Policing in Ontario

How to become a Police Constable in Ontario

A career in policing is both challenging and rewarding. Once you have completed the Police Foundations program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley, you must satisfy a number of additional requirements to be eligible for the role of police constable. These requirements include:

  • A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
  • At least 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 the public
  • Of good moral character and habits
  • A graduate of at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent
  • Vision within acceptable standards: uncorrected visual activity should be at least 20/40 binocularly (both eyes open). Corrected vision acuity should be at least 20/20 binocularly. There are minimum requirements regarding refractive surgery, farsightedness (hyperopic), colour vision, depth perception and peripheral vision
  • Hearing with acceptable standards, normal hearing at frequencies of 500 to 4000Hz measured by an audiometer
  • A current Standard First Aid Certificate and a current CPR certificate (Basic Rescuer Level) at the time of the hire
  • A valid Ontario Driver’s Licence, class G, with no more than 6 demerit points, permitting you to drive an automobile in Ontario with full driving privileges
  • No criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted
  • Pass a medical examination
policing in ontario image - ministry of community safety and correctional services

For additional information about Policing in Ontario, visit the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Additional application requirements

Applicants to police services are tested with a Physical Readiness Evaluation Test for Police (PREP) or some other physical test, and a number of written tests as part of the selection process. Applicants who have physical disabilities that prevent them from completing these tests will likely not be hired. Applicants must demonstrate analytical thinking, self-confidence, communication, flexibility and valuing diversity, self-control, relationship building, physical ability, and a willingness to always improve.