A career as a police officer is primarily about one thing: working with people to ensure public safety through crime prevention and law enforcement. Police work requires that a constable be able to build relationships in the community, showing sensitivity to and concern for the needs of people from all races, cultures and backgrounds. Becoming a police officer, or constable, in Canada has basic and particular requirements in each province.

Requirements to Become a Constable

An individual's basic requirements to become a police constable in Canada are: • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada; • be at least 18 years of age at the time of application (19 years of age by the time of engagement); • be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position, having regard to your own safety and the safety of members of the public; • having successfully completed at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent; • be of good moral character and habits--this is interpreted as meaning that you are an individual other people would look upon as being trustworthy and having integrity. In addition to the basic requirements, it is also required that an individual has: • a valid driver's license with no more than six accumulated demerit-points, permitting an individual to drive an automobile in Ontario with full driving privileges; • a current certification in CPR and first aid by the time the offer of employment is given; • the ability to pass a security clearance and background investigation, and credit and reference checks.

Different Provinces And Territories

Each of the 10 Canadian provinces and three territories holds individual standards and particular qualifications for police constables. Depending on the chosen province to serve, there might be different regulations besides the basic requirements throughout the country. Some examples of where provincial hiring standards can be found are: Atlantic Provinces-Atlantic Police Academy, British Colombia-Justice Institute of British Colombia, Newfoundland and Labrador-Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Ontario Provincial Police, Quebec-Ecole nationale de police du Quebec, Saskatchewan Police College, Alberta-Edmonton Police Service.

Constable Testing

In addition to all of the eligibility requirements, a Canadian constable needs to possess analytical thinking, self-confidence, communication, self-control, and medical and physical skills. A series of tests will be provided to each applicant to test skills in arithmetic, problem solving, special aptitude and verbal communication. Hearing, vision, and physical aptitude tests will then be administered to the applicant because performing the duties as a constable can be harmful or dangerous. Many situational simulations will practice every day protocols found in the field. After a background investigation and a final review, the right applicant will be required to undergo a probationary employment through that particular department.

Source:

Canadian Police College: How to Become a Police Officer in Canada

Police Association of Ontario: Applicant Information

More Information:

Nations Online: Canadian Provinces and Territories