Jeff Clarke
Police Constable Toronto Police Service
I was born/grew up in: Toronto
I now live in: Greater Toronto area
I completed my training/education at: I did lots of volunteer hours at various locations prior to joining the police service. I do on the job training as required.
Describe what you do at work.
My main function is a police boat operator. I patrol the waters of Lake Ontario and respond to any water related emergencies. While on the water, our function remains the same in terms of Officer and Community Safety being a priority. In addition to those responsibilities, I am also member of the Dive Team. As a dive team member, we are also tasked as a support unit to look for various things on the bottom of the lake or conduct a body recovery. We use specialized equipment which helps to keep us completely dry underwater. I am also one of the dive team site supervisors and may be called upon to conduct and/or supervise a dive operation. During the course of some of our duties we use mathematics to assist in navigation exercises or to calculate the length of time a diver can safely be in the water specific depths. I am part of a 10 member dive team. During a dive operation, each member has a specific role.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
How does your job affect people’s lives?
The ongoing training and various things we are tasked with from time to time, make the career extremely fulfilling. Every day we arrive at work, we don’t know what you’re going to be tasked with. The challenge of our work and being able to assist the public, or just being a support unit for other police officers in other Units make the job rewarding. I think the career as a police officer can take you in many different directions depending on your area of interest. From first responder, to scenes of crime officers, to police dog services to horses, to Marine Unit, we cover a wide variety of opportunities. It’s the challenge of the opportunity that makes it rewarding and fulfilling.
What motivates you in your career?
I like the fact that no two days are alike and that everyday has its own challenge. I’m proud of the fact that my work helps my fellow officers and the community at large.
When I was a student, I would have described myself as someone who:
Describe your career path to this career.
As an elementary school student, I always wanted to pursue Law Enforcement. I decided to work for the summer and eventually my career ended up taking me driving tractor trailers across country. Eventually I decided to apply for the police services and did the required testing. My first attempt, I was unsuccessful and had to wait one year to re-apply. The second time I was successful and was hired by the Toronto Police in 2000. After I had 10 years in, I applied to the Marine Unit.
What activities do you like to do outside of work?
In enjoy photography and museums. I also enjoy watching and playing sports like baseball, hockey, and football. I also enjoy swimming and recreational scuba diving.
What advice or encouragement would you give others seeking a similar career?
Its an amazing career for anyone who is willing to do challenging work. Prior life experience in other work environments would be recommended and beneficial.
Step inside your stem career Police Marine Unit