Education’s only part of what makes a good cop

Maturity, drive and commitment count too, writes the OPP’s Vince Hawkes.

All police services in Ontario are governed by section 43 of the Police Services Act (PSA), which specifically sets out the criteria for hiring, including: age; residency; the ability to physically and mentally be able to perform the duties of the position; to be of good moral character and habits; and the successful completion of at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent.

It should, therefore, be noted that education is only one component of the hiring requirements. In reality, there are several key considerations when assessing a police recruit candidate.

While the recent survey of the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards did indicate a preference for post-secondary education, in fact that is already the current reality of the large majority of police agencies, including the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recruit hires. Given the competitive nature of recruitment and the calibre of those applying, it is incorrect to imply that anyone with simply a Grade 12 education will be hired as a police officer.

Consider the last two recruit classes hired by the OPP. In August 2016, 61 new recruits began their police training, with 97 per cent having post-secondary education. Of the two recruits who did not, both were enrolled in college and demonstrating excellent grades. Additionally, one also possessed military training, leadership training and an additional trade skill. The other had work experience gained while saving for post-secondary education, prior to enrolling, and other, further development. Both of these candidates demonstrated maturity, drive and commitment, without necessarily owning a post-secondary education.

Similarly, of the most recent class of 89 recruits hired in January 2017, only four had not completed postsecondary education. These recruits were, at the time of hire, enrolled in either college or university and achieving excellent marks, but equally, also brought various other skills such as military training, work experience, trades skills or relevant volunteer experience.

I believe the public expects that it is the consideration of all factors that determines whether a candidate is hired, not simply the acquisition of a degree.

It is twice asserted in the article that use of force is linked to education levels; however, there is no reference source given for these comments. Rather, I would state that candidates with broad life or relevant work experience, community or volunteer service, and a demonstrated level of maturity may make equally responsible decisions as those with a post-secondary degree.

Finally, we recognize that our officers must be representative of the communities we serve, and we have consistently strived to recruit those with diverse backgrounds and skill sets into our ranks. From directed outreach and symposiums to our online social media presence, the OPP continually looks for ways to attract highly qualified candidates. While in most cases this means our recruits do possess postsecondary education, we are not currently required to preclude those not fortunate enough to attend university or college. Rather, we fully assess the “big picture,” and seek to hire those who demonstrate both mental and physical readiness and commitment to serve our communities.

I trust that this clarifies that while the PSA stipulates the need for “at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent,” it is actually rare for candidates to be hired without some form of post-secondary education. Of those who are, those candidates have clearly demonstrated they possess other equally desirable skills, experience and knowledge, which are just as valued by our members and communities, and add to the diversity we strive to achieve.