How to apply to Waterloo Regional Police Service
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Requirements change without notice — the service's own page is the authority.
Who can apply
Eligibility requirements Waterloo Regional Police Service publishes.
- Citizenship
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident of CanadaLegislative requirement under the Ontario Community Safety and Policing Act.
- Age
- Be at least 18 years of age.Legislative requirement under the Ontario Community Safety and Policing Act.
- Medical
- 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.Legislative requirement under the Ontario Community Safety and Policing Act.
- Education
- Have successfully completed at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent.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.
- Character and conduct
- Be of good moral character and habits, meaning that you are an individual other people would look upon as being trustworthy and having integrity.Legislative requirement under the Ontario Community Safety and Policing Act.
- Other
- A valid OACP CertificateAdditional WRPS requirement. The OACP Certificate of Results is the first step of the WRPS hiring process; see https://oacpcertificate.ca/
- Vision
- Completed Constable Selection System Vision Examination FormThe page lists the Constable Selection System Hearing and Vision Examination Forms together as one additional WRPS requirement.
- Hearing
- Completed Constable Selection System Hearing Examination FormThe page lists the Constable Selection System Hearing and Vision Examination Forms together as one additional WRPS requirement.
- 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 Standard First Aid Certificate.
- CPR certification
- CPR Level C
- Criminal record
- Be able to pass a security clearance as well as background investigation. Criminal convictions under a federal statute require a pardon.If you have 'Findings of Guilt', which have resulted in absolute or conditional discharges, the records must be 'sealed' by the RCMP. This will be done automatically following one year if the absolute discharge is registered after July 24, 1992. For a conditional discharge, this will be done automatically following three years if the conditional discharge is registered after July 24, 1992. Otherwise, you must apply to have these records sealed.
- Credit and financial record
- Be able to pass credit and reference checks.
How to apply
The hiring steps Waterloo Regional Police Service lists, in order.
- 1
OACP Certificate of Results
First, you must obtain your OACP Certificate of Results.
- 2
Online Application
Submit your application to our Service using our online applicant tracking system.
- 3
In-person 20-metre Shuttle Run
To assess your physical readiness for the role of Police Constable, you must successfully complete the Leger 20-metre Shuttle Run Test under the supervision of a WRPS member at a police facility. Applicants must achieve a minimum level of 7.0 to pass. Be prepared to run this test upon submitting your application. In many cases, we'll invite you in for your test within a week of applying.
- 4
The Local Focus Assessment
We will send you a Pre-Background Questionnaire and a Personal History Form to complete digitally before the assessment. The assessment is a scheduled, in-person session that includes written short-answer style questions.
- 5
Interview #1: Intake
This interview is typically 90 minutes long and completed virtually over Microsoft Teams. It assesses how you will act under a given set of conditions through ethics-based questions and a review of your previously submitted Pre-Background Questionnaire.
- 6
Interview #2: Essential Competencies
This interview typically takes up to two hours, and the questions focus on a police officer's essential competencies. Answering using the STAR method is best for this style of interview.
- 7
Psychological Test and Interview
This test and Interview determine your suitability for the world of policing. There is no way to study or prepare for this stage. Just get a good night's sleep and arrive on time.
- 8
Background Investigation
This step is where we speak with past employers, friends, family, personal references, and anyone else who we think might be able to help.
- 9
Job Offer
Successful applicants will be offered conditional employment as a Police Constable, subject to passing a medical examination, and completion of the Ontario Police College three-month Basic Constable program.
Fitness test
The fitness test Waterloo Regional Police Service uses, and its pass mark.
Leger 20-metre Shuttle Run (Beep Test)
RequiredThe new recruit path gates on the shuttle run alone: "the Leger 20-metre Shuttle Run Test ... Applicants must achieve a minimum level of 7.0 to pass." Experienced officers instead submit a passed Police Fitness PIN Test at 75% or higher, completed within 12 months of the hire date.
Salary
The pay range Waterloo Regional Police Service publishes.
$62,990 – $117,235a year
From In-Training to First Class, as of 2025.
Questions people ask about Waterloo Regional Police Service
- What are the requirements to join the Ceremonial Band?
- You must be 16 years of age or older (members 16 & 17 years old require parental consent), have a good moral character and be free from criminal convictions or negative police contact.
- What is the commitment for Ceremonial Band members?
- Members are expected to attend 80% of the rehearsals and performances throughout the year.
- Do I need to be a Police Officer to be a band member?
- No. You do not need to be a member of the Police Service to join. Members are mainly volunteers from the community at large.
- What level of musician do I need to be?
- There is a large variety of skill levels within the Band. We suggest, as a minimum, a high school level of musicianship with the ability to read music at a Grade 11 proficiency.
- Are uniforms, musical instruments and other items provided?
- Uniforms, accoutrements, and less formal attire (police crested polo shirts) are provided. Most musicians bring their own instruments, but some Band-owned instruments, including drums, can be loaned out.
- When and where are Band rehearsals?
- All Band rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Waterloo Legion Branch 530, located at 316 Marsland Drive, Waterloo.
- How do I request the Band to perform at an event?
- Send an email to band@wrps.on.ca. Please provide your contact information, including phone number, as well as the date(s), time(s), location, and full details of your event. Please be aware that the Band cannot attend every event and must also assess your event for suitability.
- What are the requirements to become a Chorus member?
- You must be 18 years of age or older, have a good moral character and be free from criminal convictions or negative police contact.
- What is the commitment for Chorus members?
- Members are expected to attend 75% of the rehearsals and performances throughout the year.
- How many concerts and rehearsals does the Chorus have in a year?
- The Chorus performs an average of 20 concerts/events and 42 rehearsals annually.
- Do I need to be a police officer to be a Chorus member?
- No. You do not need to be a member of the Police Service to join the Chorus. Members are mainly volunteers from the community at large.
- What level of singing ability do I need?
- Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome to attend a rehearsal. You will be exposed to the musical repertoire of the Chorus, have a chance to meet the Leadership Team and members and see how a rehearsal is conducted. If you are still interested, the Director of Music will conduct a simple voice placement consult for range, vocal ability, tone etc.
- Are uniforms and other items provided?
- Uniforms, accoutrements, and less formal attire (police crested polo shirts) are provided.
- When and where are the Chorus rehearsals?
- All Chorus rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 412 at 601 Wellington Street North, Kitchener.
Police services nearby
- Halton Regional Police ServiceMunicipal police service · Oakville, Ontario · 860 sworn officersAbout 53 km away
- Toronto Police ServiceMunicipal police service · Toronto, OntarioAbout 82 km away
- London Police ServiceMunicipal police service · London, OntarioAbout 85 km away
- York Regional PoliceMunicipal police service · Aurora, OntarioAbout 102 km away
- Niagara Regional Police ServiceMunicipal police service · Niagara Falls, OntarioAbout 103 km away
