Peel Regional Police are ramping up recruitment efforts to bring 300 new officers on board in 2025 to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Mississauga and Brampton communities, which together house over 1.4 million residents. Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah recently outlined the challenges faced in filling front-line roles due to limited numbers of new graduates from the Ontario Police College.
The Peel force, Ontario’s second-largest and Canada’s third-largest police service, is adopting a new strategy of hiring experienced officers from other agencies to address immediate staffing needs. This shift comes as Peel police contend with increasing demand, expanded responsibilities, and ongoing recruitment challenges. The service recently posted openings for positions including part-time prisoner escort officers, divisional special constables, and record unit clerks, encouraging individuals interested in making a difference to apply.
As part of their 2025 budget, Chief Duraiappah and his team have requested $64.1 million to fund the addition of 300 officers, 55 civilian support staff, and 10 call center communicators. This budget proposal, totaling $131.7 million, will be presented to the Region of Peel Council as they prepare to finalize next year’s regional budget.
Complicating the task of keeping Peel safe is the added responsibility of policing Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga, Canada’s busiest airport, which sees around 45 million travelers each year.
To bolster recruitment, Peel Deputy Chief Mark Dapat noted that hiring experienced officers from other forces, while not ideal, is often more efficient and cost-effective than training new graduates. Nevertheless, Peel police remain committed to onboarding new recruits, aiming for 200 additional officers by year-end. They continue to push the Ontario Police College for a fifth intake annually, which would increase the pool of available recruits for Peel by 55.
Peel police offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits for both sworn and civilian staff. Current annual salaries for various positions include:
- Cadet, Second Class: $51,741
- Cadet, First Class: $56,914
- Recruit Constable: $62,088
- Constable, Fourth Class: $72,436
- Constable, First Class: $111,584
As Peel Police Services Board prepares its case for additional funding, the recruitment drive marks a significant response to the urgent need for expanded front-line presence across Peel Region.
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