Police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 4311)

Police officers protect the public’s safety, make sure that federal, provincial and municipal laws are followed, and prevent and investigate crime.

This career group includes military police and railway police.

Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of a police officer is like.

5:47

Police officer

WorkBC's Career Trek

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Police officers:

• Patrol communities to keep the public safe, maintain order and enforce laws and regulations
• Investigate crimes and accidents
• Look for, find and manage evidence
• Interview witnesses, people suspected of criminal activity and others involved in the activities they are investigating
• Take notes and write reports
• Provide testimony in courts of law
• Arrest criminal suspects
• Provide support and help to victims and witnesses of crimes, accidents and natural disasters
• Create and participate in crime prevention, public information and safety programs
• May oversee and co-ordinate the work of other police officers

Police officers work in indoor and outdoor settings and may have to deal with a range of weather conditions. They may spend their shifts in patrol cars, in an office setting at a police detachment or at different types of crime and accident scenes. Police work can be dangerous and has the potential for injuries.

The ability to remain calm during highly stressful situations is crucial for a person with this job. Police officers regularly interact with members of the public, including those accused of crimes and victims of crimes. For many people, contact with a police officer may come during an upsetting, scary or tragic time in their life and they may react with anger, fear or even act violently. Good communication skills and empathy are needed since police officers deal with many people each day.

Police officers often work in culturally diverse neighbourhoods and communities and it’s important for them to understand different cultures and ways of life. In addition, being able to speak a second language is a valuable skill.