Women in the LPS

A high level of physical fitness is required to be a police officer but the standard is one that can be achieved by women of all statures. There is no minimum height requirement.

The police fitness test, or PIN test, evaluates core endurance, push ups, flexibility, and running. You must score a minimum of 75% to pass but should aim for 90% or more. The test is the same for men and women but scoring is age and gender specific, making it fair for everyone.

For information about the test components and scoring, download the test manual here or watch the PIN test video.

Orientation

Before heading to the Ontario Police College, you will attend a one-week orientation at London Police Headquarters. You will have the opportunity to meet your classmates, become accustomed to wearing a police uniform and start learning some of the academic and hands-on skills that you will build upon at the police college.

Ontario Police College (OPC)

You will attend Basic Constable Training for 13 weeks at the Ontario Police College (OPC) in Aylmer, Ontario. While there you will learn all of the basic requirements to perform your duties as a constable, including:

• Legal powers, criminal, and provincial laws
• Communication and de-escalation skills
• Police vehicle operations and advanced driver training
• Defensive tactics and firearms training
• Interviewing, and investigative techniques

If you achieve an average of 90% or higher upon completion of Basic Constable Training, you will receive a bonus on top of your salary.

On-the-job coaching

Once you graduate from OPC, you will be sworn in as a constable, assigned to a Uniformed Patrol section and begin working with a coach officer for a period of three months. During this period, you will learn about the procedures and processes specific to the London Police Service and how put the skills you developed at OPC to work.

You will receive intense training to prepare you to de-escalate potential threats, however, if that doesn’t work, you will have extensive preparation to respond to risky situations.

London Police Service officers are well equipped with the tools required to handle most situations. All officers receive ongoing in-service training throughout their careers.

Team work

As a member of the London Police Service, you are part of a team that will be there to back you up in dangerous situations.

You will work closely with the members of your unit and will also have the support of dispatchers, patrol supervisors, and specialty units such as canine and emergency response and detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division.

Whether you already have children, or you are planning to in the future, with a good support system and some planning, you can successfully combine policing and a good family life.

Pregnancy

When a front-line officer becomes pregnant, she will be transferred to administrative or investigative duties to ensure she is not exposed to any potential risk. This transfer will not impact seniority or pay rates.

Maternity and Parental Benefits

Members may choose to take time off for a period of up to 18 months, in accordance with the Employment Standards Act. The London Police Service collective agreement provides supplemental employment insurance top-up for maternity leave (70% top-up for 15 weeks) and for parental leave (70% top-up for 25 weeks).

Dependent children will be also added to your medical and dental benefit plan by notifying the Payroll and Benefits Office.

Child care considerations

A new officer should expect to be a front-line patrol officer, working 12-hour shifts for a minimum of five years. The shift schedule is such that all officers work the day, the afternoon and the overnight shifts. If you have children, this requires flexible child care and a strong support system.

With a minimum of five years patrol experience, officers are able to apply for specialty positions, some of which have more regular schedules.