Please note: Ontario Security Hub is a security guard training agency and is not involved in the OACP Certificate Process. For any questions please visit: https://oacpcertificate.ca/start-your-career/
According to the Police Services Act, here are the requirements and qualifications to become a police officer:
43 (1) No person shall be appointed as a police officer unless he or she,
(a) is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada;
(b) is at least eighteen years of age;
(c) is physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position, having regard to his or her own safety and the safety of members of the public;
(d) is of good moral character and habits; and
(e) has successfully completed at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.15, s. 43 (1).
In addition, you must:
- possess a valid driver’s license with no more than six accumulated demerit points permitting you to drive an automobile in Ontario with full driving privileges;
- have current certification in CPR and first aid by the time the offer of employment is issued; and
- be able to pass a security clearance as well as background investigation, credit, and reference checks.
Candidates will also have to demonstrate these competencies:
- Self Control
- Physical Skills/Abilities
- Communication Skills
- Self Confidence
- Flexibility/Dealing with Diversity
- Analytical Thinking
- Relationship Building
- Achievement Oriented
The requirements to work in public security such as a police officer are much higher compared to private security guard positions, For example, there are no vision or hearing standards and no medical examination to pass to become a security guard. The Clean Criminal Record regulation under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act lists all convictions which would prevent you from obtaining your security guard license. There are numerous criminal offenses not on that list, meaning you could still get your security guard license with a conviction in some cases. On the other hand, to become a police officer you can not have any criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted.
Working as a private security guard will help you build the competencies you are required to demonstrate to become a police officer in Ontario. However, not all security guard positions will benefit you equally. For example, working as a security guard at a mall, hospital or a mobile security guard that responds to alarms, will develop the required competencies much more than working at a condominium or construction site. During emergencies, you will work alongside police officers, paramedics and firefighters as a security guard. Maybe afterwards you decide that being a police officer is not what you thought. Maybe working in transit enforcement, by-law enforcement or security is more ideal.
To obtain your security guard license in Ontario there are the 3 steps. Ontario Security Hub offers online security guard training and will guide you in finding the security positions that will move you towards your goal in becoming a police officer in Ontario.