If you're a Canadian considering a career in policing, you have the chance to join either the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or a provincial police force.Canadian law enforcement agencies have their own requirements and standards for police recruits, but you will see some basic requirements across the agencies.Once the agency has verified you meet all the requirements, the recruit will need to complete an extensive hiring process to become a Canadian police officer.
Step 1: You should be old enough.
Most areas require you to be at least 18 years old.Some areas require you to be 19 years old.
Step 2: The citizenship requirements are met.
You must either be a landed immigrant, a permanent resident, or a Canadian citizen in order to have permanent status in Canada.You have to be able to speak French or English.
Step 3: High school graduate.
You have to have a high school degree or equivalent to join the Canadian police forces.You need to show that you have a degree with transcripts or diplomas.You either have to go through grade 12 of school or take an equivalency test.The General Education Development (GED) tests are offered throughout Canada through your provincial or territorial department of education.You need to pass 5 tests to get your GED.You may be able to get some credit for the experience you gained over the years, which can count towards your high school graduation.
Step 4: Have good morals and ethics.
Most departments list it as a requirement.Some people define integrity and honesty as requirements.Because you will be trusted with so much responsibility, the police department wants to make sure you are worthy of that trust.They want to know that you will be fair and honest.They want to know that you will do your job without discrimination.They want to know that when you say you will show up, you'll work with your colleagues to get the job done.You must also have a clean record.You can't have convictions on your record.
Step 5: Get in shape.
To be a part of the police, you have to be in good health.Many police forces in Canada will require you to complete a physical exam, which may include running 2.4 kilometers in a certain time period, a swimming portion, and other physical tests.Start working out at a local gym if you're not in shape.Aerobic exercises, weight training, and swimming should be part of your routine.Make sure you get enough sleep and eat right.You can fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, replace processed grains with whole grains, and make lean meat a part of your diet.
Step 6: Obtain certification in first aid.
To be a police officer, you have to be prepared for any emergency situation and be trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.The Canadian Red Cross and the Heart and Stroke Foundation are places where you can sign up for classes.
Step 7: You need a driver's license.
To be a police officer, you must have a license to drive.You can't have more than six points taken off your license.
Step 8: You can get a college degree.
You don't need a high school degree to become a police officer, but you are competing against other people for entry-level positions.A college degree in criminal law can help set you apart.Start at a community college if your high school grade point average isn't great.Community colleges can help you get some of your basic classes out of the way.You can transfer if you want to get a 4-year degree.
Step 9: Become a cadet.
You will be a part of the civilian force as a cadet.You could be an officer in a court room or traffic officer.If you want to join the police force, apply to local positions.There are positions on your local government website.You can apply for jobs on your city's website.Go to the jobs, fill in the information, and submit your application.
Step 10: Attend police school.
You have to be selected to attend police college once you are a cadet.The best way to qualify is to do well as a cadet, showing good judgment, self discipline, and dedication.If you are accepted to the school, you can go to police college before you become a cadet.You have to be accepted as a cadet first.The police department will give you an idea of what academy you want to attend if they accept cadets first.The Canadian Police Academy is run by the government.You need to be a police officer, have an investigative mandate, or have peace officer status to apply for this school.If you want to attend police college, you should talk to your supervisor about it.
Step 11: It is possible to complete your training successfully.
To move up, or in some cases, to be hired, you must graduate from police school.Before you are hired on full time, you may need to complete field work.
Step 12: Have your hearing and eyesight checked.
You need to be checked by an eye doctor and an ear doctor.The forms can be downloaded from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police official website at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/recruiting-recrutement/rec/process-processus-eng.htm.When you don't have your glasses on or contacts in, you need to have at least 6/6 and 6/9 in both eyes.You can see 6/12/20 and 6/30 in uncorrected vision.You must be hearing H2.
Step 13: The basic documents are available.
If you have a number of documents, you will be able to apply for this position.You will need your social security number, certificate of Canadian citizenship, and valid driver's license.If you have a marriage, divorce or separation certificate, you can find it.You will need your Provincial Health Card and passport photos.The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations require that you prove you took Level CCPR for adults, babies, and children.
Step 14: You can apply for jobs.
You have to be hired in a police officer's position to qualify for training.You can apply for government jobs in Canada on the main website.You would apply for a lot of government jobs.You can search through the positions by creating an account.You fill in the required information after selecting an appropriate position.You have to submit your application.
Step 15: Take the exam.
The entrance exam is the next step for those who are qualified.You don't need to take the exam if you have a bachelor's degree.The exam is called the RPAB.There are two parts to it, a personality evaluation and an aptitude section.Do you have the skills to be a police officer?The pass rate is 3.2 out of 5.It is nearly impossible to study for the first part since it is a series of statements that you agree or disagree with, which the test will use to assess whether you have the right temperament to be a police officer.Composition, comprehension, memory, judgement, observation, logic, and computation are all part of the second part.The techniques for studying for the test can be found on the RCMP website.
Step 16: The selection package needs to be completed.
The police will contact you if you do well.They will include a selection packet with documents you need to fill out, as well as biographical and educational information.Consent for security clearance, information for medical evaluation, and consent for a physical test are some of the forms you'll need to fill out.The Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire is one document.The document looks at how reliable you are and whether you're suitable for the position.
Step 17: You have to complete your physical assessment.
The Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation is a physical assessment.An obstacle course and a weight-carrying exercise are included in the physical portion.You should be very active for at least a month and a half prior to your test.They advise that you perform at least 3 cardiovascular workouts a week, though 5 would be better, as well as several weight training sessions week in preparation.
Step 18: The regular member selection interview should be completed.
If you have the necessary skills, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.Problem-solving and communication skills are required.You will need to be reliable and flexible, as well as be able to work with a team.Most job interviews are the same as this one.You may be asked to explain how you dealt with difficult situations in the past.Developing self, flexibility, problem solving, conscientiousness and reliability, meeting client needs, communication, teamwork, and self control and composure are some of the eight competencies the RCMP requires.There is a description on the RCMP website of these competencies.You should learn as much as you can about the police force.You need to learn about the company you are interviewing for.There is a lot of information on the website.You can talk to other police officers about their jobs.You should be prepared to answer the 5 essential job requirement questions if you say yes.You need to have a driver's license, be willing to move anywhere in Canada, work shift hours, carry a weapon, and pledge your allegiance to Canada.
Step 19: Do you want to take a polygraph test?
You will be notified if your application has been accepted, at which point you will take the polygraph test.The polygraph test is only part of the process.You'll take a polygraph test before the test to confirm answers you've given throughout the application process.Relax and tell the truth, it's the best thing you can do for this part.If you lied in the documents you presented, you should be fine.
Step 20: Pass the background check.
You will need to pass a background check after you pass the polygraph test.It will be done automatically if you gave consent to this part in your selection package.
Step 21: Pass the health assessment.
The hearing and eye tests are part of the exam.You have to be in good health as well.
Step 22: You have to complete your training.
Cadets at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy have to complete a 6-month training course.You have to complete another 6-month course after completing the course, but this one is in the field under the guidance of a mentor.
Step 23: Become a police officer.
You are deployed to Canada once you complete your training.The Mounties will consider what areas need police officers the first time you state a preference.