Due to the volume of applications received for the Cadet November intake, we are currently not accepting new applications. Please check back in 2026.

Role of a Police Cadet

Cadets
  • Work 12-hour shifts and follow the two days/two nights/four off schedule
  • Receive internal training and continuously work alongside coaches/mentor officers
  • Be part of a platoon team
  • Patrol in all districts and Central Lock-Up
  • Experience specialized units
  • Support special events throughout the region
  • Participate in and speak at Recruiting Information Sessions
  • Learn new skills such as Defensive Tactics, Traffic Point Duty, and Search Training
  • Work on fitness and wellness

Become a Police Cadet

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) re-established its 12-month Police Cadet program in 2009. It sees participants undergo a structured and comprehensive selection process. Successful candidates are put through an internal training program, followed by a series of diverse assignments throughout the Service. The program is designed to provide Cadets with a window into policing as well as continual guidance and mentoring, with the goal of preparing them to advance to becoming a Constable.

For more information about the HRPS Police Cadet program, contact: CadetProgram@haltonpolice.ca

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the position of police cadet, a candidate must:

  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada

  • be 18 years of age or older

  • be in good physical and mental health and able to meet the physical, mental, and medical requirements of the HRPS

  • be of good moral character and habits, that is, an individual other people consider trustworthy and as having integrity

  • have successfully completed at least four (4) years of secondary school education or equivalent (Note: Official transcripts and diplomas will be required)

  • Where education has been completed outside Canada, official proof of equivalency must be obtained. Both International and Canadian applicants may obtain educational equivalency assessments through one of the following agencies:

International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
35 Harvard Road P.O. Box 21001
Guelph, ON N1G 4T3
1-800-321-6021

World Education Services Canada (WES Canada)
45 Charles Street East, Suite 700
Toronto, ON M4Y 1S2
416-972-0070
Toll Free: 1-866-343-0070

Additional Requirements

The following additional mandatory requirements must be also be met to be considered for the position of police cadet:

  • A valid Class ‘G' Driver's Licence

  • A Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR Level C

  • Be physically fit. Reach a minimum of Level 7 in the 20-Metre Shuttle Run and successfully complete the Police Physical Readiness Evaluation (PREP).

  • Meet vision standards of uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/40 binocularly. Corrected visual acuity should be at least 20/20 binocularly, and normal colour vision

  • Meet normal hearing standards

  • Pass a detailed background check that includes security clearance, credit, and reference checks

Desired Qualifications

  • Between 19-25 years of age
  • Recent post-secondary graduate or in the last semester of post-secondary education

Compensation

Cadet | $57,379

Competencies of a Police Cadet

In addition to the minimum requirements, applicants for the position of Police Cadet must also possess the following competencies:

Essential Competencies

Resiliency: The ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events. The ability to retain perspective and cope after a stressful event.

Teamwork: Works cooperatively with team members. Contributes to the development of a team environment where team members achieve established goals.

Communication: Ability to demonstrate effective listening, understanding, verbal, and written communication skills with a goal of de-escalation or reaching a common ground

Problem Solving: Identifies problems, implements solutions, and evaluates outcomes. Discovers new opportunities and solutions to problems using innovative thinking.

Leadership: The ability to organize, influence, guide, and motivate other people to reach a shared goal.

Inclusivity: Ability to recognize the value of diversity, and the capability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations.

Local Competencies

Community Service Orientation: Desire to help or serve others, and the ability to focus efforts on meeting individual and group needs

Initiative: Self-directed or self-motivated. Able to exercise initiative beyond what is expected or required on the job to improve outcomes or avoid problems.

Work Organization: Ability to minimize errors and maintain high standards of quality by developing and maintaining effective systems for organizing work and information

Cooperation: Ability to demonstrate collaborative/team-oriented behaviour such as seeking input and sharing information with colleagues, other emergency services, community resources, etc.

Commitment to Learning: Ability to maintain and enhance professional/technical knowledge and personal development by asking questions, taking courses, reading, networking with colleagues, specialists, and the community

Assertiveness: Ability to use personal power or the power of the police constable's position appropriately to set expectations, challenge others, enforce rules, and direct others