As the managing director of anEDGE, a company specializing in coaching and mentoring individuals through the application process to become Canadian Municipal or RCMP police officers, I frequently receive questions.
“How do I become a Police Officer in British Columbia?
How long does it take to become a Police officer in British Columbia?
What are the minimum qualifications to become a police officer in British Columbia?
For those in British Columbia aspiring to pursue a career in policing, there are two primary avenues: joining either the federal Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or a municipal police force. Both pathways offer fulfilling opportunities within the profession. Police services are typically provided by municipal police agencies or the RCMP, depending on the province or region, in British Columbia and across Canada.
This guide provides crucial information on becoming a police officer, whether serving with a municipal or federal police force in Canada.
Career Opportunities for Police Officers in British Columbia
In British Columbia, all police departments actively seek recruits to fill the vacancies left by retiring officers in the coming decade. More than 70% of these opportunities for aspiring officers stem from the retirement of existing staff, with the remainder attributed to the expansion of police services across various provinces to accommodate population growth.
Law enforcement in British Columbia also includes careers in a wide range of other agencies and departments at the provincial, national, and international levels.
British Columbia includes careers as RCMP, individual Municipal Police departments like VPD and Victoria Police Department, border service agents, intelligence officers, Transit Police, cybersecurity analysts, and other public safety professionals.
Minimum Qualifications to Become a Police Officer in British Columbia
There are subtle differences between many departments, but anEDGE can coach you through whichever department you choose.
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the minimum requirements, typically including:
- Being at least 19 years old
- Possessing a clean driving record
- Maintaining excellent health
- Demonstrating good character
- Holding Canadian citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Having a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- Possessing valid first aid/CPR certification
- Holding a valid BC Class 5 driver’s license without restrictions
- Having no criminal convictions or pending charges
- Meeting physical, vision, and hearing standards
- Additionally, specific departments may impose additional preferences or requirements.
Some Preferred Qualifications are required to become a police officer in British Columbia.
- Related work experience or volunteer/community service, start this early and start building your hours and resume.
- British Columbia has a diverse culture, so knowledge of a second language or culture is always an asset.
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any field of study but consider a degree in Criminology at any of the major academic institutions, JIBC, SFU, UBC.
Application Processes to Become a Police Officer in British Columbia (B.C.)
The application process for police officers in British Columbia (B.C.), as well as across Canada, typically adheres to a standardized procedure involving a sequence of interviews, assessments, and examinations; it varies from department to department but will include:
- Screening interviews
- Panel interviews
- Human Resources interview
- Inspector’s interview
- Background investigation
- Physical examinations
- Written intake exam
- Polygraph exam.
- Occupational health assessment
- Psychological exam
- Medical exams
It is important to note that applicants may be rejected at any stage of the application process in most police agencies. Furthermore, even if an applicant successfully clears all stages, there is no guarantee of employment.
The selection process prioritizes the most suitable candidates from the applicant pool, those who successfully navigate each stage.
Upon selection, candidates recruit training, which constitutes a conditional employment offer. Completing this training program is mandatory for candidates to qualify as police officers.
What written exams are required to become a Police officer in British Columbia
Written exams will be given regardless of which department you join. Municipal Police departments typically use the ETHOS Exam.
Overview of the Ethos Police Test
The Ethos Police Test evaluates the practical skill sets essential for police officers in their daily duties. It consists of four modules, spans three hours, and is graded out of 100, with a passing score of 60%.
Module 1: Memory & Observation Skills Assessment (20 marks)
This module comprises two sections, employing a multiple-choice format. Candidates start by reviewing a police bulletin to retain as much information as possible. Subsequently, they view a video depicting a crime in progress. Section A evaluates memory and observation through 15 multiple-choice questions based on the video, while Section B contains 5 questions related to the bulletin.
Module 2: Reading Comprehension & Critical Thinking Skills Assessment (25 marks)
This module, divided into three sections, gauges candidates’ comprehension, critical thinking, and basic math proficiency. It includes reading an article followed by questions, comprehension of crime and accident scenes, and math problem-solving involving addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, percentages, and fractions.
Module 3: Summary Skills Assessment (10 marks)
Candidates must read a witness statement and craft a coherent summary capturing its essence in paragraph form.
Module 4: Writing & Editing Skills Assessment (45 marks)
This module comprises three sections, each presenting a passage for editing and revising. Candidates rectify grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, syntax, spelling, and word choice errors.
The RCMP Online Entrance Assessment is an impartial tool for evaluating candidates in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Police Officer recruitment process. Comprising six sections, it aims to gauge various aspects of candidates’ aptitude:
Section 1: Workstyle Preference
Section 2: Language Comprehension
Section 3: Numerical Skills
Section 4: Spatial Skills
Section 5: Memory Quotient
Section 6: Business Reasoning
Candidates should allocate approximately 55-70 minutes to complete the assessment, with certain sections being timed. It is advisable to undertake the entire assessment in one sitting.
Candidates must complete the assessment in a tranquil environment to ensure optimal concentration and minimal disruptions. A laptop or desktop computer is recommended for best performance. Additionally, a stable Wi-Fi connection and power source are essential to prevent any loss of progress during the assessment.
What physical Tests are required to become a Police officer in British Columbia?
The Peace Officers Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) or RCMP (PARE) is designed to replicate scenarios where law enforcement officers must pursue, subdue, and apprehend suspects. If you are in the greater Vancouver area, contact Redline Conditioning. It consists of various elements, such as obstacles, jumps, cones, an agility bar, an eighty-pound push-pull exercise, and a one-hundred-pound bag carry.
The POPAT must be completed within four minutes and fifteen seconds (4:15). Failing the POPAT allows for a second attempt at the test later. However, if a second failure occurs, a six-month deferral is imposed. The results of the physical test remain valid for six months.
How long does it take to become a Police officer in British Columbia?
This varies from department to department and depends on your situation. The RCMP only provides a set duration for part of the process; their cadet training takes 26 weeks. At the VPD, the recruit training alone takes up to 44 weeks. You should set aside 6 months for your application process.
Things that may prevent you from becoming a Police officer in British Columbia (BC)
When aiming for a career in policing, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential disqualifiers during the application process. Across various agencies, written, physical, and medical exam requirements remain largely consistent.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in either English or French, encompassing speaking, reading, and comprehension, is essential.
Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet minimum physical standards, as failure to complete the physical examination within the stipulated timeframe results in automatic disqualification.
Test Variations: While specific tests may differ among agencies, they typically simulate scenarios police officers encounter. For instance, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) employs the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE), comprising tasks like running laps around an obstacle course, pushing/pulling weights, and carrying loads over distances.
Psychological Evaluation: Candidates failing to meet the minimum standards in psychological examinations face disqualification.
Shift Work: Policing demands shift work, including nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Unwillingness to adhere to such schedules leads to disqualification.
Medical Assessment: Conditions, treatments, limitations, or diseases detected during medical examinations, such as colour blindness, can impede job performance and pose risks to the applicant’s health, coworkers, or the public, resulting in disqualification.
In conclusion, there is no easy path. The earlier you start preparing your prerequisites, the higher the success rates. Contact us at anEDGE to coach you through your law enforcement application process.
