HQ's Comms Hub

As someone who has worked closely with many police officers for more than two decades and spent five years engaged in doctoral research on what makes police officers “tick,” I have often found that officers find it difficult to talk about personal mental health and addiction issues. I attribute much of that to the deeply engrained police culture that demands “toughness” in the face of what cops deal with “on the job”.

Shiftwork makes people tired in a way that few things can. Police members and other first responders, who work to promote the safety and well-being of those around them, are well aware of this. However, physical exhaustion is not the only type of fatigue. The emotional load of seeing and experiencing tragedies repeatedly can have long term impacts, including on the ability to feel compassionate.

What is strategic management and why is it important? Strategic management is the execution of a plan; it is dynamic, continuous, and involves the coordination of resources across an organization. Done well, it means a plan made an impact towards things that matter and did so efficiently.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is important to recognize the remarkable contributions of female police officers and civilian members across Canada. These dedicated professionals play a pivotal role in maintaining public safety, upholding justice, and fostering community trust.

More than 10 years ago, on behalf of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), I assisted in the creation of the Reach For It! Program – a recreational program that partners police officers with youth who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Police work is stressful. Police service members, whether sworn or civilian, can be exposed to trauma, including fatalities, violent crimes, accidents, and domestic situations.

The CLA remains committed to working with the federal government, law enforcement, and stakeholders to design a framework that balances consumer protection with credit access. Let’s ensure we do not inadvertently harm the very people we aim to protect. Policies that limit access to regulated credit must be implemented with caution to avoid creating vulnerabilities.

If you are aspiring to become a police officer in Ontario, obtaining your OACP Certificate is an essential first step. This online testing process is designed to streamline candidates through the Constable Selection System (CSS), ensuring you are well-prepared for the rigorous and exciting recruitment journey ahead.

Police are increasingly in the spotlight and constantly second guessed. Actions are filmed, and police are tried in the court of media opinion based on half the story. Activist groups want to isolate and defund police services. Police are asked to be mental health workers first. Our bail and parole systems are badly broken, with criminals back on the street before the paperwork is filed.

If you are passionate about making a difference in your community, policing might be the perfect path for you. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Constable Selection System (CSS) emphasizes qualities such as integrity, honesty, and a commitment to public safety, qualities that resonate with those driven to serve. However, it is more than just enforcing the law.

On June 1, 2024, a new chapter began in Ontario’s approach to police recruitment with the launch of the Personality Research Form – Revised (PRF-R) for Policing. Developed by SIGMA Assessment Systems in partnership with TNT Justice Consultants and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP),

Ironically, not understanding your strengths can amplify your weaknesses by leading you to hold back when the potential for your impact is greatest. This problem is compounded by the premium we tend to put on humility. For fear of coming across as arrogant, we hold back even more, but the result can be that we leave important opportunities for serving others on the table.