So, you’ve decided to become a police officer with the OPP, or any of the Ontario municipal police forces? Awesome move! But now you’re hearing about the OPP local focus interview, and you’re wondering what that even means—don’t stress, anEDGE has got you.
As the Managing Director of anEDGE, one of the most common questions is: “What exactly is the Local Focus Interview, and how can I prepare for it?”
Whether you’re early in your policing journey or you’ve already got some experience under your belt, this post breaks down exactly what to expect from the LFI, why it matters, and how you can prepare like a pro.
First Off: What is a OPP Local Focus Interview?
The local focus interview (or LFI) is a key part of the hiring process for many Ontario police services, including the OPP. It’s not your average job interview. Instead of testing your general skills, the (LFI) zeroes in on your fit for the specific police service—in this case, the OPP or any of the Ontario municipal police forces —and how well you understand the community you’d be serving.
This OPP local focus interview is designed to figure out:
- Do you know what the OPP is all about?
- Have your past experiences prepared you for this role?
- Are your values and goals in sync with what this job really involves?
If you’re applying to a local detachment, it’s even more important to know the area, the people, and the issues that affect them.
What They’re Looking for in an OPP Local Focus Interview
Let’s break it down into what really matters in this interview:
The Local Focus interview: tests your Local Knowledge
This interview isn’t about memorizing stats—it’s about showing you care. The OPP wants to see that you understand their specific community, how their detachment works, and what challenges the region faces. Bonus points if you’re already involved in local initiatives or familiar with crime trends in the area.
The OPP Local Focus Interview evaluates your Work Experience
Expect questions about your previous jobs. They’ll want to know how your past work connects to policing—whether it’s leadership roles, working under pressure, dealing with conflict, or anything that shows responsibility and professionalism.
The OPP Local Focus interview tests your understanding of Policing
They’ll definitely ask about your knowledge of the OPP’s structure, mission, and values. You should be able to talk about what police officers really do—not just chasing bad guys, but supporting communities, de-escalating situations, and protecting people.
The OPP local Focus Interview tests your Personality and Motivation
Let’s be real—this job isn’t for everyone. The OPP is looking for people with integrity, empathy, resilience, and a strong desire to serve their community. You’ll likely be asked why you want to join the OPP and what motivates you to take on such a demanding (but rewarding) career.
The OPP Local Focus Interview looks at your Community Involvement
Have you done any volunteer work? Helped out with community events? Worked with youth? That’s gold. Showing a track record of giving back is a huge plus—it shows you’re already acting like a community leader.
How to Prepare for the OPP Local Focus Interview
At anEDGE, we coach law enforcement interviews a lot. So, reach out if you need interview coaching, but here’s your mini-game plan:
1. Research, Research, Research
It’s called a “local focus interview” for a reason
Start with the OPP’s official website. Look into their mission statement, their different departments, community outreach programs, and even local news articles about the area you’re applying to.
2. Know Your Resume Like the Back of Your Hand
During your local focus interview, they’ll ask you to walk them through your work history, so make sure you can explain how each role helped build the skills you’ll need as an officer.
3. Practice Your Interview Skills
Standard stuff like “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” will likely pop up, but with a policing twist. Try mock interviews with a friend, anEDGE offers mock interviews or even record yourself talking—yes, it feels weird, but it works.
4. Speak with Confidence (and Passion)
This is your shot to show you’re genuinely excited about joining the OPP. Let that energy come through. Talk about why the community matters to you, why you chose this path, and how you see yourself making a difference.
Final Thoughts on the OPP Local Focus Interview (LFI)
The local focus interview is your chance to stand out—not just as a job candidate, but as someone who’s ready to protect and uplift a specific community. If you bring real knowledge, personal drive, and a genuine passion for the role, you’ll be in a great spot.
Reach out to us here at anEDGE if you need some interview coaching, we will get you ready.
Good luck, future officer—you’ve got this.
