KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government today marked the official march past of 460 police recruits who have completed their basic training at the Ontario Police College (OPC).
“Policing is much more than a job. It is a profession that puts citizens over self,” said Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General.
The OPC is one of the largest police training facilities in North America with an average 8,000 recruits, police officers, and civilian personnel attending each year and has been training new police hires since 1962.
The successful completion of basic constable training marks an important milestone on the path to becoming a police officer. During the 12-week program, recruits are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond to evolving issues facing modern policing. This includes learning how to prevent crime, assist victims, maintain public order and respond to emergencies.
“I commend both the recruits and their instructors for dedicating themselves to help fight crime across the province. We need to recruit more police officers and this class is an inspiration to others who want to pursue a higher calling,” added Kerzner.
Of the 460 recruits, the average age is 29 years old, 88 per cent have completed post-secondary education (college, university or both) and almost half (40 per cent) speak an additional language besides English.
The recruits will complete their training with 29 municipal police services across the province, the Ontario Provincial Police, five First Nations communities and two other police service partners.
