Ontario Provincial Police turn to online recruiting as retirements loom
OPP will offer virtual ride-alongs, online and in-person information sessions
Provincial police in northeastern Ontario say they're turning to the internet and social media to drive recruitment — and to inform the public about policing.
The police service in the northeast is expected to see a number of retirements in the next few years, said Insp. Bryan MacKillop, manager of OPP recruitment.
He said the service will use social media to try and attract people who may not have otherwise considered a career in policing.
"Over the next couple of years we're going to have hundreds and hundreds of officers retiring and northeastern Ontario is being hit pretty hard with our great number of retirements," MacKillop told CBC News.
"We're big proponents of recruiting from the north, for the north."
Virtual ride-alongs are slated to start online this week, and later in the month, information sessions will be held online and in person.
In addition, police are offering online mentoring sessions.
"We are trying to attract individuals who are reflective of whatever community they come from," MacKillop said.
"People who may advocate on our behalf, who may see us as an innovative creative and inclusive employer of choice."
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Become a CBC Account Holder
Join the conversation Create account
Already have an account?