Cadet Program
The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently accepting applications for our Cadet program and encourage all candidates who are seeking a rewarding career in policing, who value diversity and are committed to providing our community with exceptional service to apply.
Applicants must have their Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) certificate obtained through the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. You can find out more information and obtain an OACP certificate on the OACP website. The Thunder Bay Police Service is now reimbursing the cost of the OACP Certificate ($250 + tax). Reimbursement will occur upon successful completion of the recruitment process including successful completion of Ontario Police College. A copy of the certificate and payment receipt is required at that time.
Download the job description for more information.
Applicants for the Cadet program must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Successful completion of at least four years of secondary education or its equivalent.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a valid class G Ontario driver’s license with full driving privileges
- Possess a valid First Aid and CPR (Basic Rescuer Level) certificate
- Obtained a pre-application OACP certificate
- Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position
- Be of good moral character and habits, meaning that you are an individual other people would look upon to as being trustworthy and having integrity.
How do I apply?
Interested applicants are invited to submit their application electronically to recruitment@thunderbaypolice.ca or by mail to Human Resources, Thunder Bay Police Service, 1200 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5Z5. An application should include the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume outlining experience
- OACP pre-application certificate
- OACP Police Officer Application Form including hearing and vision test and fitness log
- Proof of secondary education
- Proof of valid First Aid and CPR certificate (Must be from a recognized First Aid and CPR certificate provider)
What is the recruitment process?
- Phase 1 – OACP Certificate
- Phase 2 – Local Focus and Competency Interview
- Phase 3 – Psychological and Fitness Testing (PIN Test with a minimum score of Level 7 in the Leger 20m Shuttle Run)
- Phase 4 – Background Investigation
- Phase 5 – Final review of applicant file
Once applicants have successfully completed Phase 4 (Background Investigation), they will be placed into a pool and ranked for future hire. After 2 years in the pool, candidates will be required to reapply and repeat the entire recruitment process.
What is an OACP certificate?
The OACP (Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police) Certificate is a prerequisite standardized assessment program designed to evaluate applicants' suitability that many Ontario police services hiring police officers and special constables.
Visit oacpcertificate.ca for more information.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is now reimbursing the cost of the OACP Certificate ($250 + tax). Reimbursement will occur upon successful completion of the recruitment process including successful completion of Ontario Police College. A copy of the certificate and payment receipt is required at that time.
What is the salary range?
$48,803.62 to $57,717.61 annually.
What is the annual leave policy?
2 blocks of annual leave following one year of continuous employment
What is the benefits package and pension plan?
The Thunder Bay Police Service offers competitive group benefits to all full-time members, including Health, Dental and Vision care, Out of Country Travel Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term disability, Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment. Joining the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System starts immediately upon full-time employment. Contributions are deducted per pay period.
Can a current pension be transferred?
The Thunder Bay Police Service’s pension plan is with the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS). As an OMERS member, you may be able to transfer pension credits into the OMERS plan from another Canadian registered pension plan. If you have been a member of another registered pension plan in the past, contact OMERS Client Services directly at 1-800-387-0813. You may be able to transfer some or all of this service into OMERS. Visit OMERS online for more information.
What are the shift schedules?
Cadet officers work 12 hour shifts — two (2) day shifts and two (2) night shifts followed by 4 (four) days off.
Why choose Thunder Bay?
Superior by Nature: Where urban life meets natural beauty. Vibrant and unique in every way.
Discover a welcoming community surrounded by nature; a city perfect to make your home and raise your family.
With a beautiful waterfront, modern downtown and vibrant restaurants and bars, Thunder Bay attracts young, urban and intelligent professionals, new Canadians and new businesses from all over North America. The city's thriving arts community features multiple art galleries, an active local music scene, a symphony orchestra, and attracts top-end world entertainment to venues like the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
The post-secondary education sector is served by Confederation College and Lakehead University, which is labeled one of Ontario's top undergraduate and research universities and is home to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.
Organized sports leagues take advantage of the city's soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, and outdoor skating rinks or indoor arenas. Meanwhile, sports fans can enjoy watching tomorrow's MLB stars through Northwoods League summer collegiate baseball, take in a Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey or basketball game, or witness national sporting events like the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
The most populated city in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay's urban setting is literal footsteps from a vast wilderness perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy hiking through trails, fishing or just some time away at an affordable lakefront cottage. Whether you want your free time filled with outdoor adventures, a modern urban experience or simply rest and relaxation, Thunder Bay is the place for you.
