The South Simcoe Police Service has found it hard to keep its number of auxiliary constables at the full complement of 30.
The problem is the volunteer program is not only a way of giving back to the community, it's also the ideal stepping stone on the path to a career in policing.
There are two distinct groups who sign on as auxiliaries, Police Chief Andrew Fletcher told a recent meeting of the Bradford West Gwillimbury-Innisfil Police Services Board. There are older residents with an interest in serving their community who tend to remain with South Simcoe police as life-long volunteers, and recent graduates of police and law enforcement programs interested in a career in policing.
“You only hold them for two to three years before they get hired,” said Fletcher, often by other police services.
In the last two years, South Simcoe police has seen the departure of 16 of its auxiliary members.
“We are down in our auxiliary strength,” the chief said.
Although the volunteers are unpaid, training and equipping the auxiliary constables is a commitment in both time and resources. The South Simcoe Police Service also relies on its auxiliaries in delivering service to the community.
“They do amazing work,” said Fletcher, including the Stuff a Trailer toy drive, community events and traffic duty.
Auxiliaries are expected to volunteer a minimum of 12 hours per month and are on call for emergencies.
South Simcoe police may have found a solution to the revolving door. Earlier this year, the police department signed a ,emorandum of understanding with Georgian College and established the South Simcoe Post-Secondary Direct Entry Program.
Students in Georgian’s honours bachelor of police studies program can apply for the new South Simcoe program. If accepted, their training and volunteer hours as auxiliary constables with the South Simcoe police will count toward their required co-op placement, as well as providing the opportunity to go on to a career in policing upon completion of their schooling.
Nine Georgian College candidates were selected as the first participants in the auxiliary program after undergoing testing and a week of intensive training. At a recent meeting of the police services board, board members were asked to approve the appointment of the nine as auxiliary constables. All nine candidates are women.
“Each has close ties to this community and a desire to go on in policing,” said Fletcher.
Brief biographies indicated they live and work in communities that include Barrie, Alliston, Elmvale, Springwater Township, and Innisfil.
Board chair Chris Gariepy said he was "thrilled... to see the auxiliary unit get back up to full steam," calling the applicants highly qualified.
Fellow board member Todd Canning said it was “encouraging and intriguing” that the approved candidates are all women.
“Being a female is no longer a barrier in any way,” explained Fletcher, noting that the police service has expanded its recruitment to focus on diversity and inclusion.
“This is the cream that rose to the top,” said Deputy Chief John Van Dyke.
The board voted to recommend the appointment of the nine as auxiliary constables. The request will be forwarded to the Ministry of the Solicitor General for endorsement and approval.
