Police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 4311)

This group includes military police and railway police.

Police officers:

• patrol assigned areas to maintain public safety and order and to enforce laws and regulations
• investigate crimes and accidents, secure evidence, interview witnesses, compile notes and reports and provide testimony in courts of law
• arrest criminal suspects
• provide emergency assistance to victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters
• participate in crime prevention, public information and safety programs
• may supervise and coordinate the work of other police officers

Key aspects of the work in this occupation:

• Work takes place in an indoor setting, as well as outdoors where workers can be exposed to various weather conditions.
• Working in crime prevention may be dangerous with potential sources of injury.
• Workers may spend their shifts in patrol cars and at crime and accident scenes.

Education, training & qualifications

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• Completion of a college program or university degree in law and security or in the social sciences is usually required.
• A three- to six-month police training program is provided.
• Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met, and psychological or other tests may also be required.
• Experience as a constable and the completion of specialized courses are required for detectives and sergeants.

Skills

• Social
• Directive
• Clerical Ability
• Manual Dexterity

View skills definitions

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.