wana be a cop, Toronto Police VS OPP?

[tankz]

I may consider becoming a cop, but what are some of the advantages/disadvantages between Toronto Police VS OPP...all i kno thus far is that OPP get's to travel more within Ontario...since they have to cover areas where there are no police service (eg. rural areas...) but i believe they have similar salary.

[UrbanPoet]

OPP seems much more relaxing... but itll get boring. I heard stories of some RCMP officers that thought they were all big and bad b/c they were associated with the mounted police.... But in reality he just sat around in a cabin an hour away from some town called "timmins" twidling their thumbss while waiting for action to happen...

action = domestic disturbance from some red necks.

[Shaner]

They are very similar, except for the fact that OPP covers a lot of rural areas, and Metro covers the city of Toronto and that's it.

In Metro, unless you're part of the traffic division, you likely won't be doing much traffic work. With OPP, you'll do a lot of speed traps, seatbelt blitzes, ride programs, etc. With metro, you'll likely spend almost all of your time responding to calls. There won't be much down time, not at all. There will always be calls to respond to and you will always be busy.

Have you completed your ATS testing? Do you have your first aid and CPR? Do you have a college or university diploma? What program?

You can't just decide that you're going to work for Metro and not OPP, or vice versa. It's extremely hard to get into policing, so if I were you, I would apply to both and go with whichever one hires you, if at all.

Besides, if you're just "thinking about it" at this point, they won't hire you. When they sit you down and interview you, it'll come out that you're not 100% dedicated to doing the job, and they'll cut you from the selection process.

Policing isn't just a job, it's your life. Once you're hired, you're a cop, that is who you are. You don't work as a cop, you ARE a cop!

[Shaner]

OPP seems much more relaxing... but itll get boring. I heard stories of some RCMP officers that thought they were all big and bad b/c they were associated with the mounted police.... But in reality he just sat around in a cabin an hour away from some town called "timmins" twidling their thumbss while waiting for action to happen...

action = domestic disturbance from some red necks.

Some RCMP get big heads, but so do cops from other forces. It's the uniform that does it. Some Correctional Officers have the same problem, the uniform changes them. It's unfortunate, but it happens.

the RCMP doesn't police Ontario though. They do investigative work, but that's it. The OPP police Timmins and all surrounding areas.

[PrinceMS]

They do investigative work.
Like batman? :p

[Shaner]

Like batman? :p

Sure...
If that's how you want to think about it, then sure.
Although Batman didn't really investigate things, he just kicked arse all the time.

[that_staples_guy]

I beleive that you have to know French to be in the OPP, I could be mistaking that for the RCMP.

[Shaner]

I beleive that you have to know French to be in the OPP, I could be mistaking that for the RCMP.

Here's OPP's hiring requirements

* Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
* Female Recruit 18-65 years of age.
* Ontario Grade 12 or equivalency.
* Class ‘G’ driver’s license with:
o No more than 6 demerit points; and
o Full driving privileges.
* No criminal record for which a pardon has not been received or an absolute/conditional discharge that has not been sealed.
* Certified in First-Aid and C.P.R.
* Pass credit, background and investigation checks.
* Possess a valid Certificate of Results (C.O.R.). (more information on how to obtain your C.O.R.)

O.P.P. applicants must be willing to serve anywhere in the province. Preferences for posting are taken into consideration


Here's RCMP's

# be a Canadian Citizen
# be of good character
# be proficient in English or French
# have a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent
# possess a valid, unrestricted Canadian driver’s license
# be 19 years of age at the time of engagement (may apply at 18 years of age
# meet medical/health standards
# be willing to relocate anywhere in Canada
# be physically fit


So there you have it. You don't need to know English or French for either. You have to know English for OPP and English or French for RCMP (although without English skills, you won't get hired by the RCMP).

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

Toronto cop = exciting, awesome but dangerous

OPP cop = boring, stale but safe.

If you want to sit in country roads up north giving tickets to speeding rig trucks try OPP, but if you want to have a Beverly Hills cop-like adventure go for Toronto cop.

[fanaticalLEAFfan]

Toronto cop = exciting, awesome but dangerous

OPP cop = boring, stale but safe.

If you want to sit in country roads up north giving tickets to speeding rig trucks try OPP, but if you want to have a Beverly Hills cop-like adventure go for Toronto cop.

Did you know that the last few cops to be killed in Ontario were OPP officers? One was in Cobourg and another was along the 401 somewhere near Durham.

[Kommander_KornFlakes]

Did you know that the last few cops to be killed in Ontario were OPP officers? One was in Cobourg and another was along the 401 somewhere near Durham.

Yeah and guess who shot them? Toronto citizens.

[fanaticalLEAFfan]

Yeah and guess who shot them? Toronto citizens.

Actually, that's not true. The last two cops killed in Ontario were not killed in Toronto or by anyone who lives in Toronto.
The OPP officer killed in Cobourg was killed by a teenager who is from Cobourg. I know because I have a friend who lives in Cobourg and I remember reading all about it.

The other was killed in a high speed chase. He was riding a motorcycle and chasing someone who was in a car. That person wasn't from Toronto either.

Reagrdless of the above, I do agree with you for the most part. It is more dangerous to be a cop in Toronto, but believe it or not, OPP officers are more likely to be killed in the line of duty than metro. I can only assume that the reason for that is because the OPP don't have as much backup as Metro. Who knows though.

[tkl]

I may consider becoming a cop, but what are some of the advantages/disadvantages between Toronto Police VS OPP...all i kno thus far is that OPP get's to travel more within Ontario...since they have to cover areas where there are no police service (eg. rural areas...) but i believe they have similar salary.

Toronto Police is the busiest service by far in the city. You deal with a lot more *******s than you would in another service. You get ALL kinds of calls that the OPP would rarely come across or deal with. Some of the OPP sends their officers to Toronto for refreshers and/or training. They realize quick how much sloooower the pace is back "home". If you want action and the city council/mayor NOT to be on your side, by all means come to Toronto. You will always get back up, their dispatchers are top notch and you're in good hands.

OPP - Not even close in terms of being busy. Cow tipping is a call up there (so is York Region , actually). You may get one gun call a month for the entire shift as oppose to easily 10-15 a day in Toronto. You may be bored silly if you like being where the action is. Getting a back up for you call may be harder to come by the large empty areas that are being covered, unless you are in the GTA (all 400 series highway) where their dispatchers will call Toronto to send for back up for calls if one is not close by to you.

So it depends on what kind of Policing you want to do. The pay is pretty much the same although Toronto should be highest paid by far and everybody else should follow them.

[JimG]

You only need your Grade 12 to be a cop? Isn't there some kind of atleast college program that should be required; where you'd take courses in criminology, psychology, basic sciences and stuff?

[dmatthew]

maybe they teach that stuff in training as well? hehe

[tkl]

You only need your Grade 12 to be a cop? Isn't there some kind of atleast college program that should be required; where you'd take courses in criminology, psychology, basic sciences and stuff?

There are course you can take and/or mandated to take at C.O. Bick college. Plus you have to reach 1st class PC status in order to fully work in a specialized unit. Lot of Police work is people skills and experience, something you can't teach in school.

[tigger03]

I'd suggest: Peel, Halton, Metro, York, OPP, RCMP

remember: with OPP, they can put you anywhere in the province. WIth the RCMP, they can put you anywhere in the country! I'd rather go with an organization in which I know their set boundaries.

[felix]

Good thread. Never really thought about the subject. So is there a name for Toronto cops and what do they look like? I understand OPP is for Ontario, and RCMP is for Canada?

[7jai]

I probably would prefer the Toronto Police instead OPP. The OPP doesnt seem to have a very interesting job. Besides, in the Toronto Police force, you get to associate with your communities and such. =)

[fireguy9]

IF you want to be a cop,,,, go wherever you can get hired. Later you can move to another force. If you want all the crazy action,,,,, then Toronto. But after a while you get tired of it all and rather not have the dangers as much etc. Get paid the same basically up north and cost of living cheaper then the city, so that is big reason to move out to a smaller dept and collect your pay with less ******** to deal with.

Same goes in the fire dept,,,,, after you been on yrs and yrs,,, you are quite happy with quiet shifts and you are not paid any more money either.

[EchoedMemory]

Actually it was an officer from the Coburgh department that was killed, not OPP.

[Tyler70]

Some RCMP get big heads, but so do cops from other forces. It's the uniform that does it. Some Correctional Officers have the same problem, the uniform changes them. .
It's not the uniform, it's the power and lack of over-sight which makes even third world immigrants arriving in Canada cringe in disbelief!

[Dash]

which cops are the d*cks that think they're all badass? The ones that do Yonge Street during Caribana weekend. Whichever ones those guys are, don't be them.

[nickinto]

which cops are the d*cks that think they're all badass? The ones that do Yonge Street during Caribana weekend. Whichever ones those guys are, don't be them.

You mean the portion of Yonge with all the wannabe Gangstas during Caribana? Can you imagine the amount of shootings the city would experience if it wasn't for that police presence?

Two thumbs down for caribana gangstas.

[Dash]

You mean the portion of Yonge with all the wannabe Gangstas during Caribana? Can you imagine the amount of shootings the city would experience if it wasn't for that police presence?

Two thumbs down for caribana gangstas.

I never said that police presence isn't required. but some of them are @ssholes. I'm far from a thug, gangsta, or wannabe gangsta, and got into an altercation with one. the guy must have been jacked up on roids and never hugged as a child or something, cause he was a complete d*ck.

[branat]

Attended the York Police Recruiting event. The minimum qualifications are low to apply. However, you need to pass psychology behaviour test. There is also a panel interview as to why you want the job.

[coolspot]

You only need your Grade 12 to be a cop? Isn't there some kind of atleast college program that should be required; where you'd take courses in criminology, psychology, basic sciences and stuff?

It's very scary the requirements are so low.

[BornRuff]

It's very scary the requirements are so low.

Those are just the basic requirements. Most people now are applying with university or college degree's. According to my uncle who works for the TPS, they get a surprising number of people applying with masters degrees as well.

As said before though, there are very unique skill sets for being a cop. A university degree doesn't nessesarily make you more qualified to break up house parties or give a speeding ticket. People who enter without any post secondary education are probably more likely to work on patrol than as a detective.

[UrbanPoet]

It's very scary the requirements are so low.

Just because the minimum requirements are low doesnt mean people get in easily.
In fact... The people that get in with only the minimum requirements are probably some of the most stellar candidates. Imagine all the competition you face from the other guys with university and college degrees.

Pretty much a lot of the skills needed to be a good police officer cant be learned in school.
A degree doesnt exactly make you best, in fact it can sometimes be dangerous... a lot of people think they are a know it all b/c of it.

Technically... Even the minimum requirements for being Prime Minister of Canada is
-Canadian citizenship
-High school diploma

[branat]

As per the recruiter, if you are qualified, you will get hired. Police courses, degrees do not earn you extra brownie points.

[zoolander]

I have about a dozen friends that are local cops.
Two of them were originally OPP.
One was originally RCMP.
One took 8 years of trying before he was accepted.
I don't know of anyone that went Local to OPP/RCMP.

You should look up the responsibilities and the type of work for each.

Best advice, have a backup career plan and don't give up if it's your dream.

[beerbaron105]

It's very scary the requirements are so low.

Does a University degree automatically make someone a better person?

[beerbaron105]

There is alot of misinformation in this thread:

No it is not easier to work OPP over Metro, unless you think having very little back-up is a good thing in deserted areas, as well, you are the "jack of all trades" officer, while in Metro, officer's are divided up between general duties constables, and specialized units, not all OPP detachments offer the same specialization. Which could be a good thing, you learn at a far quicker pace in an isolated area.

[HB85]

I may consider becoming a cop, but what are some of the advantages/disadvantages between Toronto Police VS OPP...all i kno thus far is that OPP get's to travel more within Ontario...since they have to cover areas where there are no police service (eg. rural areas...) but i believe they have similar salary.

Most people think of a cop who chase bad guys on the street and being in danger.

But there are so many sectors that are doesn't seem too dangerous. You can do office work at a Police Station, a police officer that looks for fast drivers and give them tickets, a police officer who sit on top of a horse, the ones who ride their bicycle in a group of 3-5. or the ones who stand beside a construction site to ensure safety

[aalui]

im also interested in becoming a cop, will be going to the info session for yrp on the 8th and see how it is

[coolspot]

Does a University degree automatically make someone a better person?

No, but education does.

[beerbaron105]

No, but education does.

So are you stating that someone who does not have a University degree is more prone to becoming corrupt as a Police officer?

[eiyu]

So are you stating that someone who does not have a University degree is more prone to becoming corrupt as a Police officer?

Nope. It's more base on the individual morals and ethics than ones education.

[beerbaron105]

Nope. It's more base on the individual morals and ethics than ones education.

That's what I was trying to get at ;)

[SAL99]

Those of you wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement, I can advise that those candidates with a higher than normal educational background will be scored higher. Eventually as an individuals career progresses through the ranks, those degrees will assist those individuals in acheiving the most senior ranks.

[Whitedart]

There is alot of misinformation in this thread:

No it is not easier to work OPP over Metro, unless you think having very little back-up is a good thing in deserted areas, as well, you are the "jack of all trades" officer, while in Metro, officer's are divided up between general duties constables, and specialized units, not all OPP detachments offer the same specialization. Which could be a good thing, you learn at a far quicker pace in an isolated area.


But for much of southern Ontario where there is municipal/regional police enforcement, much of OPP's duties appears to be traffic enforcement and collision investigation.

[beerbaron105]

But for much of southern Ontario where there is municipal/regional police enforcement, much of OPP's duties appears to be traffic enforcement and collision investigation.

You are only focusing on the 400 series highways, there is a massive population that resides in the countryside of Southern Ontario that is not policed by a Municipal service, I know what you are getting at, but the 400 series policing detachment is a small portion of the OPP's responsibilities.

[Whitedart]

You are only focusing on the 400 series highways, there is a massive population that resides in the countryside of Southern Ontario that is not policed by a Municipal service, I know what you are getting at, but the 400 series policing detachment is a small portion of the OPP's responsibilities.

You're correct. But that is the impression of the general public in the golden horseshoe area, as that is their exposure to OPP.

Your other points about "very little back-up in deserted areas, and being the "jack of all trades" are good points for many rural areas.

[SAL99]

The major difference between Toronto and the OPP from a daily job perspective is the sheer difference in number and variety of calls being handled by your frontline officer. 20 calls a night is not an aboration for a Toronto officer in some divisions across the city. As some have noted many Toronto officers resign after a number of years to take up a similar position in outer lying jurisdictions for a slower pace and lower cost of living.

[Spray]

The last class of Toronto police were either visible minorities or had post secondary degrees. It's tougher and tougher not to have either and get in now.

Believe me, I've gone through the process, if it wasn't for my job background it'd be very tough for me to get in.

Also my step brother was in the middle of his police course when he applied, they told him to finish it first. After he did so he was let in.


As per the recruiter, if you are qualified, you will get hired. Police courses, degrees do not earn you extra brownie points.

[Sepiraph]

Those are just the basic requirements. Most people now are applying with university or college degree's. According to my uncle who works for the TPS, they get a surprising number of people applying with masters degrees as well.

As said before though, there are very unique skill sets for being a cop. A university degree doesn't nessesarily make you more qualified to break up house parties or give a speeding ticket. People who enter without any post secondary education are probably more likely to work on patrol than as a detective.

True, but if post secondary is a requirement then at least it'd increase the average age of the applicant and it does somewhat show a stronger dedication. Arguably you'd have more mature cops as well.

[SAL99]

The average age for police recruits have gone up dramatically over the last 10 to 20 years with the average age of a typical TPS recruit class being 28yrs. of age.

[Ebola]

The amount of disinformation regarding the profession posted here is astounding.

[Rishi]

Toronto cop = exciting, awesome but dangerous
Too funny! The only chance you have of getting hurt on the job as a Toronto cop is getting shot by your own incompetent colleagues.

[ricoboxing]

Too funny! The only chance you have of getting hurt on the job as a Toronto cop is getting shot by your own incompetent colleagues.

or whiplash from getting rear ended at the tim hortons drive through

[SAL99]

Joking aside, danger is relative to how well you are prepared, trained and equipped.
The unexpected and going into the unknown are officers greatest dangers. The tactical unit, in most police services is the safest areas to be working.
Those who watch to much television make the greatest generalization, such as noted by previous posters.

[DLFB]

We haven't discussed about the Timmys discount that cops get...maybe somebody should cover that topic.

[Soorma]

OPP is freezing the amount of people being hired. Many police services are limiting the amount of P/O's hired. Currently, your best option is the RCMP. They need P/O's and they are offering quite a good deal. For instance, giving you an allowance while your at Depot.

[ItechJester]

OPP is freezing the amount of people being hired. Many police services are limiting the amount of P/O's hired. Currently, your best option is the RCMP. They need P/O's and they are offering quite a good deal. For instance, giving you an allowance while your at Depot.

wow, way to give cpr to an old thread man

[Messerschmitt]

Good luck if you are applying for police. When I applied to RCMP, after I got all my testing I failed the interview, with the reason being I don't have enough life experience. Most likely you need to have some exiting life to get in.

[Syne]

I'm also disheartened to learn that the police require little more than some muscles and a HS diploma, in order to perform what is essentially an elite role in our society. I mean, they are enforcing the law, which some people spend decades learning the finer points of.

On top of that, they are supposed to be authoritative. I'm sorry, but if I'm a professional who has spent years honing my craft, how can I be expected to kowtow to Detective Dipshit, when he gets a hard-on for me? Especially when I'm trying to explain a situation in gentleman's English, and he's staring back at me with an ape-like expression, unable to comprehend half of what I'm trying to get across?

[Soorma]

I'm also disheartened to learn that the police require little more than some muscles and a HS diploma, in order to perform what is essentially an elite role in our society. I mean, they are enforcing the law, which some people spend decades learning the finer points of.

On top of that, they are supposed to be authoritative. I'm sorry, but if I'm a professional who has spent years honing my craft, how can I be expected to kowtow to Detective Dipshit, when he gets a hard-on for me? Especially when I'm trying to explain a situation in gentleman's English, and he's staring back at me with an ape-like expression, unable to comprehend half of what I'm trying to get across?

Not fair to generalize like this.

[proust]

I'm also disheartened to learn that the police require little more than some muscles and a HS diploma, in order to perform what is essentially an elite role in our society. I mean, they are enforcing the law, which some people spend decades learning the finer points of.

On top of that, they are supposed to be authoritative. I'm sorry, but if I'm a professional who has spent years honing my craft, how can I be expected to kowtow to Detective Dipshit, when he gets a hard-on for me? Especially when I'm trying to explain a situation in gentleman's English, and he's staring back at me with an ape-like expression, unable to comprehend half of what I'm trying to get across?

Lots of troll-like posts coming from you recently .......

[proust]

So since this thread is nearly 5 years old ............ did the OP become a cop? :D

[Soorma]

So since this thread is nearly 5 years old ............ did the OP become a cop? :D

I didn't even realize how old this thread was till after my initial post. Interesting to know what happened over last ~2 years with the OP.

[Messerschmitt]

Most likely working, and not losing time on RFD :P

[abu_sme]

Good luck if you are applying for police. When I applied to RCMP, after I got all my testing I failed the interview, with the reason being I don't have enough life experience. Most likely you need to have some exiting life to get in.

The only problem is that you get sent to a Fort/Saint/Prince wherever whether you want to move there or not.

[Messerschmitt]

Didn't had a problem with that. What did upset me is that they give you the "You don't have enough life experience" but in the end they will want to train you from the ground up, especially since with RCMP is a lot more close to army training type. I've applied with them to learn to things, but whatever. This falls in the same category with "do you have canadian work experience".
Also the whole RCMP/Army thing that if you are male and white, you have almost no chance to get in. They should be looking at skill not race. Thought they were all about equality. My arse.

[iEye]

Here's OPP's hiring requirements

* Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
* Female Recruit 18-65 years of age.
* Ontario Grade 12 or equivalency.
* Class �G� driver�s license with:
o No more than 6 demerit points; and
o Full driving privileges.
* No criminal record for which a pardon has not been received or an absolute/conditional discharge that has not been sealed.
* Certified in First-Aid and C.P.R.
* Pass credit, background and investigation checks.
* Possess a valid Certificate of Results (C.O.R.). (more information on how to obtain your C.O.R.)

O.P.P. applicants must be willing to serve anywhere in the province. Preferences for posting are taken into consideration


Here's RCMP's

# be a Canadian Citizen
# be of good character
# be proficient in English or French
# have a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent
# possess a valid, unrestricted Canadian driver�s license
# be 19 years of age at the time of engagement (may apply at 18 years of age
# meet medical/health standards
# be willing to relocate anywhere in Canada
# be physically fit


So there you have it. You don't need to know English or French for either. You have to know English for OPP and English or French for RCMP (although without English skills, you won't get hired by the RCMP).


WOW!

then its true.. cops are dumb...

you should have to at least complete a bach at university before we allow you to carry a gun... im not saying finish something useful like electrical eng. or study law like the rest of us... but at least get a piece of paper.. high school = carry gun?
wow :-0


and would it not kill you to learn basic spanish... some of us can knock that off as an elective...

I thought that being racist was also a requirement? lol! oh man

(((((((shields!))))))

cops are a liability if they have such low education... they should all be required to carry around digital video recorders on the patrol cars at all times... but then again... it would just help with the civil suits against them...

all i can say is cap is not a career... only people who have no family and have a death wish should apply... meaning when you get the job you are dead.. but you go out each day to claim your life (old Klingon proverb)

and 6 demerit points? I have 0 since.... wow the first day i drove a car!..

[abu_sme]

Didn't had a problem with that. What did upset me is that they give you the "You don't have enough life experience" but in the end they will want to train you from the ground up, especially since with RCMP is a lot more close to army training type. I've applied with them to learn to things, but whatever. This falls in the same category with "do you have canadian work experience".
Also the whole RCMP/Army thing that if you are male and white, you have almost no chance to get in. They should be looking at skill not race. Thought they were all about equality. My arse.

Define the skillset of a police officer though, how much of it is really something that is teachable and how much of it really comes down to deep intuition that one acquires through life experience. Moreover, if you have a police force that is comprised entirely of white males in an multi cultural country like canada can you really expect it to work?

If someone is fresh outta highschool their "life experience" involves living with their parents and underage drinking. Compared to a candidate who has lived on his/her own, gone to university in a different city, been forced to adapt, and outright failed in many things in life, a coddled high schooler certainly doesn't have enough life experience to handle the intense training, and the job itself which is very demanding. Someone fresh out of highschool lacks a lot of the important traits that allow a police officer to cope.


WOW!

then its true.. cops are dumb...

you should have to at least complete a bach at university before we allow you to carry a gun... im not saying finish something useful like electrical eng. or study law like the rest of us... but at least get a piece of paper.. high school = carry gun?
wow :-0



Minimum requirements != actual requirements. Most police recruits are university educated and have meaningful "life experience." Long gone are the days that people graduate from high school and go right into the RCMP (unless they are a minority, but even still)




and would it not kill you to learn basic spanish... some of us can knock that off as an elective...

I thought that being racist was also a requirement? lol! oh man

(((((((shields!))))))

cops are a liability if they have such low education... they should all be required to carry around digital video recorders on the patrol cars at all times... but then again... it would just help with the civil suits against them...

all i can say is cap is not a career... only people who have no family and have a death wish should apply... meaning when you get the job you are dead.. but you go out each day to claim your life (old Klingon proverb)

and 6 demerit points? I have 0 since.... wow the first day i drove a car!..

Like I said, most cops are highly educated. I will agree though, most cops have a very poor work/life balance.


*not a cop, but someone who looked into it and decided not to pursue it for a variety of reasons.