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Victoria Police Department
Join Us Recruit Officer

Recruit Constable

Join the Victoria Police Department

As a member of the Victoria Police Department, you’ll become part of a team of dedicated, compassionate professionals committed to excellence, collaboration, and innovation. We are a progressive organization that values equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.  At VicPD, you’re not just joining a department, you’re becoming part of a family that supports both personal and professional growth. We take pride in fostering an environment where every member is empowered to thrive.


Community-Focused Policing

Our officers do more than enforce Federal and Provincial laws, they build lasting partnerships with the community and regional stakeholders to enhance public safety. The strong bond between our department and the people we serve is a cornerstone of our success.


 A Career That Challenges and Inspires

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. You’ll be called upon to protect lives and property, prevent crime, and engage meaningfully with the community. Police work demands responsibility, resilience and a deep commitment to justice.   As a police officer, you will:

  • Anticipate, investigate, and respond to criminal activity
  • Recommend charges and present evidence in court
  • Apply advanced investigative techniques within the framework of the Criminal Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
  • Operate in environments that may be dangerous, unpredictable and emotionally demanding


What It Takes

You’ll be trained to handle volatile and high stress situations with professionalism and accountability. It’s a role that demands courage and compassion. Policing requires:

  • Discretion, integrity and ethical conduct
  • Tolerance, tact and sound judgment
  • Initiative, adaptability and a strong social conscience
  • The ability to make critical decisions, often independently and under pressure


Make a Real Difference

There is no profession quite like policing. You serve, protect, and uplift your community and that impact is felt every single day. It’s one of the greatest honors in public service.  If you are ready to take on the challenge and embrace a career that truly matters, we invite you to apply today!



Apply Now

Competitive Salary & Pension

  • Starting salary is $85,392/year
  • Regular salary increase in each of the first five (5) years
  • Municipal Pension Plan

Benefits

  • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Basic and Extended Health Plan 
  • Maternity and Parental Leave

Advantages

  • 24/7 in-house gym
  • Uniform dry cleaning services
  • Opportunities for ongoing training, specialized experience and promotion
  • Mental health and well-being initiatives
Stage 1: Prerequisites
Stage 2: Initial Screening
Stage 3: POPAT & ETHOS Exam
Stage 4: Secondary Screening
Stage 5: Documents Request & Credit Check
Stage 6: Medical Assessment
Stage 7: Integrity & Lifestyle Questionnaire
Stage 8: Polygraph
Stage 9: Final Screening
Stage 10: Occupational Health Assessment
Stage 11: Background Investigation
Stage 12: Offer of Employment
Stage 1: Prerequisites

Stage 1: Prerequisites

Cover Letter & Resume

To work at VicPD and serve the citizens of the City of Victoria and Township of Esquimalt is a highly sought after opportunity.  The recruiting team is fortunate to receive hundreds of impressive applications each year which makes the process to become a Recruit Constable very competitive.  If you are deemed competitive, you will be contacted by a member of the recruiting team to discuss the next steps. Please submit your cover letter and resume here - we look forward to reviewing your application.

Stage 2: Initial Screening

Stage 2: Initial Screening (Meet & Greet Interview)

This initial virtual interview focuses on your general suitability, integrity and life experiences. If deemed suitable, you will be invited to move on to Stage 3 of the recruiting process.
Stage 3: POPAT & ETHOS Exam

Stage 3: POPAT & ETHOS Tests

Physical Test: POPAT

The Police Officer's Physical Ability Test (POPAT) test is designed to evaluate the physical abilities and endurance of aspiring police officers, ensuring they possess the necessary fitness levels for the demanding nature of law enforcement. To pass the POPAT, you must perform all activities as per the defined protocol, and complete the timed portion of the test within 4:15 minutes. You must also demonstrate the ability to lift and carry a 100lb torso bag a distance of 50ft.

You are welcome to complete a POPAT test prior to submitting your application to VicPD. If you do, please include a copy of your certificate in your application.  Test scores are valid for 12 months.  Information and registration details for upcoming POPAT tests can be found here.

Arrangements will made for you to participate in the POPAT if you do not complete it prior to applying.


Written Test: ETHOS

This test assesses practical skill sets that police officers must use on a regular basis while performing their duties: memory and observation, reading comprehension and critical thinking, summarizing, as well as writing and editing. A passing score of 70% or higher is required.

You are welcome to participate in an ETHOS exam with another BC police agency prior to submitting your application to VicPD.  If you do, please include a copy of your certificate in your application. Test scores are valid for three (3) years. 

Arrangements will made for you to participate in an ETHOS test if you do not complete it prior to applying.

Stage 4: Secondary Screening

Stage 4: Secondary Screening (Recruiter's Interview)

This in-person behavioral-based interview focuses on your life skills, experience and abilities. It is recommended that you prepare your answers using the STAR (Situation – Task – Actions – Result) format. Key behavioural competencies we look for in a police officer include:

  • Adaptability
  • Ethical Accountability & Responsibility
  • Interactive Communication
  • Organizational Awareness
  • Problem Solving
  • Risk Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork
  • Excellent Written Skills

Stage 5: Documents Request & Credit Check

Stage 5: Documents Request and Credit Check

At this stage, you will be requested to provide various documents and undergo a credit check. 

Stage 6: Medical Assessment

Stage 6: Medical Assessment

You will be required to undergo a hearing and vision test, as well as a psychological assessment which will be performed by a VicPD appointed psychologist.  All of these tests are paid for by VicPD. 

Stage 7: Integrity & Lifestyle Questionnaire

Stage 7: Integrity & Lifestyle Questionnaire (ILQ)

At this stage, you will be required to complete the ILQ.  This is a comprehensive personal questionnaire that focuses on honesty,  integrity  and  lifestyle.  These areas are scrutinized  closely  when considering all applications for employment with the Victoria Police Department. Deceit, dishonesty or non-disclosure related to questions in this document, or during any other stage of the application process, will result in being disqualified from the process.

Stage 8: Polygraph

Stage 8: Polygraph

Upon successful completion of Stage 7, you will be required to undergo a polygraph examination.  The Integrity & Lifestyle Questionnaire will form the basis of this examination.

Stage 9: Final Screening

Stage 9: Final Screening (HR Interview)

Upon successful completion of the polygraph examination, you will be invited to attend an in-person panel interview with members of the HR recruiting team. This interview will be behaviour based.

Stage 10: Occupational Health Assessment

Stage 11: Background Investigation

Upon the successful completion of the occupational health assessment, you will be required to undergo a comprehensive background investigation.

Stage 11: Background Investigation

Stage 11: Background Investigation

Upon successful completion of the polygraph examination, you will be invited to attend an in-person panel interview with members of the HR recruiting team. This interview will be behaviour based.

Stage 12: Offer of Employment

Stage 12: Offer of Employment

Congratulations!  You've successfully completed the recruiting process.  The Chief Constable or designate will make the final determination as to whether or not an offer of employment will be made. 

Qualifications & Prerequisites

To qualify as a Recruit Constable applicant, you must meet the qualifications and prerequisites listed below.  


To increase your competitiveness, you may want to consider gaining experience as a jail guard, protection services officer, or corrections officer.  Fluency in one or more second languages, completion of the Basic Security Course (BST Level 1 & 2), and First Aid Training OFA Level 2 are also beneficial.  Note that not having these experiences or courses does not preclude you from applying.

Qualifications

  • Meet the requirements of VicPD for medical assessments, background checks, and comprehensive security checks, including a polygraph exam
  • Basic computer skills and keyboarding ability
  • Demonstrated fit and healthy lifestyle
  • Maturity derived from varied life experience
  • Demonstrated responsibility, initiative, creativity and problem-solving abilities
  • Demonstrated sensitivity to people whose culture, lifestyle or ethnicity is different than your own
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

    Prerequisites

    • Minimum age 19 years
    • No criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted
    • Valid Basic First Aid Certificate and CPR 
      (Level C)
    • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
    • Visual acuity must be no poorer than 20/40, 20/100 uncorrected and 20/20, 20/40 corrected. Applicants having corrective laser surgery must wait three (3) months from time of surgery before applying
    • Hearing requirements: must be above 30 db HL to the 500 to 3000 HZ in both ears, and 50 dB HL in the worst ear at the 3000 + HZ notch
    • Grade 12 High School equivalency (GED)

      FAQs

      If I have used drugs in the past, will this prevent me from being able to apply?

      You can still apply; however, each candidate's experimentation with drugs (or any criminal activity) is evaluated in its entirety on an individual basis. We have a thorough application process that is designed to evaluate the life experience of each candidate. When candidates disclose past illegal activity, our recruiting team discusses the incident with the candidate and assesses their ability to carry out the duties of a police officer. Complete disclosure throughout our process is crucial to being successful. Generally, we expect candidates to be a minimum of two (2) years clear of any drug use prior to their application being accepted.

      Does VicPD pay for my tuition at the JIBC?

      No, but VicPD does offer a payment plan to assist new recruits.  If you require assistance, the department will pay the tuition fee up front and collect it back through payroll deductions over a three (3) year period.  

      Are there specific post-secondary degrees that are preferred?

      No. The actual experience of attending a post-secondary institution is the most important aspect. A combination of education and relevant experience is preferred.

      If I meet the minimum standard, is that enough to be hired?

      Not necessarily.  Many applicants far exceed the basic requirements which makes the recruiting process very competitive.  

      How long does it takes to reach First Class Constable status?

      Recruit Constables will reach First Class Constable status at the beginning of their fifth year in policing. You will be a Recruit Constable in your first year, a Fourth Class Constable in your second year, a Third Class Constable in your third year, and a Second Class Constable in your fourth year.

      How long before I can apply for a promotion to the Sergeant rank?

      All police members must have at least seven (7) years experience with a recognized Canadian Police service, and three (3) of those seven (7) years must be with VicPD before being eligible for promotion.  The rank structure at VicPD is as follows: Constable, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Inspector, Deputy Chief and Chief.

      When can I apply to work in sections outside of Patrol?

      All police officers begin their careers in the Patrol Division.  Recruit Constables are required to complete a minimum of two (2) years in the Patrol Division prior to being eligible to apply to another section.