Applying To Join The Police
You’ll first need to check that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. These vary between police forces, but in general you should:
- be aged 18 or over
- be a British citizen, a European Community /European Economic Area citizen, or a foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK without restrictions
- have lived in the UK for the last three years
- possess a qualification equivalent to A-level, have been a special constable who has been signed off for independent patrol service in the last two years or have served as a police community support officer for 18 months.
You may not be accepted if you have certain criminal convictions, debt problems, or tattoos that could be deemed offensive. Members of certain extreme political groups are not allowed to apply. A valid driving licence is often essential, and you’ll also have to pass medical, eyesight and fitness tests.
You can’t apply if you’ve made an unsuccessful application to a police force in the last six months.
Visit the recruitment website of the police force you’re interested in joining to confirm their full requirements and determine whether you’re eligible.
The application process involves several stages:
- undergoing medical and fitness tests
- passing background/security checks
- any additional assessment stages, such as a second interview.
The police force you’re applying to will be able to provide more details about their recruitment process.
Looking for a meaningful career?
Learn How To Join The Uk Police Service
Weve helped 1000s of aspiring applicants in their journeys to becoming serving police officers across the UK. Trust the UKs #1 careers and education specialists to help you secure your role.
Great resource and excellent information for interview preparation.Sreenivasa P.
RELATED PRODUCTS
Police Interview GuideWant a dedicated Police Interview insiders workbook? Use this workbooks templates to craft your own successful answers for both the in-force/final interview and the Online Assessment Process police interview.
Police Tests GuideWorried about the intensive police tests? This manual provides 100s of practice questions and fully worked solutions, all verified by our panel of police assessment experts. Get the assessment centre edge today.
Police Recruitment WebinarIf you want the latest insider information delivered live by a former MET Police assessment trainer, then you need to attend one of our exclusive live webinars. Get all of your police recruitment questions answered.
Getting Ready To Train
An excellent way to determine your fitness level is to undergo a fitness appraisal.
Talk to your doctor before starting a fitness routine or appraisal, particularly if you have a heart condition, feel chest pain, lose your balance or consciousness, have a bone or joint problem, or take drugs for a blood pressure or heart condition. Tell your doctor about the kinds of activities you want to do and follow his or her advice.
Read Also: Do You Have To Call Police After Car Accident
Applying Straight After High School
Not every 18 year old will be ready to apply, but those who make great officers are gathering life experience while they are in high school. We do not require pre-requisite subject selection, however any subjects that develop communication skills, languages and fitness are very useful.
The following suggestions will help younger applicants develop the life experience we expect to see in our applicants.
If you are intending on applying once reaching the age of 18 having attained your high school VCE or VCAL, we strongly recommend that you seek to increase your customer service paid work to full time hours while going through the recruitment process.
Police Community Support Officer
Although they do not have the same powers as a police officer, PCSOs play a key role on the frontline of neighbourhood policing. According to the College of Policing, the job involves:
- dealing with minor offences
- providing support to police officers
- conducting house-to-house enquiries
- guarding crime scenes
- providing crime prevention advice.
Starting salaries are typically between £17,500 and £20,000, although North Yorkshire Police states that their trainees currently earn £21,135, which rises to £23,406 with experience.
This is a uniformed role, and you’ll work shifts including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Apply for PCSO positions directly through the police force that you want to join. You do not generally need any formal qualifications, but you’ll need to meet the basic eligibility requirements set by individual police forces. Check their websites for details.
The application process typically involves an application form, online tests, an interview and assessment centre. You’ll also have to demonstrate your fitness and pass a medical test. Successful applicants will then undergo a training programme lasting between three weeks and three months.
You may later decide to apply to become a police officer, or continue as PCSO.
Don’t Miss: How To Become A Police Officer In Arizona
Become A Police Officer
Choose a career that makes a difference! The OPP is actively recruiting qualified candidates for the full-time position of Provincial Constable. We offer competitive salaries, pensions, paid vacation, benefit coverage and room for advancement. We also have career opportunities for experienced officers.
The Job Can Fatigue You
Those long and irregular hours can take even more of a toll than just interfering with a Christmas gathering or a weekend get-together.
Law enforcement fatigue is a real problem, and it’s brought on by excessive overtime, poor sleep habits, bad dietary choices, and too much stress.
The effects of fatigue can’t be understated. In fact, fatigue often mimics impairment and can lead to even greater dangers both on and off the job.
Also Check: How Long Is Police Academy In Ny
Applying After A Period Of Full Time Parenting
If you are returning to work after a period of full time parenting it is recommended that you secure customer facing work experience before applying so that you can demonstrate your ability to hold professional responsibilities in conjunction with your lifestyle as well as provide recent work examples during the recruitment process. If you have been away from the workforce for a short period of family/parenting leave, your work experience prior to undertaking parenting responsibilities will be assessed.
Police Officer Salaries In Ontario
The provincial hourly rate ranges from $30.05-$57.69/hr with a median hourly wage of $46.15/hr. The salary range for police officers in Ontario is $56k-$117k/year, while the median annual salary is $97,115/year.
The median employment income in 2015 for police officers in Toronto was $107,627. The median employment income in 2015 for police officers in Ottawa was $105,533, and the median employment income in 2015 for police officers in Hamilton was $106,485.
The starting salary at the Toronto Police Service is $70,643.30/year. By the fourth year, expected the annual salary to be $100,923.48/year. Benefits include paid vacation, family medical and dental benefits, life insurance, pension plan, and paternal and maternity leave.
The starting salary at the Ottawa Police Service is $67,615.92/year. By the fourth year, depending on your performance reviews, the annual salary is expected to increase to $99,434.93/year. Benefits include education reimbursement programs, a generous pension plan, medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, as well as long-term disability insurance.
Meanwhile, if working for the Ontario Provincial Police , the average salary is roughly $100,500/year.
Here is a list of average salaries for police officers in Ontario, according to Glassdoor:
| Department |
| $98K – $104K |
Recommended Reading: How To Get A Copy Of A Police Report Online
To Join As Anofficer Officers In The Caf Hold Positions Of Authority And Respect They Are Responsible For The Safety Well
You are between 16 and 57 years old.
If you are under 18 years old, you will need permission from your parent or guardian.
You are between 16 and 57 years old.
If you are under 18 years old, you will need permission from your parent or guardian.
You are a Canadian citizen.
You are a Canadian citizen.
You have completed Grade 10 or Secondary IV .
You have completed Grade 10 or Secondary IV .
You have, or are working towards, a Bachelor’s Degree.
If you do not meet this requirement, you may be eligible for one of our Paid Education programs.
How Important Is Accreditation
Accreditation refers to an outside organization reviewing a particular school or program to ensure it meets certain standards of quality. Accreditation is important for police training programs because it serves as a mark of quality graduates who complete their education and training can be confident that what they have earned will be accepted by future employers and peers. The specific entities that offer accreditation will vary depending on the program. For instance, many associate or bachelors degree programs will not be accredited at the program level, but the school offering the degree will be accredited. This will usually be a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the US Department of Education.
As for the accreditation of police training academies, the most prominent is the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, or CALEA.
Step 3
Read Also: How To Search Police Case Number
Police Officer Salaries Across The Us
Salaries of police officers are based on many factors, including experience, skills and training. However, one of the most important factors is based on geography. Certain areas of the country pay more, but are often in areas that have higher costs of living. For more information about what police officers can make and where they can make it, check out the map below.
Submit Your Application 5interview
The next step is an interview with a military career counsellor it is your official job interview and a very important step. The application process is very competitive and you will be asked questions about your work history, knowledge of the Canadian Forces, and understanding of the job you selected.
Joining the Canadian Armed Forces
You May Like: What Do You Need To Join The Police Academy
The Application And Interview Processes
Aspiring police officers can obtain an application for employment from the Ottawa Police Service’s website. Alternatively, you can contact the Police Service’s Human Resources Department for tangible copies of the required forms. Scanned or electronic copies of your first aid and CPR certifications must be provided along with a copy of your driver’s license. The hands-on, practical portion of CPR and First-Aid training must be completed in order for the candidate’s application to be considered. An online-only certification will not suffice.
Apply online and you will be able to fill out the application at your own pace. This is a fairly lengthy application form so do not hesitate to periodically save it as you progress through each section. You can complete it across multiple web sessions. Applying online requires that you create an account by providing your personal information, contact information and information regarding your eligibility for employment in Canada. If you have questions about the application process, reach out to the Human Resources Section between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays at 236-1222, extension 5808.
How To Become An Ontario Provincial Police Officer
Interested in joining the Ontario Provincial Police? Here are just a few of the minimum qualifications needed to beat out the competition:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have an Ontario Secondary School program diploma , or equivalent
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must have a value Class G license with no more than six demerit points.
- Must not have a criminal record
- Must be certified in standard first aid and CPR
- Must pass medical, psychological, security, and financial assessment tests
Another must for the OPP? Being in top physical condition and having a willingness to serve. The latter is one to consider as detachments range from being located in large urban areas to small, isolated settings. When applying, you must pick your top six locations.
If you become a successful hire, the Constable Selection System requires a medical assessment be completed. This includes meeting the hearing and vision standards.
Check out this self-assessment tool to see where you stand.
Recommended Reading: What Happens To Guns Confiscated By Police
Is Becoming A Police Officer In Your Future
While the steps to becoming a police officer may seem lengthy, completing them is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve the fulfilling career youve set your sights on. And a good law enforcement program will help you navigate the process.
Now that youre familiar with the process of how to become a police officer, you may be curious if you have what it takes to excel on the job. Learn more in our article, Often Overlooked Qualities of a Great Police Officer.
If youre already set on becoming a police officer, visit our Law Enforcement degree page to learn how we can help you take the next step toward becoming a police officer in Minnesota.
The Law Enforcement programs at Rasmussen University are not aligned to the standards of any professional licensing body other than the MN POST and are not intended to satisfy professional licensure requirements of any professional licensing agency in any other state.Editors note: This article was originally published in June 2016. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2020. Insight from Shetler and Plantinga remain from the original.
The Ontario Police College
New recruits must pay the $11,065 tuition fee to attend the OPC. Recruits can’t attend the OPC until details pertaining to the tuition are sorted out. This fee can be paid in a single lump sum or payments can be withdrawn across 27 pay periods. Interest will not be applied. It is possible to obtain financial assistance from the Police Credit Union.
Prospective Ottawa police officers will be happy to know they are compensated while in training since recruits qualify as employees of the service. Payment commences once the recruit begins the initial training period with Ottawa Police. This occurs before one attends the OPC. There’s no need to worry about living accommodations because living quarters are provided to every new recruit. You can even stay on campus on Saturdays and Sundays. In total, the OPC program lasts 13 weeks. The program commences when one is selected and signs the job offer.
Recommended Reading: How To Check Police Case Online
Learn About Becoming A Police Officer
The Balance
Law enforcement careers can be exciting, rewarding, and even fun. In fact, there are countless reasons to be a police officer. From fringe benefits to job security, the attraction to policing is easy to understand. Before you take the leap and pursue a career fighting crime, though, there are some things you probably ought to know about becoming a police officer.
Join The Regular Force
Members of the Regular Force serve full time protecting Canada and defending our sovereignty. They contribute to international peace and security, and work with the United States to defend North America. They are ready to respond at a moments notice to threats, natural disasters or humanitarian crises at home and around the world.
Don’t Miss: How To Become A Military Police Officer
You’re Only As Old As You Feel
You might be surprised by the answers you get if you ask different law enforcement officers about their backgrounds and what they did before they became police officers. Different people with different backgrounds join the force, and you’ll learn that they found their way to this profession at different stages of life…some of them later than others.
Not all police departments have maximum age requirements.
The Hiring Process Will Be Long
You’re not going to walk into your local police station one day, hand in a job application, then be patrolling the streets within days or even weeks. While different departments and different levels of government have varying standards, the process of going from new recruit to full-fledged police officer can take 4, 6, or 12 monthsor even longer.
Read Also: How To Apply To Be A Police Officer
Pass The Police Recruitment Process
We guarantee that this online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 269+ pages of police recruitment information, tests, and videos which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the assessment centre, the interviews and the fitness test.
Police Officer Job Growth
Police officers are a vital component to maintaining a peaceful society. While still subject to cost cutting like any other private sector industry, the demand for police officers remains relatively steady for the foreseeable future. For more detailed job growth information, please see the below chart.
Don’t Miss: Can I Listen To Local Police Scanners Online
Questions About Becoming A Police Officer
What if I don’t have one of the basic qualifications to be a Police Officer?
If you do not meet the police officer basic qualifications then you may wish to consider applying as a Special Municipal Constable where the qualifications are different. Special Municipal Constable positions can be an excellent stepping stone toward a future career goal of policing.
I don’t have 30 post-secondary credits, but I have training in another area. Can I receive an exemption for the education requirement?
Educational exemptions for police officer positions are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you can demonstrate that your training could be transferable to a college or university in British Columbia for academic credits, then we may consider your request. For example, some courses in the building trades might be transferable towards a university level engineering program. We will consider the completion of a Red Seal certification in a trade coupled with work experience.
In the past, we have granted exemptions for areas like military courses and paramedic training. However, these candidates also possessed several other desirable traits and life experience.
If you are still working towards obtaining your 30 credits, consider applying to be a Special Municipal Constable. You will gain relevant work experience and have a flexible schedule where you can continue your post-secondary studies.
What if my education took place in another country?
What does a Special Municipal Constable do?