A police officer is a civil servant charged with protecting the public. Due to the importance of the job, several qualifications are required to become a police officer in Canada. Some of the general requirements include such things as age, prior police service and minimum education.

General Requirements

Before becoming a police officer, you must ensure you meet some general requirements. First, you must be age 19 or over. There's no maximum age limit, so as long as you are over 19, you can begin the process of trying to become a police officer. You also need to be a citizen or permanent resident, so ensure you have the documents and papers to prove this status before applying. Finally, you need to be in good enough physical shape to pass the physical tests to get into the police academy, and the physical tests while at the police academy. If you are unable to do push-ups or sit-ups, run for five miles, or otherwise do basic physical exercises, you will need to get in better shape before trying to become a police officer.

Appropriate Education

You need an education sufficient to allow you to join the police force. Specific education requirements vary depending on where in the country you wish to become a police officer. Most areas simply require you to have a high school education, so make sure you either have your diploma or that you complete a GED course. In some areas, you also need to be able to speak English and French. If you live in one of these areas and want to become a police officer, you need to take language courses if you are not already fluent in both languages.

Apply to the Police Academy

Once you have gotten in good physical shape and completed your education, you need to apply to the police academy in your province. Admission is determined on a case-by-case basis after evaluating your formal application. You will need to pass a physical and pass training courses dealing with mental and physical aspects of the job, such as suspect rights and police protocol, during your time at the police academy. When you graduate from the police academy, you are eligible to be a police officer in Canada.

Becoming a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer

If you want to join the RCMP, you will need to complete all of the above steps and also get work experience because prior police service is required to apply to the RCMP. This service could have been performed in any province, and the general requirement of the RCMP is a minimum of 10 years as a police officer.

Source:

Government of Canada: Canadian Police College

Department of Public Safety: Police Officer Jobs