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Recruitment FAQs
Q. How can I get an application?
Local candidates (from the Greater Vancouver area) can obtain an application only by attending an Information Session. See information for individuals outside of the B.C. Lower Mainland.
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Q. How do I apply for an Information Technology position (or any other civilian position within the VPD)?
The Vancouver Police Recruiting Section is dedicated to the recruitment and selection of sworn police constables. If you are interested in a civilian position within our organization, you may contact the Vancouver Police Human Resources Section at (604) 717-3535.
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Q. How do I apply for a position in Forensic Investigation (CSI / CSU)?
The Vancouver Police Forensic Identification Unit's operational personnel are made up exclusively of experienced police members. There is no direct hiring for this section. A serving police constable needs a minimum of five years of operational experience before being eligible to apply for a position within this section.
This is also true for computer forensic investigations. The VPD works in partnership with the RCMP regarding geographical and psychological profiling, so there are no positions available within these disciplines.
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Q. What sort of qualifications do I need? What kind of experience would make an applicant more competitive?
Please see our Recruitment Standards.
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Q. How long will it take me to complete the recruitment and selection process?
There is no definitive answer to this question. The time it takes to successfully complete our recruitment and selection process is dependent upon a number of variable factors. These include the timing of your application relative to regularly scheduled Police Academy Recruit Training Class dates, how complete your application is, and how competitive you are relative to other applicants.
Another factor involved is your availability relative to our regularly scheduled testing dates and times throughout our selection process. On average, however, an application file with no identified issues of concern will complete our recruitment and selection process within three to four months.
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Q. Is knowledge of another language an asset?
Knowledge of more than one language is considered a preferred qualification. However, successful candidates must be fluent in English, both written and spoken.
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Q. What is the average age of successful candidates?
The average age of successful candidates is approximately 27. The minimum age that candidates can apply is 19. There is no maximum age; however, applicants that are participating in our process at an age that is well above our average must keep in mind the competitiveness of our process, which includes rigorous physical testing and a medical examination.
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Q. Do I need post secondary education to become a police Constable?
Yes. The Vancouver Police Department requires one year of post secondary education (30 credits) obtained through an accredited educational institution. A degree is not considered a minimum requirement but is considered a preferred qualification. We do recognize some technical and trade post secondary training, upon comparative evaluation, along with all academic disciplines.
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Q. What if my education took place in another country?
Education gained at an institution outside of Canada must be comparatively evaluated. International Credential Evaluation Service (I.C.E.S.) can evaluate your education and compare it to Canadian standards. You need to submit your original education transcripts, as well as the evaluation by I.C.E.S with your application.
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Q. What if I have used drugs in the past?
Each candidate's experimentation is evaluated in totality and on an individual basis. Our selection process is very thorough and includes several in-depth interviews, a polygraph examination, and a background investigation. Keep in mind that one of the criteria we evaluate our candidates on is life experience. When a candidate discloses illegal activity, we will discuss the incident or activity with you. A selection committee will evaluate the activity and a disposition will be determined. Complete disclosure throughout our process is crucial to a successful application.
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Q. How do I apply to be an Auxiliary or Special Constable with the VPD?
The Vancouver Police Reserve Constable Program was stood down in December 2001. There is no opportunity to become a reserve or auxiliary constable with the Vancouver Police.
There is, however, a Traffic Authority program. This program utilizes Special Constables in traffic control duties at special events throughout Vancouver. It is paid duty on a casual basis. See Traffic Authority for more information.
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Q. What is the Police Officers Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) and how can I prepare for it?
The POPAT is a timed six lap obstacle course that requires the candidate to run, jump, climb stairs, do push ups and sit-ups, and push and pull heavy weight. It must be completed within four minutes and fifteen seconds. The non-timed portion of the test requires the candidate to drag a heavy bag for a measured length as well as a grip strength test. A comprehensive film that explains the POPAT can be viewed at our regularly scheduled Information Sessions.
A one and a half mile run that precedes the POPAT that must be completed in less than twelve minutes.
There are a number of facilities that offer training for the POPAT, including the YWCA in downtown Vancouver. The VPD offers practice session for a minimal fee. Contact the VPD Fitness Coordinator at 604-717-3387 for dates and times.
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Q. Can you explain the VPD's visual acuity standards?
See Recruitment Standards for a description of the VPD's visual acuity standards, or contact your eye specialist.
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