As 11 new recruits begin training, police continue search for more recruits

The Waterloo Regional Police Service will welcome 11 new recruits next week as part of their latest efforts to find new officers.

The recruits begin training on Monday and will be off to the Ontario Police College in June for three months as part of class 116.

Just last month, the service welcomed 11 new officers from class 114 who had recently completed the college.

The badge ceremony took place at the Wellesley Recreation Complex in Wellesley Township on April 19. Among those welcomed to the service were 10 new officers and one experienced officer.

The service's goal was to hire 18 new officers in 2024 and 18 more in 2025 for a three year total of 55, something uniform recruitment constable Andre Johnson said he was confident it could achieve back in January. However, the hiring of new officers has lagged in recent years.

In December 2023, the Region of Waterloo approved a $14.4 million increase in the police budget, in part to help hire new officers.

The WRPS has created a uniform recruitment strategy focused on educating people on the career and a wraparound approach to attracting new talent, including assistance with the physical aspect of the process.

"Gone are the days where there's so many applicants to choose from," Johnson, said in January about the recruitment process.

"We realize, like other services, we're trying to replenish and grow with our communities and there's a need for qualified people. That's where our focus is."

A police recruitment session is coming to WRPS headquarters on May 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for members of the public seeking more information on a career in the field.

Participants can learn about the application process, interviews and ask questions of current officers.

The session is free to attend but registration is required and can be done here.