Auxiliary Policing

Auxiliary police members receive orientation and training, enabling them to fulfill their volunteer duties.

Auxiliary police members:

• Do not carry firearms but are required to be trained in using Ottawa Police-issued firearms from an orientation perspective only. They also undergo specialized training in the use of force and are exposed to the utilization and deployment of other use-of-force techniques;
• Always serve under the supervision of a fully sworn police officer of the Ottawa Police Service;
• Are not allowed to drive marked police vehicles unless in an emergency situation and directed to do so by a fully sworn police officer;
• Are expected to dedicate a minimum of 160 hours per year to the program, plus training, due to the amount of time required throughout selection and training;
• Do not receive any wages;
• Will not wear the uniform of a police officer but will be provided with a recognized uniform that identifies them as a volunteer auxiliary member; and,
• May be required to testify in court.

Under the direction of a sworn police officer, Auxiliary Police may perform any of the following duties or programs:

Crime prevention programs;

• Patrol as directed alongside an officer, e.g. marine patrol, foot patrol;
• Community policing functions when directed; and,
• Other routine non-police officer duties as assigned.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be of good moral character
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have successfully completed high school
• Meet minimum general fitness level
• Meet a reliability clearance process to be determined by the Ottawa Police Service and successfully complete a criminal records check
• Not have an apparent business or employment conflict of interest (employment with other law enforcement agencies)
• Not be appointed as peace officers under a Police Act
• Not be engaged in active private investigation work
• Be willing to commit to a minimum of 160 hours of volunteer service per year, including training, for two years
• Must reside within the National Capital Region
• Proficient knowledge of the English language is mandatory; that includes reading, writing, and speaking.  Fluency in other languages, including French, will give the candidate stronger consideration for the role
• Possess a valid Class G Driver's Licence (or equivalent out-of-province licence).

Note

All applicants of the Ottawa Police Service Auxiliary program must sign an Authorization of Release of Information waiver permitting background and reference checks to confirm all information supplied. In addition, all applicants must undergo a physical examination to determine their health status. Failure to comply with either disqualifies the individual from the selection process.

At this time, we are not actively recruiting for the Auxiliary Police Program. The next recruitment period will begin in the winter of 2026.

Please check back closer to that time for updates and details on how to apply.