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Ground SAR

Getting to know the OPP Auxiliary

With an area of 892,000 sq. kilometres, diverse communities and vast terrain, Ontario has many policing needs, from crowd control to search and rescue. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and its Auxiliary are trained and equipped to function in many capacities.

Const. Bob Parry and Auxiliary Const. Lisa Burns. The Auxiliary OPP uniform differs from the one worn by regular OPP members by the light blue shirt Auxiliary members wear, and all outwear has the Auxiliary insignia. Photo courtesy of Insp. Wagner.

"The OPP Auxiliary program is an outstanding example of a well-organized, well-managed and effective volunteer community policing service that brings together people from many walks of life," says OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface. "It's remarkable that people volunteer in our OPP Auxiliary for 20, 25, 30 and even 40 years."

The OPP Auxiliary, formed in 1960, became self-directed in 1991 as a result of recommendations from a 1988 audit. Auxiliary Chief Superintendent Terry Harkins was then appointed Executive Director and Provincial Commander of the OPP Auxiliary.

One of the activities of the OPP Auxiliary's 850 members is to provide a support role for search and rescue incidents managed by regular OPP officers who are trained in search and rescue. They also assist regular officers on patrol, accompany regular members on marine and snow vehicle patrol, provide victim assistance, assist RIDE program initiatives, and provide traffic control and ground security at major events.

Being an OPP Auxiliary member takes dedication and a commitment of time, with a minimum of 10 hours per month on patrol, six hours per month of in-service training, and a 60-hour orientation program. Members are trained in law, personal safety, protocol, manual traffic control, emergency equipment, arrest procedures and firearms.

And since 1997, Auxiliary recruits have been required to pass the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) and psychological testing.

"The Auxiliary includes the military, lawyers, pilots, farmers, paramedics, bus drivers, nurses, electricians, carpenters, mechanics, homemakers and private business owners," says Inspector Wagner.

Const. Bob Parry and Auxiliary Const. Robert Thomas. Photo courtesy of Insp. Wagner.

Further, he says the requirements for enrolment include being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada at least 18 years of age and having an Ontario secondary school diploma or equivalent, standard First Aid training, a valid driver's licence with a good driving record, and being physically able to perform the duties.

"It is truly an honour and a privilege to command such a dedicated group of individuals who by devotion to service make Ontario a better and safer place to live. Being an auxiliary member is a total family commitment to volunteerism in the OPP," says Auxiliary Chief Superintendent Harkins.

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