Local Needs of Police Services

Apart from the competencies, police services may also require certain special skills and abilities in order to address urgent issues pertaining to the service or the community. A Local Need may be a second language, a special type or level of computer skills, prior experience in working with abused women and troubled youth, ability to relocate, etc.

A career in policing is primarily about one thing: working with people to ensure public safety through crime prevention and law enforcement. Police work requires that a constable be able to build relationships in the community, showing sensitivity to and concern for the needs of people from all races, cultures and backgrounds.

The Police Services Act lists the following duties of a police officer, they include:

• preserving the peace
• preventing crimes and other offences and providing assistance and encouragement to other persons in their prevention;
• assisting victims of crime
• apprehending criminals and other offenders and other who may lawfully be taken into custody;
• laying charges and participating in prosecutions;
• executing warrants that are to be executed by police officers and performing related duties;
• performing the lawful duties that the chief of police assigns;
• in the case of a municipal police force and in the case of an agreement under section 10 (agreement for provision of police services by O.P.P.), enforcing municipal by-laws;
• completing the prescribed training.

In addition, a police officer is responsible for:

• referring individuals to community services and agencies;
• educating the public.

Police work is also demanding. A police constable must work shifts, including evenings, nights and weekends, at all times of the year. This is not a job that everyone will like, or can do well.

One of the goals of policing is to reflect the diversity of the communities served. This enables police services to continually improve their capability to deliver service that is effective and responsive to the needs of the community. Police services are therefore looking for men and women from all backgrounds and walks of life, including people of various races, cultures, and religions. Everyone who has a strong interest in becoming a police constable, and who feels that she/he meets the qualifications described in this information package, is encouraged to apply.

For people who are truly interested in serving the needs of the community, police work is rewarding. The job challenges you each day in complex ways. Whether you are dealing with the security concerns of a store merchant, talking with a senior citizen, or befriending a group of local kids, you will find that a police constable bears a great deal of responsibility to the public. Fulfilling this responsibility will give you a sense of accomplishment and the confidence that you are making a contribution.