K919 Police Foundation students at St. Clair College had the opportunity to tour the Ontario Police College (OPC) on July 16, 2024, where students were able to see first-hand the training centre, meet with staff and the director of the facility.
They gained an understanding of the type of training that a new officer receives once hired with a municipal or provincial law enforcement employer.
OPC offers training in use of force, defensive driving, criminal code, conflict management, physical fitness, and more.
"This included witnessing officers engaged in firearms, police vehicle operations, defensive tactics, simulated traffic stops, and very realistic scenarios," said Scott Braun, the Police Foundations program coordinator at the College.
"The opportunity occurred because of the relationships that exist between the St Clair College staff and police leaders at OPC," Braun said. "Feedback from students included comments like 'this has really inspired me to pursue a career in policing' and 'the experience motivated me to finish the program strong and work towards the next goal'.
The Director of the Police College remarked that St. Clair College is the only community college which comes on these tours and is pleased that St. Clair College has made it a regular event.
St. Clair College's K919 Police Foundations program continues to demonstrate its dedication to personal growth and understanding of the career sector through experiential learning opportunities.