What is the shift schedule for a Toronto police constable?

Day, Afternoons, Nights. The shift schedule varies in each Division. The duration of each shift also varies and are either 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts. Applicants should be aware that we provide service to the community 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which includes statutory holidays.

How long does the hiring process take?

Your journey will be unique to you. Because we take a holistic and rigorous approach throughout our hiring process, the length of time your application takes to process can vary. Applications are valid for a period of one year from the date you submit it. If you have not been contacted within one year from the date you submitted your application, a new application, with current certifications, are required. Due to the high amount of interest and volume of applications, not all applications will be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Only applicants who meet the organizational needs of the service will be selected for an interview. When you apply for the position of Police Constable you are applying for the role and not a particular recruiting class. Your application will remain on file for future consideration within the one-year timeframe.

What happens if I do not pass the full PREP?

The PREP indicator is the Shuttle Run to Stage 7 and the Pursuit Restraint Course in 2m37s or below; a pass moves you on to the LFI/ECI Interview. After a failure on the 1st attempt there is no wait period to re-apply. After a failure on the 2nd attempt there is no wait period to re-apply. After a failure on the 3rd attempt there is a 1-year wait period to re-apply, at the discretion of Recruiting staff.

Where do I see myself after becoming a constable?

With over 180 different career opportunities within the Toronto Police Service, you are encouraged to seek out the challenges that interest you the most. Generally speaking, you must be classified as a First Class Constable with a minimum of five (5) years road experience before you will be considered for any of the specialized units, which include the Divisional Primary Response Unit, Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit, Emergency Task Force, Financial Crimes Unit, Forensic Identification Services, Homicide and Missing Persons Unit, Mounted Unit, Marine Unit, Police Dog Services, Sex Crimes Unit and Traffic Services.

Where will I do my training?

As a Cadet-In-Training hire, you will proceed with formal training as follows: 3 weeks of orientation at the Toronto Police College; 12 weeks at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario (Monday to Friday only); and 9 weeks of further training at the Toronto Police College. Courses covered during the 24-week training program will include defensive tactics, driving, firearms, neighbourhood policing and investigative training. Once you successfully complete the cadet-in-training program at both colleges, a graduation ceremony is held where you will receive your badge and formal assignment. It is at this point that you are officially sworn in as an Officer and reclassified as a 4th class constable. There is no longer a tuition fee for Ontario Police College Recruit Training.

What would make me a competitive candidate?

Because we receive thousands of applications each year, you should take the time to ensure you are at your competitive best before you apply. Some of the things we consider are: additional language skills (includes ASL); lived experience; job-related experience; continued education and self development; driving skills with a solid driving record; strong work ethic; volunteerism; proven leadership and problem solving skills and resiliency; embracing the TPS Core Competencies and Core Values; being physically fit; and experience or education in the areas of mental health, effective communication and de-escalation. Candidates are encouraged to volunteer their time with any legal organization in Toronto. Community service with exposure to people in crisis is advantageous. There is no specific number of volunteer hours required; hours of service are to be determined by a candidate's personal schedule.

I have military experience. Does this change my application process?

The TPS is a military friendly employer. All current and past members of any military service must successfully pass through the Cadet-In-Training Constable Selection System, not as an experienced officer. Military Police with minimum of two years service can apply to the TPS as a lateral hire.

How to apply to Toronto Police Service

Official Toronto 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 Toronto Police Service publishes.

Citizenship: Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Age: 18+ years of age
Education: One of: a secondary school diploma or equivalent; a university degree; a degree from an Ontario college of applied arts and technology authorized to grant it, or from an Indigenous Institute approved under the Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017; a diploma or advanced diploma from such a college or Indigenous Institute following a program equivalent in class hours to a full-time program of at least four academic semesters; or a certificate or other document from a post-secondary institution prescribed by regulation as equivalent.Official transcripts and diplomas will be required. As per the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, section 83.
Foreign credential evaluation: Required if you attended secondary, post-secondary or graduate school in a foreign countryIf you have attended secondary, post secondary or graduate school in any foreign country you must contact an organization specializing in foreign credential evaluation and obtain a document verifying your credentials before submitting your application.
Criminal record: No criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted
Driver's licence: Valid driver's licence permitting you to drive an automobile in Ontario with full driving privilegesThe pre-application stage of the hiring journey states a valid Ontario Driver's Licence.
Demerit points: No more than six accumulated demerit points
First aid certification: Current first aid certification by the time the offer of employment is given
CPR certification: Current CPR certification by the time the offer of employment is given
Vision: Minimum of 20/40 (uncorrected) vision, with normal colour acuityVision is confirmed on the medical forms completed for the O.A.C.P. certificate.
Hearing: Must successfully pass the hearing standards as outlined by the O.A.C.P.
Medical: Physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position, having regard to your own safety and the safety of members of the publicA full medical assessment is a condition of the conditional offer of employment.
Character and conduct: Good moral character and habits, meaning that you are an individual that other people view as being trustworthy and having integrity
Credit and financial record: Must be able to pass a security clearance as well as a background investigation, credit and reference checks
Other: Possess a valid O.A.C.P. (Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police) CertificateRegister and complete the OACP assessment and obtain your final Certificate of results at OACPCertificate.ca. The certificate covers the medical forms confirming hearing and vision standards.

How to apply

The hiring steps Toronto Police Service lists, in order.

1
Pre-application
Before you begin the application process, there are a few things for you to consider. You want to make sure you are a competitive candidate and are physically ready to be successful at the shuttle run. Learn more by registering for the online General Information Session by clicking on "Information Sessions Registration" and selecting the session date that works best for you. These sessions are held throughout the year.
2
Application & Pre-Screening
Once you have met all the minimum requirements, have your OACP certificate, and are able to successfully achieve the full PREP, then you're ready to submit your online application.
3
Interview & Background Investigation
During this stage of the process you will prepare for your interview. To help you, our recruiters provide an optional mentoring session. It is critical that you know and embrace our Core Values and Competencies for your interview. During this time, it is also critical to ensure you maintain and build on your fitness level. Additional physical testing will be scheduled as part of your conditional offer.
4
Offer of Employment
Once your background investigation is complete, your conditional offer of employment will then be considered. If you have been successful and selected for a conditional offer of employment then you will be notified by a Talent Advisor. Your offer of employment is conditional on a couple of things, including a full medical assessment.

Fitness test

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

Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP)
Required
Police Constable applicants must "Be physically ready and able to achieve stage 7 of the Shuttle Run and pass the PREP test (Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police)". The full PREP is the Shuttle Run to Stage 7 plus the Pursuit Restraint Circuit within 2 minutes, 37 seconds. Candidates are told to be able to complete the full PREP before applying; upon submission of the application they are invited to the full PREP to assess their physical fitness level, and the fitness assessment sits in the Application & Pre-Screening stage. TPS suggests "A good gauge for you to assess your ability is to run 1.5 miles in 12 minutes, 10 seconds". Retake timelines published by TPS: failure after the 1st attempt - no wait period to re-apply; failure after the 2nd attempt - no wait period to re-apply; failure after the 3rd attempt - 1-year wait period to re-apply at the discretion of Recruiting staff. Passing the full PREP makes a candidate automatically eligible for the LFI/ECI interview, and additional physical testing is scheduled as part of the conditional offer. TPS publishes a "Fit to Serve - Preparing for the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police" document.

Salary

The pay range Toronto Police Service publishes.

$72,307 – $119,937a year

From Cadet in Training to 1st Class Constable, as of 2025.

Questions people ask about Toronto Police Service

What is the shift schedule for a Toronto police constable?: Day, Afternoons, Nights. The shift schedule varies in each Division. The duration of each shift also varies and are either 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts. Applicants should be aware that we provide service to the community 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which includes statutory holidays.
How long does the hiring process take?: Your journey will be unique to you. Because we take a holistic and rigorous approach throughout our hiring process, the length of time your application takes to process can vary. Applications are valid for a period of one year from the date you submit it. If you have not been contacted within one year from the date you submitted your application, a new application, with current certifications, are required. Due to the high amount of interest and volume of applications, not all applications will be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Only applicants who meet the organizational needs of the service will be selected for an interview. When you apply for the position of Police Constable you are applying for the role and not a particular recruiting class. Your application will remain on file for future consideration within the one-year timeframe.
What happens if I do not pass the full PREP?: The PREP indicator is the Shuttle Run to Stage 7 and the Pursuit Restraint Course in 2m37s or below; a pass moves you on to the LFI/ECI Interview. After a failure on the 1st attempt there is no wait period to re-apply. After a failure on the 2nd attempt there is no wait period to re-apply. After a failure on the 3rd attempt there is a 1-year wait period to re-apply, at the discretion of Recruiting staff.
Where do I see myself after becoming a constable?: With over 180 different career opportunities within the Toronto Police Service, you are encouraged to seek out the challenges that interest you the most. Generally speaking, you must be classified as a First Class Constable with a minimum of five (5) years road experience before you will be considered for any of the specialized units, which include the Divisional Primary Response Unit, Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit, Emergency Task Force, Financial Crimes Unit, Forensic Identification Services, Homicide and Missing Persons Unit, Mounted Unit, Marine Unit, Police Dog Services, Sex Crimes Unit and Traffic Services.
Where will I do my training?: As a Cadet-In-Training hire, you will proceed with formal training as follows: 3 weeks of orientation at the Toronto Police College; 12 weeks at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario (Monday to Friday only); and 9 weeks of further training at the Toronto Police College. Courses covered during the 24-week training program will include defensive tactics, driving, firearms, neighbourhood policing and investigative training. Once you successfully complete the cadet-in-training program at both colleges, a graduation ceremony is held where you will receive your badge and formal assignment. It is at this point that you are officially sworn in as an Officer and reclassified as a 4th class constable. There is no longer a tuition fee for Ontario Police College Recruit Training.
What would make me a competitive candidate?: Because we receive thousands of applications each year, you should take the time to ensure you are at your competitive best before you apply. Some of the things we consider are: additional language skills (includes ASL); lived experience; job-related experience; continued education and self development; driving skills with a solid driving record; strong work ethic; volunteerism; proven leadership and problem solving skills and resiliency; embracing the TPS Core Competencies and Core Values; being physically fit; and experience or education in the areas of mental health, effective communication and de-escalation. Candidates are encouraged to volunteer their time with any legal organization in Toronto. Community service with exposure to people in crisis is advantageous. There is no specific number of volunteer hours required; hours of service are to be determined by a candidate's personal schedule.
I have military experience. Does this change my application process?: The TPS is a military friendly employer. All current and past members of any military service must successfully pass through the Cadet-In-Training Constable Selection System, not as an experienced officer. Military Police with minimum of two years service can apply to the TPS as a lateral hire.

Police services nearby

All police services in Ontario

Who can apply

How to apply

Pre-application

Application & Pre-Screening

Interview & Background Investigation

Offer of Employment

Fitness test

Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP)

Salary

Questions people ask about Toronto Police Service

Police services nearby