For many enthusiastic police applicants, the realities of the police testing process are a cruel and unnerving reminder that merely wanting to be a police officer doesn't mean you will become one. In order to become a Police Officer in the Province of Ontario, applicants must not only be successful in the police testing process, they must also outscore their competition. Police testing has become highly competitive. Additionally, many Police Services are modifying or redesigning their tests. This is being done for 2 reasons:

Firstly, to reflect current/future policing requirements.
Police Services in the Province of Ontario are directed by the Police Services Act to provide "community-oriented police services". This requires Police Services to work in partnership with their communities in order to identify and address community problems and concerns. In order to deliver community-oriented police services, the police must recruit people who exhibit the skills and abilities necessary for community-oriented policing. Applicant must possess communication and problem solving skills, be capable of working with the community, show initiative and have the ability to develop partnerships and resolve conflicts.

Additionally, the increased use of technology in policing and advances in investigative techniques (accident reconstruction, forensic, etc.) all reinforce the need for applicants to exhibit sound general aptitude and analytical skills. Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in these areas, and show they are capable of meeting the future training demands of the Service.

Secondly, police testing must be "appropriate".
Police Services are reviewing their tests to ensure they reflect the actual duties performed by Police Officers. Police physical fitness testing is one example of the change which is occurring in police testing today. In the past, most Police Services tested applicants using a 1 ½ mile run, pushups, sit-ups, and chin-ups. However, some Police Services, such as the R.C.M.P., are adopting tests which simulate actual police duties.

The R.C.M.P. use the Physical Ability Requirements Evaluation (P.A.R.E.) test. The P.A.R.E. test uses an obstacle course rather than a 1 ½ mi. run. The obstacle course is used to simulate a police foot chase. Additionally, weight machines are used to simulate taking control of a suspect and handcuffing prisoners. The R.C.M.P. tests are "appropriate" because of their relevance to the duties of a police officer.

Knowledge and preparation have become essential in today's competitive police testing process. Phyper Consulting offers a unique 1 day course which teaches applicants how to systemically prepare and apply to a Police Service, as a Police Officer or Court Officer. Their results are unmatched. Their students have been hired by the R.C.M.P., O.P.P., Toronto, Peel, Durham, York, Ottawa-Carleton, Halifax Regional, and numerous other Police Services.

For information on how to prepare yourself for all facets of police testing, contact Anne at Phyper Consulting, (416) 424-1287, E-mail: phyperc@interlog.com or check out their Home Page at www.interlog.com/~phyperc