The Police Services Act governs all police officers in Ontario and allows Special Constables to be appointed by the Boards of Police Services. Special Constables have police powers but for a specific purpose as set out in their appointment. In Ontario, special constables work in transit systems, universities, courthouses, community housing and prisoner transport.
Minimum Requirements to Become a Special Constable in Ontario
Since January 1, 2020, the Ontario Associations of Chiefs of Police (OACP) have taken over the Constable Selection System. Previously testing for special constables was conducted by ATS. The new OACP Certificate can be obtained entirely online and valid for one year. Not all agencies require a OACP certificate. Check with the agency you are applying for first. According to the OACP, the process for becoming a special constable is the same as becoming a police constable. The minimum requirements according to the OACP are:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position, having regard to your own safety and the safety of members of the public;
- Have successfully completed at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent. (Note: official transcripts and diplomas will be required). Where education has been completed outside Ontario, official proof of equivalency must be obtained by contacting the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training;
- Be of good moral character and habits, meaning that you are an individual other people would look upon as being trustworthy and having integrity
- Possess a valid driver’s licence 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 given;
- Be able to pass a security clearance as well as background investigation, credit and reference checks.
NOTE: Individual Police Services may request additional requirements.
Please note: Ontario Security Hub is a security guard training agency and is not involved in the OACP Certificate Process for special constables. For any questions please visit: https://oacpcertificate.ca/start-your-career/
OACP Certificate Process
According to the OACP, there are three parts to obtain the OACP Certificate:
Part A: Medical examination form and daily fitness log and daily fitness journal
Part B: General Mental Ability Assessment involving verbal and quantitative taken online through a web cam.
Part C: Personality Assessment taken online through a web cam
To start the process for obtaining your OACP certificate visit the OACP website.
Where Special Constables Work in Ontario
- York Region Transit
- Toronto Transit Commission
- GO Transit/ Metrolinx
- OC Transpo
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Fanshawe College
- Guelph University
- McMaster University
- University of Toronto Mississauga / St George / Scarborough campuses
- University of Waterloo
- University of Windsor
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Toronto Community Housing Corporation
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Toronto Police Service
- Niagara Parks Police
Become a Security Guard and Build Skills Towards Becoming a Special Constable
Working as a private security guard will help you build the competencies needed to become a special constable 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 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 special constable is not what you thought. Maybe working in customs, 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 special constable in Ontario.