post-Secondary Education is best?
  • Successful candidates are those that can show that they have a desire to learn. Police Foundation Courses have been very helpful in giving an accurate understanding of the nature of Policing, however, the ongoing pattern of learning is the key. The academic road you choose is a personal one. For further information in this area, please contact a Recruiter.
• What is an OACP certificate?
  • The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has developed a guideline that Police Services may subscribe to, known as the Constable Selection System. The Niagara Regional Police does adhere to this System. The certificate that you will register and test for is mandated by the OACP and is administered by Applicant Testing Services. Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate, which is required in order to apply to the Niagara Regional Police, or any other services that adhere to the Constable Selection System.
• How long does it take to get an OACP certificate?
  • It usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks to get your OACP certificate. The BPAD is the final test of the 4 components and is administered separately from the PATI, WCT, and PREP tests. Applicant Testing Services may be reached by phone or through the world wide web at www.applicanttesting.com
• What should I do to make sure I am ready to apply?
  • It is strongly urged that you consider what your strengths are and decide if this is the time for you to apply. A successful candidate is one who can demonstrate a prior and continuous commitment to learning, a prior and continuous commitment to the community, and a pattern of learning that you have gained through past and present career and other day to day experiences. The process is very intensive and will be challenging.
• Do you have a cadet program?
  • The Niagara Regional Police has implemented a Cadet program.  For more information, please contact the Recruiting Unit at (905) 688-4111, extension 5051.