Ottawa police just miss officer hiring target in 2024

An Ottawa Police vehicle is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service hired more than 130 new officers in 2024, but the service just missed its hiring requirements for the calendar year.

A report for the Ottawa Police Services Board shows the service hired 133 new recruits and experienced officers from other forces in 2024, just shy of its target of 134 officers.

“Recruiting and hiring activities throughout the year were successful in helping the service come extremely close to achieving the 2024 hiring requirement,” staff said.

The original plan called for the service to hire 138 sworn officers last year, but the hiring plan was adjusted due to lower than expected retirements.

Police hired 118 new recruits in 2024 and saw seven civilians convert to sworn officers, with intake classes of 27, 28, 30 and 33 officers throughout the year. The Ottawa Police College held four sessions for new recruits in 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,434 active sworn members of the Ottawa Police Service and 127 positions not staffed due to long-term absences. Police also employ 574 civilians.

Twenty officers and civilians departed the Ottawa Police Service in the final three months of the year, including nine officer resignations and two officer retirements.

The 2025 Ottawa Police Services budget includes funding for 22 new sworn officers and 28 new civilians this year. The service’s hiring plan includes hiring 145 officers a year over three years, including new recruits and experienced officers, along with covering retirements and resignations.

In 2023, police only hired 87 new recruits, short of its 107 officer target, with the service blaming the gap on a shortage of seats at the Ontario Police College.