Is the Niagara Regional Police hiring?

The Niagara Regional Police Service is always accepting applications for the position of Police Constable.

Is there any pre-applicant testing? I heard ATS is no longer used.

Yes. ATS no longer conducts the pre-applicant testing. It is now done throught the OACP. The Niagara Regional Police Service requires all applicants to have a valid OACP Certificate to be eligible to apply to the service. The OACP Certificate must remain valid throughout the entire recruiting process. If the certificate expires at any time, your application may be delayed.

How do I obtain my OACP Certificate so I can apply to be a police officer?

Pre-Application assessments are conducted through the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. All information is contained on their website, www.oacpcertificate.ca.

How long will it take to get through the application process with the Niagara Regional Police?

The recruiting process can take from 3 months to one year to complete.

How do I prepare for the interview stage of the recruiting process?

There are several resources online. Police interviews are different than your typical job interview. Many of the questions are behavioural based. To keep your thoughts organized, candidates are encouraged to adopt the STAR, SHARE, or similar method of interview strategies.

I have letters of reference and other documents I want to include in my file; can I submit them with my application?

No. Only the following documents will be accepted during the initial application stage: 1. Cover Letter and Resume (Resume MUST include a complete work history including all previous employers.) 2. OACP Documents: OACP Certificate from www.oacpcertificate.ca; OACP Fitness Logs for 2 weeks; OACP Consent and Release of Liability Waiver signed and witnessed; OACP Vision & Hearing Assessment Form (Hearing and Vision Assessments MUST 'Meet Standard' and MUST be submitted with your application). 3. First Aid/CPR Certificate - Level 'C'. Must be from an approved First Aid/CPR provider. 4. All transcripts (High School & Post-Secondary even if only partially completed). When applying, all important information will be contained in your resume and cover letter. Should you proceed into the interviews and background investigation, an investigator will obtain all additional information including reference letters and anything else you'd like to include.

Does it make me look bad if I apply to other police services other than the Niagara Regional Police Service?

No. The Recruiting Unit understands that the Constable Selection System is a competitive process. There is nothing wrong with applying to several police services at the same time. You should notify the Niagara Regional Police Service Recruiting Unit should you advance or accept a job with another Police Service while your application is still valid.

How long is my application valid for?

Your application is valid for a period of 1 year from the date you apply. You will be contacted by both telephone and e-mail should you proceed through the process.

How often does the Niagara Regional Police Service hire police constables?

Currently, the Niagara Regional Police Service is always accepting applications for the position of police constables. There are four Basic Constable Training Programs offered at the Ontario Police College each year (January, April, July, and October). We aim to have recruit officers in each intake.

How many people is the Niagara Regional Police Service hiring?

There are a number of factors that contribute on how many people the service hires so there is no set answer. On average, the service sends approximately 10 officers in each recruit class at the Ontario Police College.

I have completed my testing through www.oacpcertificate.ca and I am ready to apply, when's the best time to apply to get into the next recruit class?

If you are ready to apply, submit your application. Do not try and time your submission with the next recruit class. Due to the number of applicants versus seats in the Basic Constable Training Program, we only take the best applicants. You are applying to the Niagara Regional Police Service and not to a particular class at OPC.

I applied to the Niagara Regional Police Service and was unsuccessful, can I get direct feedback on where I went wrong?

Members of the Recruiting Unit cannot give direct feedback on why you were unsuccessful as it is prohibited by the Constable Selection System. A review of your file will be done and you receive what feedback is available.

I applied to the Niagara Regional Police Service and I was unsuccessful, will I be looked at poorly when I re-apply?

No. We understand that the application process is competitive and stressful. Most applicants are not successful their first time through. We look at each application objectively and it does not negatively reflect on you should you have re-applied more than one time.

If I am successful, am I paid during my training?

Yes. You are paid the wage of a Recruit Officer in Training set out on the Uniform Collective Agreement.

If I am successful in the application process, how much do I have to pay to attend the Basic Constable Training Program at the Ontario Police College?

At this time there is no cost for attending OPC.

Does the Niagara Regional Police Service hire experienced officers?

Yes. If you are an experienced officer in Ontario or Canada, there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled prior to your application. See the "Submitting Your Application - Experienced Police Constable" section if the recruiting website. No one will contact any member of your police service until later in the application process, after you have been given an opportunity to speak with your current employer.

I am a member of the Military Police, can I apply as an experienced police officer?

Yes, you can apply through the experienced officer portal. Depending on your experience you MAY be required to attend the Ontario Police College Basic Constable Training Program should you be a successful applicant.

Do I need Police Foundations or a Law and Security background to apply?

No. The Police Services Act states that the minimum educational requirement is four years of secondary school or equivalent. However, we encourage applicants to take something in post-secondary education that they enjoy. Chances are you will do better in that program and a career in policing has many different avenues where your unique education can translate.

What should I be doing for volunteer work?

Like education, you should volunteer doing something you enjoy. Chances are you will continue doing that work, even if you are successful in the application process. It is not necessary to commit to a volunteer activity on a regular basis. If there is an opportunity, even if it's just a one-time event, you can participate. Volunteering in your community proves you have a sincere desire to serve your community.

I don't live in the Niagara Region, can I still apply?

Yes. The Niagara Regional Police considers all applications based on a candidates experiences and the totality of their application, no matter what part of Canada they reside. If the minimum qualifications are met, you will be considered for a position with the Niagara Regional Police Service.

How to apply to Niagara Regional Police Service

Official Niagara Regional Police Service recruiting page

Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Requirements change without notice — the service's own page is the authority.

Who can apply

Eligibility requirements Niagara Regional Police Service publishes.

Citizenship: Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
Age: Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Medical: Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position, having regard to his or her own safety and the safety of the public.
Character and conduct: Be of good moral character and habits.
Education: Has successfully completed at least four (4) years of secondary school education or its equivalent.
Driver's licence: Possess a valid driver's licence permitting you to drive an automobile in Ontario with full driving privileges.
Demerit points: No more than six accumulated demerit points.
First aid certification: Possess a valid first aid certificate from an approved First Aid/CPR provider.
CPR certification: Possess a valid CPR certificate from an approved First Aid/CPR provider.The recruit application document list specifies First Aid/CPR Certificate - Level 'C'.
Criminal record: Must have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted.
Other: Must successfully complete the Pre-Application Assessment for Police Constable conducted through the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (www.oacpcertificate.ca).The OACP Certificate must remain valid throughout the entire recruiting process. If the certificate expires at any time, your application may be delayed.
Vision: OACP Vision Assessment must 'Meet Standard' and must be submitted with your application.
Hearing: OACP Hearing Assessment must 'Meet Standard' and must be submitted with your application.

How to apply

The hiring steps Niagara Regional Police Service lists, in order.

1
Pre-Application Assessment Stage
Completed through the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (www.oacpcertificate.ca).
2
Submit an Application Online
All applications MUST be submitted ONLINE, either as a Police Constable Recruit or as an Experienced Police Constable. Applications are no longer accepted in person or by regular mail.
3
Physical Test & Written Local Focus Interview
Applicants will be required to complete the police fitness PIN test. This test involves four components: core endurance, push ups, flexibility, and running (shuttle run). This will give us the opportunity to assess your fitness levels as well as your ability to successfully complete the physical testing at the Ontario Police College. You will need to score at least 70% and achieve a minimum of LEVEL 7 on the shuttle run to pass the test. Applicants also complete a Written Local Focus Interview and a Pre-Background Questionnaire (PBQ); behavioural questions at this stage are based on the Developmental Competencies.
4
Blended Local Focus / Essential Competency Interview
This new Blended Interview combines our Face to Face Local Focus Interview with our Essential Competency Interview. The behavioural questions at this stage will be based on the Essential Competencies.
5
Background Investigation
A background investigator is assigned and an in depth investigation is completed, alongside a psychological assessment phase and a medical examination.
6
Chief's Board Interview
Applicants will be interviewed by the Chief of Police and both Deputy Chiefs (or designates) to determine suitability for hire.
7
Offer of Employment
Applicants who are given an offer of employment will be scheduled for Pre-Ontario Police College training at the Training Unit and prepared for training at the Ontario Police College.

Fitness test

The fitness test Niagara Regional Police Service uses, and its pass mark.

Police Initiative Now (PIN) Fitness Test
Required
At Step 3 of the recruitment process applicants are required to complete the police fitness PIN test. The test involves four components: core endurance, push ups, flexibility, and running (shuttle run). NRPS states: "You will need to score at least 70% and achieve a minimum of LEVEL 7 on the shuttle run to pass the test." The shuttle run requires participants to run 20 metres back and forth across a marked track keeping time with beeps. NRPS publishes a police fitness test manual (PIN protocol PDF) with detailed instructions on how to perform and score the test, and encourages applicants to practise the four components to assess their fitness levels before attending. NRPS frames the test as an opportunity to assess fitness levels and the ability to successfully complete the physical testing at the Ontario Police College. Applicants must be successful at each step to be eligible to proceed.

Questions people ask about Niagara Regional Police Service

Is the Niagara Regional Police hiring?: The Niagara Regional Police Service is always accepting applications for the position of Police Constable.
Is there any pre-applicant testing? I heard ATS is no longer used.: Yes. ATS no longer conducts the pre-applicant testing. It is now done throught the OACP. The Niagara Regional Police Service requires all applicants to have a valid OACP Certificate to be eligible to apply to the service. The OACP Certificate must remain valid throughout the entire recruiting process. If the certificate expires at any time, your application may be delayed.
How do I obtain my OACP Certificate so I can apply to be a police officer?: Pre-Application assessments are conducted through the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. All information is contained on their website, www.oacpcertificate.ca.
How long will it take to get through the application process with the Niagara Regional Police?: The recruiting process can take from 3 months to one year to complete.
How do I prepare for the interview stage of the recruiting process?: There are several resources online. Police interviews are different than your typical job interview. Many of the questions are behavioural based. To keep your thoughts organized, candidates are encouraged to adopt the STAR, SHARE, or similar method of interview strategies.
I have letters of reference and other documents I want to include in my file; can I submit them with my application?: No. Only the following documents will be accepted during the initial application stage: 1. Cover Letter and Resume (Resume MUST include a complete work history including all previous employers.) 2. OACP Documents: OACP Certificate from www.oacpcertificate.ca; OACP Fitness Logs for 2 weeks; OACP Consent and Release of Liability Waiver signed and witnessed; OACP Vision & Hearing Assessment Form (Hearing and Vision Assessments MUST 'Meet Standard' and MUST be submitted with your application). 3. First Aid/CPR Certificate - Level 'C'. Must be from an approved First Aid/CPR provider. 4. All transcripts (High School & Post-Secondary even if only partially completed). When applying, all important information will be contained in your resume and cover letter. Should you proceed into the interviews and background investigation, an investigator will obtain all additional information including reference letters and anything else you'd like to include.
Does it make me look bad if I apply to other police services other than the Niagara Regional Police Service?: No. The Recruiting Unit understands that the Constable Selection System is a competitive process. There is nothing wrong with applying to several police services at the same time. You should notify the Niagara Regional Police Service Recruiting Unit should you advance or accept a job with another Police Service while your application is still valid.
How long is my application valid for?: Your application is valid for a period of 1 year from the date you apply. You will be contacted by both telephone and e-mail should you proceed through the process.
How often does the Niagara Regional Police Service hire police constables?: Currently, the Niagara Regional Police Service is always accepting applications for the position of police constables. There are four Basic Constable Training Programs offered at the Ontario Police College each year (January, April, July, and October). We aim to have recruit officers in each intake.
How many people is the Niagara Regional Police Service hiring?: There are a number of factors that contribute on how many people the service hires so there is no set answer. On average, the service sends approximately 10 officers in each recruit class at the Ontario Police College.
I have completed my testing through www.oacpcertificate.ca and I am ready to apply, when's the best time to apply to get into the next recruit class?: If you are ready to apply, submit your application. Do not try and time your submission with the next recruit class. Due to the number of applicants versus seats in the Basic Constable Training Program, we only take the best applicants. You are applying to the Niagara Regional Police Service and not to a particular class at OPC.
I applied to the Niagara Regional Police Service and was unsuccessful, can I get direct feedback on where I went wrong?: Members of the Recruiting Unit cannot give direct feedback on why you were unsuccessful as it is prohibited by the Constable Selection System. A review of your file will be done and you receive what feedback is available.
I applied to the Niagara Regional Police Service and I was unsuccessful, will I be looked at poorly when I re-apply?: No. We understand that the application process is competitive and stressful. Most applicants are not successful their first time through. We look at each application objectively and it does not negatively reflect on you should you have re-applied more than one time.
If I am successful, am I paid during my training?: Yes. You are paid the wage of a Recruit Officer in Training set out on the Uniform Collective Agreement.
If I am successful in the application process, how much do I have to pay to attend the Basic Constable Training Program at the Ontario Police College?: At this time there is no cost for attending OPC.
Does the Niagara Regional Police Service hire experienced officers?: Yes. If you are an experienced officer in Ontario or Canada, there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled prior to your application. See the "Submitting Your Application - Experienced Police Constable" section if the recruiting website. No one will contact any member of your police service until later in the application process, after you have been given an opportunity to speak with your current employer.
I am a member of the Military Police, can I apply as an experienced police officer?: Yes, you can apply through the experienced officer portal. Depending on your experience you MAY be required to attend the Ontario Police College Basic Constable Training Program should you be a successful applicant.
Do I need Police Foundations or a Law and Security background to apply?: No. The Police Services Act states that the minimum educational requirement is four years of secondary school or equivalent. However, we encourage applicants to take something in post-secondary education that they enjoy. Chances are you will do better in that program and a career in policing has many different avenues where your unique education can translate.
What should I be doing for volunteer work?: Like education, you should volunteer doing something you enjoy. Chances are you will continue doing that work, even if you are successful in the application process. It is not necessary to commit to a volunteer activity on a regular basis. If there is an opportunity, even if it's just a one-time event, you can participate. Volunteering in your community proves you have a sincere desire to serve your community.
I don't live in the Niagara Region, can I still apply?: Yes. The Niagara Regional Police considers all applications based on a candidates experiences and the totality of their application, no matter what part of Canada they reside. If the minimum qualifications are met, you will be considered for a position with the Niagara Regional Police Service.

Police services nearby

All police services in Ontario

Who can apply

How to apply

Pre-Application Assessment Stage

Submit an Application Online

Physical Test & Written Local Focus Interview

Blended Local Focus / Essential Competency Interview

Background Investigation

Chief's Board Interview

Offer of Employment

Fitness test

Police Initiative Now (PIN) Fitness Test

Questions people ask about Niagara Regional Police Service

Police services nearby