Nipissing University and Canadore College announced a new partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary that will offer students direct entry into the OPP Auxiliary Program to gain hands-on training and experience in policing.

New opportunities for students in northern Ontario

"Partnerships like this provide our students with invaluable experiential learning and create pathways to connect the classroom to the workplace — where theory meets practice," said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University.

"Canadore has close partnerships with municipal, regional and provincial policing services that provide important experience and networking opportunities to our students," said George Burton, Canadore College President and CEO. "This particular partnership will allow the College to offer another opportunity for hands-on learning that will serve the students well in their future careers."

The OPP Auxiliary

The OPP Auxiliary is a group of volunteers who work with regular force OPP officers to promote and support community safety programs in keeping with the OPP's mission to ensure safety and well-being for the province of Ontario. Undergoing police-related testing and application processes, selected students will go through basic Auxiliary police training and serve as OPP Auxiliary members on campus and in the community.

OPP Auxiliary member duties may include patrols with regular members and assisting with community events, seat belt clinics, RIDE initiatives, safety displays, presentations, victim assistance and ceremonial duties.

A preview of life on the force

"Our Auxiliary program offers students a preview of what a career in law enforcement might entail, and we are pleased to offer students from Nipissing University and Canadore College access to these valuable opportunities," said Sgt. Dawn Lefevre, Support Coordinator for the Community Auxiliary program.

Students recently took part in virtual and in-person information sessions with members of the OPP Auxiliary to learn more about the program and application process.

Curious to learn more about this new partnership between Nipissing University, Canadore College, and the OPP Auxiliary? Reach out to Kindra McMillan, or apply directly to the program through the OPP Auxiliary application process.