Ontario to Eliminate Tuition Fees for Basic Constable Training Program and Increase Police Recruitment
As part of this plan, the government will eliminate tuition fees for the basic constable training program at the Ontario Police College and will also expand enrolment to admit up to 550 recruits, with 70 recruits per cohort.
In an effort to address the rising crime rates in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford has unveiled a plan to increase the number of police officers in communities across the province. As part of this plan, the government will eliminate tuition fees for the basic constable training program at the Ontario Police College and will also expand enrolment to admit up to 550 recruits, with 70 recruits per cohort.
Additionally, the number of cohorts per year will increase from three to four, starting next year. While the cost of this change has not been disclosed, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has applauded the move, stating that it will aid police services in recruiting the next generation of police officers.
Moreover, the province intends to remove the post-secondary education requirement for becoming a police officer, in a bid to attract a wider pool of candidates. By doing so, the government hopes to have more “boots on the ground” and to curb the increase in crime. These changes are a significant step towards improving public safety in Ontario.
Prabhnoor Kaur