Traffic Authority

VPD Traffic Authority positions are non-union, sworn special municipal constable appointments under the Police Act. Traffic Authority members have restricted peace officer status and are not police officers. They are limited to performing specific authorized duties, primarily directing traffic.

The Vancouver Traffic Authority is a paid, part-time position coordinated by the Emergency & Operations Planning Section (EOPS) of the Vancouver Police Department. As a Traffic Authority member, you will need to be available to work varied days and hours on an on-call basis. Duties include directing traffic at public, private, and community events.

Traffic Authority officers serve with dedication and commitment, upholding the professionalism and standards of the Vancouver Police Department while wearing the uniform with pride and honour. A minimum commitment of one year in the unit is required.

• Qualifications
• Application Process
• Selection Process
• Pay
• Training

Qualifications

To qualify as an applicant for the Traffic Authority, the following minimum requirements must be met:

• minimum 19 years of age
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Grade 12 or High School equivalency (G.E.D.)
• physically fit – able to pass the Police Officers Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)
• excellent character
• proficient in the English language
• valid Class 5 British Columbia driver's licence with a good driving record
• meet the visual acuity standards

Visual Acuity Standards

• uncorrected vision: 20/40 with both eyes open, with one eye no worse than 20/100
• corrected vision: 20/20 with both eyes open, with one eye no worse than 20/40
• colour vision: colour vision must be normal
• peripheral vision: 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian binocularly, and 30 degrees above and below the fixation point

If a candidate does not meet the uncorrected vision requirements, he or she may participate in a 'mini selection' process which includes the written exam, fitness testing, questionnaire, and intake interview. At the conclusion of the interview, the candidate will be advised of his or her competitiveness as a candidate. If deemed to be competitive in the process, the candidate will have to consult with his or her ophthalmologist to explore available options in meeting the visual acuity standards.

Application Process

You can begin the application process by attending a Recruiting Information Session and submitting the following documents along with the blue VPD application form:

• a detailed resume
• High School transcript (original or certified copy)
• proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status
• copy of birth certificate
• copy of British Columbia driver's licence
• Visual Acuity form

Selection Process

Applicants meeting the criteria will be invited into the selection process. The process includes:

• police entrance exam with a passing score of 50%
• completion of a personal disclosure form and questionnaire
• physical test consisting of the POPAT completed in under five minutes
• interview with a Recruiting Unit investigator
• polygraph examination
• medical exam conducted by the city physician (paid for by the candidate)
• background investigation by a Recruiting Unit investigator (you will be asked to submit an autobiography and list of 20 references)
• a file review conducted by a Recruiting Unit Sergeant

Pay

Traffic Authority members are paid on an hourly basis that reflects current rates of pay for regular police officers, but they do not receive benefits.

New members are paid at the same rate as VPD probationary Constables, with incremental raises after 500 and 1,000 hours of service. A Traffic Authority Supervisor is paid at the rate of a 2nd Class Constable.

2009 Pay Rates

• Probationary: $26.03 hourly
• 4th Class (500 hours): $27.89 hourly
• 3rd Class (1,000 hours): $29.75 hourly
• 2nd Class (Supervisor): $33.45 hourly

Training

Candidates selected for a position with the Traffic Authority Unit will complete a 85-hour formal training program over an eight- to ten-week period on evenings and weekends. Training will be in legal studies, radio procedure, traffic intersection control and force options.

Candidates will also be required to complete one job-shadow shift during the formal training period. Training will be conducted at either the VPD's 2120 Cambie Street or 3585 Graveley Street locations. Candidates are not paid during their training period. Upon successful completion of the training program, candidates will be sworn in by the Chief Constable or designate, and will then be eligible to work paid shifts with the Traffic Authority Unit.