New provincewide effort aims to modernize recruitment and address urgent staffing shortages
On Monday, July 7, 2025, Ontario’s police leadership has announced the launch of Answer the Call, a provincewide marketing campaign to recruit the next generation of police officers. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), Ontario Association of Police Service Boards (OAPSB), Police Association of Ontario (PAO), Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario (IPCO), Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA), and Toronto Police Association (TPA), have come together to build the future of policing in Ontario. The campaign is also supported and backed by the Government of Ontario. The campaign will support over 50 police services and the communities they serve.
“This is a critical time for policing in Ontario. Communities are evolving, expectations are changing, and so are the demands placed on our police officers,” said Deputy Chief of Halton Regional Police Service, and Past President of the OACP, Roger Wilkie. “We need to build police services that are trusted, effective, and reflective of the people they serve, and it starts with how we recruit. Answer the Call is about rethinking that process, not just to fill open positions but to shape the future of the profession.”
Police organizations across the province are facing staffing shortages, which are impacting public safety, response times, and officer well-being. While addressing these shortages is critical, this initiative is equally focused on modernizing recruitment and opening the door to a more diverse pool of candidates, offering:
Honest insights into the daily realities of a career in policing.
Transparency about training, expectations and the application process.
Tools to help candidates find their fit with the right police service.
Police services across Ontario are actively hiring. Learn more about a career in policing by visiting itsacalling.ca.
Quick Facts
Answer the Call is a joint initiative led by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), Ontario Association of Police Service Boards (OAPSB), Police Association of Ontario (PAO), Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario (IPCO), Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA), and Toronto Police Association (TPA).
The campaign addresses growing staffing shortages and aims to modernize how police services attract and engage new recruits.
The campaign includes a new digital platform featuring resources and tools to help candidates explore a career in policing.
Quotes
“Future-proofing our police services starts with recruiting the right people – individuals who are ready to meet the moment and protect Ontario with professionalism, courage and compassion. That’s why our government is proud to provide funding for Answer the Call – a groundbreaking campaign that will inspire the next generation to step forward, serve with pride, and build a safer, stronger Ontario for all who call our province home.”
— Hon. Michael S. Kerzner, Solicitor General, Government of Ontario
“Police services across Ontario are under real pressure to fill critical roles, and boards see that strain every day. Answer the Call is a coordinated effort to reach the right candidates with clear, accessible information about what a policing career involves. It’s a practical response to a growing challenge, and we’re proud to support an initiative that puts people and public safety first.”
— Lisa Darling, Executive Director, Ontario Association of Police Service Boards (OAPSB)
“Our members are doing more with less, and it’s taking a toll. We are looking for people who are ready to join the profession and committed to supporting their communities. Answer the Call gives individuals a glimpse into what policing actually entails and helps them understand the role they would play and the reward that comes with it.”
— Mark Baxter, President, Police Association of Ontario (PAO)
“First Nations police services are rooted in the Seven Grandfather teachings and Great Law of Peace. Recruiting the next generation means reaching people who understand our communities and are ready to serve with respect and accountability. This campaign gives us the opportunity to share our perspective and ensure First Nations voices are reflected in the future of policing in Ontario.”
— Darren Montour, Six Nations Chief of Police and President of Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario (IPCO)
“This work takes more than training and uniforms. It requires resilience, sound judgement, and a strong sense of purpose. We’re proud to support a campaign that gives potential recruits a realistic view of the role and connects them with the support they’ll need to succeed.”
— David Sabatini, VP, Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA)
“Our members are working under pressure every day. Finding the right people to join the profession is crucial to not only ease the strain on the frontline, but to ensure communities continue to receive the level of service they expect. This campaign helps us reach individuals who are ready for that responsibility.”
— Clayton Campbell, President, Toronto Police Association (TPA)
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
