Nipissing University, Canadore College partner with OPP Auxiliary on new direct entry program

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

“This new pathway opens up a wealth of opportunities for our students, especially those in our criminal justice program who may have an interest in pursuing a career in policing after graduation,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University. “Partnerships like this provide our students with invaluable experiential learning and create pathways to connect the classroom to the workplace - where theory meets practice." 

“Canadore College is excited to be able to offer this pathway into the OPP Auxiliary Program,” said George Burton, Canadore College President and CEO. “Canadore has close partnerships with municipal, regional and provincial policing services that provide important experience and networking opportunities to our students. 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 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. Their 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. 

"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. 

Earlier this week, students took part in virtual and in-person information sessions with members of the OPP Auxiliary to learn more about the program and application process. Interested students can contact Kindra McMillan, Criminal Justice Advisor & Placement Coordinator, at kindrah@nipissingu.ca or apply directly to the program through the OPP Auxiliary application process. 

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