Through high standards and an emphasis on training, versatility and teamwork, the Service prepares employees to meet the myriad of demands placed upon them by the community. It does this by training constables as soon as they are hired, and continues to develop an officer's skills and education by offering the best possible training opportunities available.  Progressive and innovative, the Niagara Regional Police Service is dedicated to its community and its personnel.

THE TRAINING

Successful candidates who are offered employment undergo an extensive training program in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their duties. The recruit is required to attend and successfully complete training courses at both the Niagara Regional Police Training facilities and the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario. The costs associated with the Ontario Police College training will be the responsibility of the candidate. We offer a payment plan for these fees, which is reimbursed on an anniversary date over five years.  Training includes studies in various areas of Federal, Provincial and Municipal law, as well as behavioral sciences. The recruit learns the laws of arrest, rules of evidence, Police procedures, Departmental rules and regulations, use of firearms, self-defense and community relations. 

Upon completion of the academic programs, the Recruit receives field instruction and training under the direct supervision of an assigned coach officer. Under the coach officer's guidance, the Recruit will progress gradually from the role of the observer to participant and will be given more independence and responsibility. Recruits are then assessed and if found to be competent, will move to patrol alone. Prior to completion of the twelve (12) months Probation period, assessment is continual and all aspects of service and training are scrutinized.

ONGOING TRAINING

During the course of an officer's career, there are numerous prospects for career development and opportunities for additional training and education.  A constable's skills needs to be cultivated as his or her career advances, so that he or she can be better able to enforce the law and investigate new and changing types of crime.  To extend an officer's existing experience and knowledge, there are many different types of courses and training available.

When an officer is assigned to specific Units in the Service, he or she acquires training to perform the duties related to that particular Unit's function in the Service.  This may involve special weapons training, instruction on techniques and procedures, or the skills to do such things as operate specialized equipment or vehicles.  For example, a Member of Traffic Services may be trained on how to use a radar gun to determine the speed a vehicle is traveling and how to administer tests on impaired drivers to determine levels of intoxication.  The Emergency Task Unit trains specialized officers to provide an immediate response to hostage takings, and execute warrants on fortified buildings.  The Explosives Disposal Unit trains officers to become explosives technicians, who have the knowledge of defusing explosives and using them properly.  As you can see by this, the training involved in being a Member of a Unit varies with its functions and duties. 

Because technology routinely changes, classes are offered to constables on computer software and hardware used by the Service.  Officers require such training so they are able to use the computers that are implemented on workstations and in patrol cars, which allow them to communicate and access data on a local and national level.  Training is also provided on how to operate the latest software and devices utilized by our Service, as well as programs that are developed in-house and are only available to our Service.

TRAINING EXERCISES

The Niagara Regional Police Service takes a proactive approach to emergencies by staging exercises to train officers on how to deal with a major incident before it occurs.  These may involve disaster scenarios, or incidents that occur in a unique condition or location. 

Because a number of incidents are expected to require the presence of other emergency services, they are often conducted in conjunction with local fire departments and ambulance services.  These exercises may also require the cooperation of additional organizations where the incident is staged, or who may participate if the possibility exists they would be involved in real-life.

The training exercises may be staged outdoors, in local schools, on the St. Lawrence Seaway, and other locations throughout the Region.  By training officers in this way, officers have practical knowledge and experience in what may occur during these situations, and are able to assist in identifying improvements on how an incident is handled.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to providing a professional, satisfying work environment that respects employees rights and encourages personal and professional growth.

To that end, the Career Development Staff Sergeant provides ongoing career counseling and planning to members of the Niagara Regional Police Service.  This position is similar to that of a Guidance Counselor in the Public Education Sector.  Members are provided with practical advice and assistance to enable them to ultimately attain their career goals.  The Career Development Officer also assists the Recruiting Team in identifying candidates suited to the policing profession who have potential to enjoy a rewarding and successful career.  In addition to these responsibilities, the Career Development Officer administers the internal job competitions for promotion and specialty promotions.

SOCO

Specialized training programs are available within the Service to educate officers on various investigative techniques and technical skills.  Such training involves classroom instruction and often involves additional training exercises that take place in the field.  In some cases, this training may be designed to enhance previous skills that were taught at other facilities.

One such program is the Scene Of Crime Officer (SOCO), in which officers are educated on how to gather evidence.  This training covers a wide spectrum of subjects, including photographic principles, crime scene analysis, DNA collection, fingerprinting and trace evidence collection techniques.  Once trained, a SOCO will respond to calls involving Break and Enters, auto thefts, and other incidents to provide photographic services and conduct basic forensic exams in order to identify suspects.

CENTRE FOR POLICING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY STUDIES

The Centre is the primary facility for training within the Niagara Regional Police Service, and has become a leading provincial centre for the development of training resources and distance education.  All justice and public safety programs are housed within the Centre, making it a cornerstone of policing education within the Region. The facility resulted from a joint venture partnership between the Niagara Regional Police Service and Niagara College, and is located on the Welland Campus of Niagara College.

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

Conferences, seminars and workshops allow police services and organizations to share information, learn new techniques, and network with colleagues that have similar goals.  Officers who can benefit from such training opportunities in their current assignments are sent to such events to expand their knowledge and skills in handling specific items discussed at these forums.  In a number of conferences hosted by other police services, agencies or organizations, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service have also participated by providing presentations on topics related to the conference.  For example, the Family Violence Unit provided a presentation on "The Niagara Leadership Summit on Family Violence: It's Everybody's Business" at the World Conference for the Prevention of Family Violence, while other experts from the Service have been speakers or provided presentations on a wide variety of other subjects at various venues.

The Niagara Regional Police Service has hosted a number of conferences that have assisted in training officers from multiple Services and agencies.  The topics covered have included Internet predators, marijuana grow operations, elder abuse, fraud, identity theft, family violence, sexual assault, high risk offenders, child abuse, child witness evidence, forensic dentistry, interviewing techniques, strategies for interviewing suspects, stress management, and case studies.  In these conferences, members of our Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and experts from the public and private sector have provided their services as lecturers and provided presentations on a wide variety of subjects.  Through these conferences, our Members and other interested parties in related fields gain the advantages of being educated by experts, forging relationships with colleagues, sharing experience and techniques, and other benefits. 

SECONDMENTS

A secondment is a temporary opportunity to work with and be trained by other police services or providers of law enforcement. This may involve a member of the RCMP, OPP or other police service or law enforcement agency working in our Service, and/or a constable from the Niagara Regional Police Service working in one of their organizations.  In doing so, the Niagara Regional Police Service and the outside agency or police service both benefit by sharing knowledge, experiences, procedures and other information.  An officer on secondment broadens his or her experiences by working with police in other areas of the province, Canada or even other countries, and may involve working with provincial or federal levels of law enforcement.  For experienced officers, secondments may also involve an officer becoming a police instructor, such as with the Ontario Police College or Canada Police College.  Such positions allow members of our Service to play an important role in development of a new generation of officers.  Opportunities are provided to Members of the Service to apply for a seconded position, while some Units make individual arrangements for Members to receive training and work with related Units in other organizations.

EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT

Because learning isn't limited to police facilities, the Niagara Regional Police Service has programs that can aid employees with continuing their education.  Employees seeking to enhance their skills and education through universities, colleges or other education institutions may qualify for reimbursement of tuition, if they successfully complete the course.

POLICE COLLEGE

When a successful candidate is offered employment with the Niagara Regional Police Service, they attend training courses at the Niagara Regional Police Training facilities and the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario.   Training includes studies in various areas of Federal, Provincial and Municipal law, as well as behavioural sciences.  The recruit learns the laws of arrest, rules of evidence, police procedures, departmental rules and regulations, use of firearms, self-defence and community relations.

Police officers may also qualify or be requested to attend additional courses at the Ontario Police College or the Canada Police College.  These centers of professional learning provide constables with continuing education and extensive training.  By attending any of a wide range of courses offered at these colleges, officers acquire new skills to conduct specific types of investigation, use specialized equipment, and perform necessary tasks safely and effectively. 

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING

Members of the Niagara Regional Police Service are sometimes invited or have the opportunity to attend special training or educational opportunities located outside of Canada.  For example, a number of our Members have been invited to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.  These successful officers were able to attend courses and receive training from the FBI with law enforcement from other countries throughout the world.  Through such training, Members receive a broader scope of information that assists the Niagara Regional Police Service in providing a greater quality of service to citizens and visitors of the Niagara Region.