Ontario could soon let people with only high school diplomas become cops

In need of more police officers across the province, the Ontario government announced plans on Tuesday to make it easier to recruit and train future cops.

Along with removing tuition fees for the Basic Constable Training program at the Ontario Police College (OPC), the province is introducing legislation that, if passed, will eliminate the post-secondary education requirement to become a police officer.

"These changes are good news for police services across the province, as well as for Ontarians considering a career as a police officer," Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said.

"We listened to the concerns about recruitment shortfalls and training limitations and have taken steps to remove barriers and expand the possibilities for those considering a career as a police officer."

The OPC will also be expanded to accommodate an additional 70 recruits per cohort, increasing the number to 550 from the current 480. Starting next year, the Basic Constable Training program will also be expanded to four cohorts per year instead of three.

"Ontario is grateful to the thousands of brave women and men who serve as police officers across the province, keeping our communities safe," Premier Doug Ford said about the changes.

"To push back the growing tide of crime in our communities, we're urgently getting more boots on the ground. That's why our government is making the path to becoming a police officer as open as possible, expanding enrollment at the Ontario Police College and covering 100 per cent of the tuition cost for Basic Constable Training."

Other changes to the Basic Constable Training program implemented earlier this year include the duration of the program being expanded from 60 to 66 days and active attacker and mental health response training for individuals in crisis.