Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community. The Waterloo Regional Police Service is proud to work alongside our hundreds of volunteers in a number of roles. Consider joining our team through one of these unique opportunities. If you require accommodation in completing the application process, or with any portion of the application process or interview, please email us at HumanResources@wrps.on.ca.

Auxiliary Constable 

Officer standing at intersection

The Waterloo Regional Police Service Auxiliary Unit is comprised of 100 highly trained volunteers who care deeply about our community. 

Their main role of our auxiliary officers is to support police officers by attending special community fundraising events, RIDE programs, emergency callouts and a variety of other events throughout Waterloo Region.

Auxiliary members have no police authority as they must rely on the same arrest provision as regular citizens. There are some instances when an auxiliary member may have the authority of a police officer, such as during an emergency situation, or when they are being directed by a supervising police officer.

 

 

Auxiliary Duties
Officer at driveway entranceAll duties will be completed by following Waterloo Regional Police Service procedures
  • Volunteer in all weather conditions
  • Volunteer under the direction of a police officer
  • Assist with duties given by that officer which may include:
    • Traffic direction
    • Assist at RIDE programs
    • Search for missing persons
    • Engage with community groups
    • Deliver crime prevention initiatives
    • Hand out educational material
    • Accompany and assist a police officer during duty shifts
    • Other duties assigned by the Chief of Police
 Time Commitment
  • Officers standing before a crowd of peopleCommit at least two years
  • At least twelve hours of volunteer time per month
  • Duties will take place any time during the day, night and weekend
 Training and Equipment Provided
  • Auxiliary cruiser at intersection58 hours of initial training
  • Will not be issued a Handgun, Pepper Spray or a Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser)
  • Training and equipment provided at no cost to you
 Minimum Requirements
  • Officer speaking with child with backpackAt least 18 years of age
  • A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • Of good moral character and habits
  • Able to attend training and pass tests set by the Service
  • Holding an Ontario High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Able to be certified by a medical practitioner to be mentally and physically fit for duty
  • Valid CPR level C
  • Holding a valid Ontario drivers licence with at least a "G "classification and no more than 6 demerit points; and
  • Able to follow all rules of the Waterloo Regional Police Service
 How to Apply

Cruiser at intersectionHistorically, we look for Auxiliary Constable applicants in the fall each year, and all future opportunities will be visible on our website under Current Job Opportunities. Please feel free to set up your online profile today in preparation for your submission.

 

For information on the Auxiliary program, contact Auxiliary Coordinator, Cst. Jonathan Patten, at 519-570-9777 ext. 8884.

 

Chorus

For the past 50 years, the Waterloo Regional Police Chorus has provided high-quality musical entertainment for local, national and even international audiences. At each concert, the audience is treated to an assortment of both lighthearted and powerful songs, creating an uplifting and enjoyable experience. 

The Chorus is composed of community volunteers and performs at a variety of events, including community concerts, fundraising endeavours, police events and ceremonies honouring Canada’s veterans. The Chorus also performs with other community groups and sometimes with well-known musicians. This talented group of singers are true ambassadors of the Waterloo Regional Police Service and have fundraised over 1.6 million dollars for community initiatives and those in need. 

The Waterloo Regional Police Chorus considers it an honour and a privilege to be part of such a wonderful community. It will continue working diligently to serve and strive for excellence in all we do. 

2023 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Chorus and will be a year of significant milestones. The year will commence with the Chorus’ 1100th performance, and volunteer time will reach over 1 million hours!

Frequently Asked Questions

 What are the requirements to become a member?
 You must be 18 years of age or older, have a good moral character and be free from criminal convictions or negative police contact.
 What is the commitment?
 Members are expected to attend 75% of the rehearsals and performances throughout the year.
 How many concerts and rehearsals does the Chorus have in a year?
 The Chorus performs an average of 20 concerts/events and 42 rehearsals annually.
 Do I need to be a police officer to be a Chorus member?
No. You do not need to be a member of the Police Service to join the Chorus. Members are mainly volunteers from the community at large.
 What level of singing ability do I need?
 Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome to attend a rehearsal. You will be exposed to the musical repertoire of the Chorus, have a chance to meet the Leadership Team and members and see how a rehearsal is conducted. If you are still interested, the Director of Music will conduct a simple voice placement consult for range, vocal ability, tone etc.
 Are uniforms and other items provided?

 Uniforms, accoutrements, and less formal attire (police crested polo shirts) are provided.

When and where are the Chorus rehearsals?
 All Chorus rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 412 at 601 Wellington Street North, Kitchener.

How do I join the Chorus?

Send an email to chorus@wrps.on.ca. Please provide your name and contact information. You will be contacted to attend a rehearsal. You will have the opportunity to participate and be assessed by the Director of Music. If you decide this is a volunteer opportunity for you, you will complete a Personal History – Security and Background Check Form. Once approved, you will sign an Oath of Volunteer document, receive your Waterloo Regional Police Chorus uniform and be a proud member of the WRP Chorus.

How do I request the Chorus to perform at an event?

Send an email to chorus@wrps.on.ca. Please provide your contact information, including phone number as well as date(s), time(s), location and full details of your event. Please be aware the Chorus cannot attend every event and must also assess your venue for suitability. 

Ceremonial Band

The Waterloo Regional Police Service Ceremonial Band was formed in 1977. The Ceremonial Band is currently the only wind ensemble (brass and reed) band in Canada associated with a Police Service.


The Ceremonial Band has a long and proud tradition of engaging local, regional, national and sometimes international audiences through world-class musical performances. The Band performs at various events including community concerts, fundraising endeavours, holiday parades, and provides musical support at police events and ceremonies honouring Canada’s veterans.


The Ceremonial Band is composed of many musicians and features a Colour Party and Drum Line. The majority of Band members are community volunteers.

We are always accepting new applications for musical performers or Colour Party and Drum Line members.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the requirements?
You must be 16 years of age or older (members 16 & 17 years old require parental consent), have a good moral character and be free from criminal convictions or negative police contact.

What is the commitment?
Members are expected to attend 80% of the rehearsals and performances throughout the year.

Do I need to be a Police Officer to be a band member?
No. You do not need to be a member of the Police Service to join. Members are mainly volunteers from the community at large.

What level of musician do I need to be?
There is a large variety of skill levels within the Band. We suggest, as a minimum, a high school level of musicianship with the ability to read music at a Grade 11 proficiency. 

What skills do I need to be a Colour Party or Drum Line member?
You must be physically able to march and perform drill movements. Experience in marching and drill is beneficial but not required. Training is provided. For the Drum Line, previous experience in percussion or with a Drum Line would be an asset. 

Are uniforms, musical instruments and other items provided?
Uniforms, accoutrements, and less formal attire (police crested polo shirts) are provided. Most musicians bring their own instruments, but some Band-owned instruments, including drums, can be loaned out. 

When and where are Band rehearsals?
All Band rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the Waterloo Legion Branch 530 located at 316 Marsland Drive, Waterloo. The Band and Drum Line rehearse every week, and the Colour Party meets every second week. You will be given information on when to attend for your first assessment rehearsal. 

How do I join the Ceremonial Band?
Send an email to band@wrps.on.ca. Please provide your name, contact information and the instrument you play or if you are interested in the Colour Party or Drum Line. You will be contacted to attend a rehearsal. You will have the opportunity to play with the Band or practice with the Colour Party or Drum Line over four sessions. If you decide that this is a volunteer opportunity for you, you will complete a Personal History – Security and Background Check Form. Once approved, you will sign an Oath of Volunteer document, receive your Waterloo Regional Police Service Ceremonial Band uniform and be a proud member of the WRPS Ceremonial Band.   

How do I request the Band to perform at an event?

Send an email to band@wrps.on.ca. Please provide your contact information including phone number as well as date(s), time(s), location and full details of your event. Please be aware the Band cannot attend every event and must also assess your event for suitability. 

Victim Services

Victim Services of Waterloo Region is a non-profit organization that is available 24/7, 365 days a year.  We provide short-term emotional and practical support along with community referrals to victims of crime and tragic circumstances within the Region of Waterloo.  Our response is caring, skilled and effective. 

Victim Services of Waterloo Region is fortunate to have over 70 dedicated volunteers who generously give their time, skills and resources to our organization.  Victim Services of Waterloo Region volunteers are valued members of our team and are critical to the ongoing success of our agency.  Without the dedication, hard work and commitment of our volunteers, our agency would be unable to serve our community in the great way it does.

Victim Services of Waterloo Region actively recruits and trains qualified volunteers on an annual basis. 

Qualifications   

  • At least 19 years of age
  • Have valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
  • Email account
  • Cell phone
  • Able to pass an in-depth Waterloo Regional Police check
  • Flexible schedule, nights, days, weekends, holidays
  • Able to respect and maintain confidentiality
  • Exceptional communication and listening skills
  • Empathetic and non-judgemental
  • Additional language is an asset
  • Able to follow all rules & procedures of Victim Services of Waterloo Region

Recruitment Process

  • Completed volunteer application form
  • Completed Waterloo Regional Police Services personal history form
  • Interview with Victim Services staff member(s)
  • Police & reference checks
  • Invitation to training

** acceptance into the Victim Services volunteer training program does not guarantee that the applicant will be accepted as a volunteer with Victim Services of Waterloo Region.

Training

  • 60 hours of initial training, this is in-class and online
  • Training topics include domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual assault, mental health, grief & bereavement, cultural diversity, crisis intervention, active listening, human trafficking, along with Victim Service’s policy and procedures
  • Complete an exam to evaluate your understanding of the crisis responder role

Time Commitment

  • Commit at least one year    
  • Complete four, eight hour shifts per month
  • Attend mandatory volunteer meetings
  • Additional training opportunities offered

 

For more information please contact:

Ashley Hendricks, Volunteer Program Coordinator & Victim Advocate at (519) 650-8500 ext. 6328 or vswr@wrps.on.ca.

Contact Us

© 2017 Waterloo Regional Police Service, 200 Maple Grove Road, P.O. Box 3070, Cambridge, ON N3H 5M1, Emergency: 911, Non-Emergency: 519-570-9777

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