Stories from those who serve.

Constable Jason Vanderploeg is entering his tenth year of policing. He began his career serving five years in Patrol for the Downtown Division, and is currently in the specialised Tactical Section, which focuses on responding to high-risk incidents across the City. 

His current position as a tactical officer is a contrast to the Bachelor of Arts degree he obtained from Carleton University. Afterward, his career path led him to volunteering in a forensics ward at a mental health hospital in Ottawa and a call-in crisis line operator. 

“I enjoy the variety I get here – each day presents a unique set of challenges based on the calls for service. If I think my current role ever gets stagnant, it’s great to know we have dozens of different units and opportunities available. I can both plan and progress my career based on personal goals” says Jason. 

Jason offers the following tips for new applicants: “Should you consider a policing career, keep working towards it, and utilize free resources available to you. I was deferred from policing for three years on my first application. I used this time to improve my employment experience, physical fitness and volunteering opportunities. Sticking to it led me to where I am today – I’ve found it rewarding ever since”.