How To Become A Police Officer: First Steps To The Badge

Summary

The video script addresses the common query of how to become a police officer, emphasizing the importance of research and attention to detail. It outlines the multi-step application process, starting with obtaining the OACP certificate in Ontario, followed by completing the application form, PBQ, physical examination, and a series of interviews. Psychological testing and an in-depth background check are also part of the rigorous selection process. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the challenges and stresses the necessity of dedication and preparation, acknowledging that even with perseverance, success is not guaranteed. The script concludes with a promise of further resources and expert insights to guide aspiring officers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning to take criticism is an essential first step for aspiring police officers as it prepares them for the challenges of the job.
• 🔍 Prospective officers should conduct their own research on the requirements and steps to become a police officer, rather than relying solely on others for information.
• 📚 In Ontario, most police services require the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) certificate, which includes an information section and two exams.
• 🔎 The OACP testing can be researched and completed online, and obtaining the certificate makes candidates eligible to apply to any police service in the province.
• ✍️ Careful attention to detail is crucial when filling out applications, as even small mistakes can lead to disqualification.
• 🏃‍♂️ Physical examinations and fitness tests are part of the hiring process, with practice tests often available for free through local police services.
• 👀 Vision and hearing tests are mandatory components of the application process that candidates must pass.
• 🗣️ Interviews such as the Local Focus Interview (LFI), Local Focus Assessment (LFA), and Essential Competency Interview (ECI) are conducted to further assess candidates.
• 🧐 Psychological testing, including written tests and interviews like the Sigma test, are used to evaluate candidates' mental fitness for the role.
• 🕵️‍♂️ An in-depth background investigation is conducted, which may include a scheduled or unannounced home visit.
• 🏥 Candidates must complete a medical exam and possibly pre-board fitness training, with all requirements available online.
• 🎉 Receiving a conditional offer of employment signifies the successful completion of a rigorous and dedicated application process.

Q & A

What is the first step to becoming a police officer according to the transcript?

The first step is to complete the OAPC (Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police) testing and obtain your certificate, which is required before applying to the Police Service.

Why is it important to research before applying to become a police officer?

It's important because showing initiative and understanding of the role and requirements demonstrates commitment and seriousness about the career, which is a good impression to make.

What does the transcript suggest about the attitude towards criticism for those interested in law enforcement?

The transcript suggests that learning to take criticism is an essential skill, as it is a part of the job and can help in personal and professional growth.

What is the PBQ in the context of the hiring process for police officers?

The PBQ stands for Pre-Background Questionnaire, which is a form that every applicant must fill out as part of the application process.

Why is attention to detail important when applying to become a police officer?

Attention to detail is crucial because it can impact the outcome of cases, such as the conviction or release of suspects, and is indicative of a candidate's suitability for the role.

What type of tests are part of the OAPC certificate process?

The OAPC certificate process includes an information section and two exams that must be completed and passed to obtain the certificate.

How can one prepare for the physical examination required for police officer applications?

One can prepare by participating in practice prep tests or physical tests offered by various police services for free at different locations throughout the year.

What are the initials LFI, LFA, and ECI related to the hiring process for police officers?

LFI stands for Local Focus Interview, LFA for Local Focus Assessment, and ECI for Essential Competency Interview, which are all part of the interview process for police officer applicants.

What psychological tests are mentioned in the transcript as part of the hiring process?

The psychological tests mentioned are the written psychological testing and the Sigma interview or Sigma test, depending on the preference of the Police Service.

What does the transcript suggest about the background investigation process for police officer applicants?

The transcript suggests that the background investigation is very in-depth and may include a scheduled or unexpected home interview.

What is the final step mentioned in the hiring process for police officers?

The final step mentioned is the medical exam and possibly some pre-board fitness training, with all requirements available online.

Outlines

00:00

👮‍♂️ Becoming a Police Officer: Initial Steps and Expectations

The script begins by addressing the common question of how to become a police officer, emphasizing the importance of being able to take criticism and do one's own research. The speaker warns against relying solely on the information provided by others and stresses the need for initiative and self-motivation. It is highlighted that the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) certificate is a prerequisite for most police services in Ontario, which consists of an information section and two exams. The audience is encouraged to watch a short video for more details on the OACP certificate and to ensure they complete the necessary testing to be eligible for application. The speaker also shares a story about an applicant who made a critical error by submitting an application with the wrong police service name, underscoring the importance of attention to detail in law enforcement.

05:01

🏥 Rigorous Process of Police Recruitment: Psychological and Physical Assessments

This paragraph delves into the various stages of the police recruitment process, starting with the application form and the pre-background questionnaire (PBQ). The speaker recounts a story of an applicant who mistakenly submitted an application with the incorrect police service name, leading to disqualification. The importance of detail and accuracy is stressed, especially given the high stakes of law enforcement. The script continues to describe the physical examination, including practice tests offered by various police services, and the need to pass vision and hearing tests. It then outlines the interview process, including the Local Focus Interview (LFI), Local Focus Assessment (LFA), and Essential Competency Interview (ECI). The psychological testing and Sigma interview are also mentioned, with a caution against trying to deceive the system. The paragraph concludes with a brief mention of an in-depth background investigation and a home interview, which may be conducted unexpectedly. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a home visit that occurred while he was working on a motorcycle, humorously describing the situation and the brief interaction with the visiting officer.

Keywords

💡Law Enforcement

Law enforcement refers to the system of agencies and personnel that enforce the law, maintain public order, and protect the safety, health, and property of citizens. In the video, the speaker discusses the process of becoming a police officer, which is a key role within law enforcement.

💡First Responders

First responders are professionals who are among the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency to provide immediate assistance, such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. The video script mentions 'First Responders type of page,' indicating the importance of these roles in emergency situations.

💡Criticism

Criticism is the act of expressing disapproval or pointing out faults. The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to take criticism, as it is a skill necessary for a career in law enforcement where officers must be able to handle feedback and critique constructively.

💡Investigative Skills

Investigative skills are the abilities required to conduct inquiries, gather evidence, and solve crimes. The video mentions that even at the most basic levels, being a police officer requires some investigative skills, indicating the importance of these skills in the role.

💡OACP Certificate

The OACP (Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police) certificate is a prerequisite for applying to the Police Service in Ontario. It consists of three parts: an information section and two exams. The speaker explains that obtaining this certificate is a necessary step in the process of becoming a police officer in Ontario.

💡Pre-Background Questionnaire (PBQ)

The PBQ is a part of the application process for becoming a police officer. It is a questionnaire that all applicants must fill out. The video script highlights the importance of paying attention to detail in this stage, as it can affect the outcome of the application.

💡Physical Examination

A physical examination is a test of an individual's physical fitness and health, which is a requirement for police officer applicants. The video mentions that different police services offer free practice tests to prepare for the physical examination, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness in the role.

💡Local Focus Interview (LFI) and Local Focus Assessment (LFA)

The LFI and LFA are parts of the selection process for police officer candidates. They are interviews and assessments conducted by the police service to which an applicant is applying. The video script discusses these steps as part of the rigorous process of becoming a police officer.

💡Essential Competency Interview (ECI)

The ECI is an interview conducted to assess an applicant's competencies and suitability for a role in law enforcement. It is a part of the hiring process described in the video, indicating the importance of evaluating an individual's core skills and abilities.

💡Psychological Testing

Psychological testing involves assessing an individual's mental capabilities and emotional stability. In the context of the video, it is a crucial part of the hiring process for police officers, as it helps determine if candidates are mentally fit for the demanding role.

💡Background Investigation

A background investigation is a thorough examination of an individual's personal history, including their criminal record, employment history, and references. The video script mentions that an in-depth background investigation is conducted during the hiring process for police officers, highlighting the importance of a clean record for applicants.

💡Conditional Offer of Employment

A conditional offer of employment is a job offer that is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, such as passing a medical exam or completing additional training. The video concludes with the speaker stating that if an applicant successfully passes all the steps, they will receive a conditional offer of employment, marking the final stage of the process.

Highlights

The importance of learning to take criticism as a potential police officer.

The necessity of doing preliminary research before applying to become a police officer.

The requirement of obtaining an OACPP certificate before applying to the Police Service in Ontario.

Details on the three parts of the OACPP certificate including an information section and two exams.

The need to complete a pre-background questionnaire (PBQ) as part of the application process.

The story of an applicant who submitted an application with the wrong police service name and its consequences.

The significance of attention to detail in the police application process.

The availability of free physical tests offered by various police services.

The requirement to pass vision and hearing tests as part of the physical examination.

The process of completing the Local Focus Interview (LFI) and Local Focus Assessment (LFA).

The importance of being honest and not attempting to trick psychological tests during the hiring process.

The in-depth background investigation and potential for an unexpected home visit during the application process.

The anecdote about the unexpected home visit and its outcome.

The requirement of a medical exam and pre-board fitness training.

The final step of receiving a conditional offer of employment after passing all stages.

The acknowledgment of the dedication and preparation required to become a police officer.

The mention of a resource person who has successfully guided hundreds of officers through the process.

The offer to answer questions from viewers in future videos.

Transcripts

how do I become a police officer it's

one of the most common questions asked

by anybody visiting a law enforcement or

First Responders type of page and you

know what it's a very good question and

I'm going to go through the steps with

you but first I'm going to tell you what

you don't do if you want to become a

police officer and this could also hurt

your chances before you even apply if

you take what I'm about to say as some

sort of personal attack or criticism

well then maybe you've actually done

this already it's not an insult okay

learn how to take some criticism in fact

fact maybe that should be the first

lesson learn how to take criticism

because if you don't it's going to be a

long career over the years I've received

thousands of comments from people who

said that they were interested in

becoming a police officer interested in

the career in law enforcement and that

is no exaggeration at all tens of

thousands and they would usually start

the same way hey I love what you're

doing I want to be a cop it's my dream

job where do I start where do I begin

what do I need what are the requirements

being a police officer requires some

investigative skills even at the most

basic levels will start yeah you'll do

some training and such but you should

know something going into it and if

you're going onto the page of a police

officer or even worse an official police

recruiting page and your questions are

how do I become a police officer where

do I start what are the requirements

what are the first steps well then

listen I'm sorry but maybe the job isn't

for you that may sound harsh but it's

really not a good impression to make I

mean you're going to go on a page

especially especially when you say it's

your lifelong dream to become a police

officer it's your lifelong dream and not

once have you even looked at the

requirements or were to start all right

let's get going with this there's

multiple steps to the application

process or the hiring process before you

receive your offer of employment so a

lot of police services require a

certificate before you can even apply to

the Police Service most services in

Ontario require the

oacp certificate there's three parts to

the certificate and once you receive it

then you can apply

okay first off you need to complete the

oacp testing again Ontario Association

and Chiefs of police testing and get

your certificate just do this on any

search engine okay or Google oacp

certificate you go to the page near the

top there's a video I think it's only

about 2 and a half minutes long watch

the video it'll explain a few things

what those three parts are the first is

an information section and the next two

are exams you have to complete those

exams you pass them you get your

certificate and you're now eligible to

apply to any Police Service in the

province next you complete the

application form and the pbq now don't

get scared okay what's the pbq the pre-b

background questionnaire I get all

caught up in those initials as well

everybody has to fill them out the

application process or the application

form you fill out will be specific to

the police service that you apply for

naturally all right quick story here

because I tell a story every video and

it's kind of my way of getting a point

across and it's an unfortunate story so

a few months ago I posted to different

social media platforms the fact that

somebody sent in an application with the

name the wrong Police Service name on

the application they sent it in and it

was thrown out so this person was

obviously applying to multiple different

Police Services they wrote the wrong

Police Service name on the application

they sent it out the recruiters

immediately thrown it out now some of

the comments were kind of brutal and

they didn't agree with that decision

especially at a time when they're having

such a hard time finding suitable

candidates I was actually okay with that

decision and I backed it up because the

importance of paying attention to detail

especially in policing it could be a

difference for victims of crime for

suspects of crime it could be the

difference whether somebody's set free

or they're going to do five six years in

jail I mean there's there's no room for

error in police I say paperwork but it's

mostly done on a computer having said

that yes we all make mistakes but at

that stage in the career at the

beginning of the process

I think that was just going a little too

far let me know what you think next the

physical examination you'll probably

know what that is before you even apply

but there's lots of different police

services that run practice prep tests

physical tests absolutely free of charge

at different locations throughout the

year just call up the local police

service that uh you're thinking about

joining if they have one great if not

then call up another one sign up if you

pass that you're going to have to

complete vision and hearing tests all

those requirements can be found on the

website next you'll complete the lfi and

the LFA here we go again with those

initials lfi is a local Focus interview

the LFA the local Focus assessment and

the ECI which is the essential

competency interview you'll be called in

to complete these if you pass the

previous steps by The Police Service

that you applied to and I'm going to be

honest there's a lot to these interviews

but once again I'm sure that you've

already looked into it if you've made it

this far all the requirements could be

found online if you passes you'll be

asked to complete the written

psychological testing as well as

complete the psychological interview

Sigma interview Sigma test depending on

the Police Service preference that you

apply to there's a lot of people that

think they can trick these tests that

there's a way to go about it and listen

if you think so good luck you're going

to get weeded out and you probably

should be weeded out there's no tricks

here okay during the later stages of

this process they're going to be

completing an in-depth background

investigation very in-depth and they

might be scheduling a home interview not

all Police Services have home interviews

they may schedule one with you or like

they did in my case they may just drop

by unexpectedly this is how my home

visit went okay no word of a lie I was

working on my garage at the time on one

of my dirt bikes I had to work out some

of the old Fuel and it was smoking in

there I had to keep it revved quite a

bit because I was working things through

the carburetor so I had that sucker

revved up there was Smoke flying out of

the garage I could barely see out people

barely see in this guy pulls up I

thought he was going to see my neighbor

pulls up and he was walking up my

driveway I had that thing going I had to

tell him like give me a minute while I

kept that thing going and when it shut

down I walked I'm like hey sorry about

that man he's like you Randy Arsenal

okay show me his badge yeah just doing

my home visit see you later I was okay

that's it he's like yep see you later

have a good day and he walked away I'm

like do you need me to do anything man I

thought I failed I thought just because

maybe I looked rude maybe he thought I

was being obnoxious having that smoke in

the ground whatever the case was I

thought I was failed I thought I'd never

hear back that's exactly how my home

visit went all right last Point here

final step you need a medical exam and

perhaps some pre-board Fitness training

all these requirements are online I have

another story about how my medical exam

went and now's not the time to share I

don't know if I will ever share that one

but that's it if everything works out

you pass all these you receive your

conditional offer of employment

congratulations this entire process

takes a lot of dedication and

preparation there's people that have

prepared for years and they still don't

make it it's not easy and it shouldn't

be easy I didn't make it through my

first time papy didn't make it through

his first time I've worked with dozens

of officers who are have climbed the

ranks and they fantastic officers who

tried three and four times it's not easy

and it shouldn't be I'm going to provide

an excellent resource somebody who's

worked with hundreds of officers through

every step of the way guided them

through the process with a lot of

success this person's also agreed to be

a guest on my channel so if you have any

questions please leave them in the

comments I'm I'm going to put them all

together and I'll make sure that they're

covered okay I'll put their Link in the

description stay tuned for more details

on that I'm also including another video

papy and I made a few years ago maybe

you can see the link now it's advice for

new police officers we didn't plan it we

did it completely on the Fly let me know

what you think listen folks thank you so

much for paying attention again if you

have a question you want covered leave

it in the comments and we'll be sure to

get to it until the next video be safe

out there look after one another and

perhaps we will see you again