Students being recruited for Pan/Parapan Am Games security

October 24, 2014 · 0 Comments

Students in police foundations and security management programs are being recruited and trained for security roles at the 2015 Toronto Pan/Parapan Am Games as part of an OPP partnership with Contemporary Security Canada (CSC) and Ontario Community Colleges.
“Working security at the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a great experience for students to start their security careers,” said CSC Project Director Derek Gagne. “Contemporary Security Canada’s goal is to provide students with exceptional training, competitive compensation, and the unique job of supporting Ontario as we welcome athletes and spectators from around the world.”
CSC was awarded the contract to provide private security at the Games in a competitive process. The recruitment campaign is seeking more than 5,000 qualified applicants to fill various roles at different Games locations next July and August.
“Providing employment opportunities for Ontario college students enrolled in police foundations and justice studies programs is a key component of the security recruitment strategy,” said OPP Staff Sergeant Rick LePage. “Many of these students will become police officers in communities throughout Ontario. Working with officers from the various partner police services will provide valuable experience and a unique insight into joint forces operations.”
“We are very pleased to participate in this initiative,” said John Tibbits, president of Conestoga College. “The opportunity for our students to contribute to Games security as part of this professional collaborative team will build on the active learning within their programs, strengthen their prospects as preferred graduates, and help prepare them for success in their future careers.”
The first recruitment session took place in September at La Cité College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ottawa and another was Monday at Conestoga College in Kitchener.
Additional recruiting sessions will take place at Niagara College in Niagara Falls Oct. 27, with two sessions at Fanshawe College in London Nov. 3 and Nov. 10.
“We see this as a great sign of trust in La Cité from the organizers of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games to commence their recruitment process at our college,” said Lise Bourgeois, president of La Cité. “Our students are trained and capable of offering French language or bilingual services and will put their skills into practice while having the chance to experience a unique and memorable work opportunity during the Games.”
CSC encourages students from all provincial colleges to apply for an interview on campus during recruitment drives. Students and alumni are asked to call (905) 759-1600 for more information about working with CSC.
OPP is the lead agency for the Integrated Security Unit (ISU) for the Games. ISU’s aim is to provide a secure environment while maintaining an open, accessible and authentic experience for athletes and attendees while minimizing disruptions to residents, businesses and visitors.
ISU is comprised of policing partners representing all jurisdictions where the Games events will be held. Besides OPP, Toronto Police Service, Hamilton Police Service, Durham Regional Police Service, Peel Regional Police Service, York Regional Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, Halton Regional Police Service, South Simcoe Police Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police are members of the ISU.