Officer Career Development
Kingston Police is one of the largest of the medium size services, allowing Officers to have the best of both worlds – an organization small enough where everyone knows your name and yet large enough for Officers to have many opportunities for career development.
There are many specialized units within Kingston Police. These units are not direct entry and require specific training. Vacancies for these units are posted and officers who meet the eligibility and requirements may apply. Although there is no mandated length of time in these units, officers can expect multiple movements during their career to ensure there are opportunities to grow.
Uniform Patrol
All Kingston Police Officers start in patrol whether as new recruits or when hired as experienced officers from other police services. While many Officers choose to remain in patrol, others will apply for job postings to transfer to specialized units after a few years in the field. Patrol is the backbone of the Kingston Police. No day in patrol is ever the same. Patrol officers investigate crimes, make arrests, patrol communities to make them safer, work with the community to solve problems, conduct community meetings, mediate disputes, investigate traffic collisions and provide general police services. Patrol officers are the first line of first responders, responding to all 9-1-1 calls for service. They work in a diverse and dynamic, team oriented, but self-driven environment.
Emergency Response Unit
The Emergency Response Unit (ERU) is a highly trained team that is ready to respond 24-7-365 to the highest risk calls using the latest tools, technology, and training available.
Canine Unit
Our Canine Unit (K9) consists of two officer-canine partners. These dynamic duos are capable of tracking and locating fleeing suspects in the most adverse conditions and challenging terrain. They assist patrol officers when dealing with violent or assaultive subjects. They are also utilized for search and rescue of lost and vulnerable persons.
Community Oriented Response and Engagement
Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) encompasses Beat-Bicycle, School Resources, Youth, Community, Police Liaison, Media Relations, and Traffic Safety.
CORE units are responsible for implementing various community programs and events such as the very popular Shop-With-A-Cop, the Youth-In-Policing-Initiative, and the Community Fun Fair. CORE members also work to resolve community concerns and on-going problems.
Traffic Safety Unit
The Kingston Police Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) has a broad mandate for safety and enforcement on all roads and highways in the Kingston area. However, the TSU also takes responsibility for collision reconstruction, RIDE programs, drone operations, parade escorts, and so much more.
Training Unit
The Training Unit is tasked with ensuring our officers are up to date in all current legislation and mandated training. Another priority is teaching and re-certifying officers in the specialized skills needed to perform their duties such as defensive tactics, de-escalation skills, firearms, taser training, and much more.
Criminal Investigations
Criminal Investigations encompasses several investigative units that are responsible for conducting thorough investigations on significant and complex cases.
Special Services
Special Services consists of several covert units. Their investigations are primarily self-generated through proactive policing. The work is often high-intensity, fast-paced, and multi-faceted.
Forensic Identification
The Forensic Identification Unit (IDENT) is responsible for collecting, documenting, and analyzing evidence found at crime scenes. Ident Officers work with all units, focusing on larger cases, usually involving thefts, break and enters, and any major violent crimes.