OPP are responding to intense competition from urban police services and the RCMP in recruiting visible minorities for its uniformed ranks.
Provincial Police are encouraging visible minorities to apply for what they call a Regional Diversity Symposium being held in London in early October.
The deadline for applications has now been extended to September 2nd.
Sergeant Brian Johnson of the OPP Western Region Uniform Recruitment Section says reaching out to the immigrant community is an effort to reflect our society as a whole.
Johnson says OPP aren’t being completely representative of the communities they serve which they’re obligated to do under the Police Servcies Act.
Johnson says OPP realize they’re in tough against other police services who also recruit from the immigrant population.
He says the purpose of the symposium is to give new Canadians the opportunity to see what the OPP does and to hopefully draw in those interested in a policing career.
Johnson says while OPP would like to gain the lion’s share of recruits he’s happy if they choose policing as a career no matter which service they join.
Johnson says there are basic qualifications applicants have to meet besides height, weight and fitness criteria.
Johnson says you have to be at least 18 years old, either a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada and have your Grade 12 diploma.
You must have no criminal record for which a pardon hasn’t been received, or an absolute or conditional discharge that’s been sealed.
Johnson says you must also have a valid Class-G driver’s licence with no more than 6 demerit points.
Johnson says a maximum of 60 particiants will be accepted into the symposium and that you can apply on-line at opp.ca.
