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Recruit Police Officers

Contact Us Today!

Please contact us via email recruiting@transitpolice.bc.ca or by phone 604.516.7421 to set up your personalized one-on-one information meeting with a Transit Police Recruiter.

The Office of Constable

The appointment of a constable, coupled with the oath of office, is a role unlike any other in our society. It’s not just a rank but a responsibility that a police officer will carry out their duties to the best of their ability, and to the highest standards of integrity, in all personal circumstances. Constables protect the public, operating within and always accountable to the rule of law.

Constables are expected to carry out their duties and impartially uphold the law, treating all they encounter fairly. The constable’s duty to their office and to the public applies while on and off duty, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.  We are looking for the best candidates to take on this important role.

Be prepared to sign up for not just a career change, but a lifestyle change.

In order for us to consider your application you must be able to meet the following basic qualifications:

  • Minimum age 19 years

  • No criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted

  • No adult criminal charges pending

  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

  • Meet our visual acuity standards

    • Outlined in application form (Page 33)

  • Meet our hearing standards

    • Hearing loss no greater than 30dB in both ears in the 500-3000 HZ range

  • Grade 12 diploma plus 30 credits of academic post-secondary education from a recognized university or college

    • Certificate from a Trades school accepted

    • Work experience in a related field may be considered in lieu of post-secondary education

    • Military service

  • Keyboarding certificate of at least 25 words per minute required, obtained from an accredited learning institution or through ratatype.com

  • A demonstrated fit and healthy lifestyle

  • Ability to successfully undergo an extensive background investigation involving workplace, personal, financial and neighborhood enquiries

  • A valid Class 5 driver’s license with a good driving history

  • Good interpersonal skills

  • Valid First Aid Certificate

    • CPR-C Level

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Transit Police is always very interested in applicants who possess additional skills.  See preferred qualifications below.

Preferred Qualifications

The recruiting process is a process that reviews the qualification of a candidate to make sure only the best qualified candidates are selected. The process is very competitive. Of all applications received during the year only a handful are offered a position. Candidates who possess only the basic requirements may not advance through the levels of recruitment as other candidates may be more competitive.

Serious consideration is given to applications which meet both the basic qualifications and have additional experience. Previous work, life and educational experience along with the individual’s level of maturity are also taken into consideration.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A degree, diploma or other certification in any field of study

  • Knowledge of a second language or culture

  • Law Enforcement related work experience

  • Work experience that demonstrates teamwork, conflict resolution, initiative, communications skills, integrity, interpersonal skills

  • Military service

  • Police Reserve Constable experience

  • Community volunteer experience such as: Community Police Stations, Block Watch, victim services.

Application Process

Applicants will be subject to the following steps. These steps may not be in the specific order listed.

  • Completion of Recruit Employment Application Form – Applicant can drop off or mail the Recruiting Unit.

    • It is important to answer each question accurately and truthfully

    • Providing false, incomplete, or incorrect information may result in disqualification

  • Written Exam see sample exam here

    • A successful result from another police agency who administers the Ethos exam may be accepted.

    • Applicants MUST submit results of written exams completed for other police agencies with Recruit Employment Application Form

  • POPAT – All candidates must complete the required course with a maximum time of 4 minutes 15 seconds

  • Completion of the Integrity Lifestyle questionnaire – This questionnaire covers all aspects of your history. It includes answering questions that may be uncomfortable. We understand that many people have had issues in their past that they are not proud of. For the most part these issues will not prevent you from becoming a police officer given the context and length of time since the event. A failure to disclose these items in most cases will prevent the candidate from proceeding in the recruitment process.

  • Intake interview by Recruiting Unit

    • In-depth and extensive interview  by 2 Recruiting Unit investigators regarding all aspects of your application and background.  This panel interview will last between 3-5 hours.

  • Medical Exam

  • Psychologist interview

  • Polygraph

  • Background investigation

  • File review and approval by Chief Officer

Physical Abilities (POPAT) Test

This test is meant to simulate a physical challenge typical to the job – specifically a foot pursuit ending with a struggle to apprehend a subject. If you are not prepared, the test can be a very challenging aerobic exercise. Police Officer Physical Ability Test (POPAT) testing takes place at two private facilities. You do not have to be invited by us to take the test. If you have applied, or you are considering applying to become a police officer, it is your responsibility to complete a successful and competitive test result.

Read more about the POPAT

Salary and Benefits

Benefits
  • Membership in the Transit Police Professional Association (mandatory)

  • Provincial Superannuation Plan

  • Physical training facilities

  • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

  • Continuing education subsidies

  • Dental and Vision Care Plan

  • Group life Insurance

  • Basic and Extended Health Plan

  • Employee unlimited transit pass; spouse/dependent pass

Police Constable Salary Scale

POSITION
MONTHLY
ANNUAL
Recruit Constable
$7,322/mo.
$87,864/yr.
Designated Constable 4th Class
$8,135/mo.
$97,620/yr.
Designated Constable 3rd Class
$8,644/mo.
$103,728/yr.
Designated Constable 2nd Class
$9,152/mo.
$109,824/yr.
Designated Constable 1st Class
$10,169/mo.
$122,028/yr.
Designated Constable Level I (10 years)
$10,677/mo.
$128,124/yr.
Designated Constable Level II (15 years)
$11,186/mo.
$134,232/yr.
Designated Constable Level III (20 years)
$11,694/mo.
$140,328/yr.
As of February 1, 2024

Cost and Fees

The following are costs you can expect to incur as a result of gathering the required resources to submit with your application package. The following prices are estimates based on an applicant located within the Province of British Columbia

  • Vision exam: $88.00

  • Proof of typing speed: $20.00

  • Academic transcripts: $6.00 to $10.00

  • Basic First Aid and CPR (unless already certified) $85.00

  • POPAT: $60.00 – 80.00

Transit Police do not provide reimbursement for any costs. Please note, at any point during the process your application can be removed for failure to successfully complete any part of the recruiting process.

Upon a successful application process and an invitation to attend the police academy, you are expected to pay tuition for Block I and Block III of training. Loans are made available through the Vancouver Police Credit Union, if needed.

Training

If you are successful with your application and offered a position with Transit Police, you will be sworn in and start work prior to attending the Justice Institute of BC Police Academy in New Westminster.

You’ll be trained at the Justice Institute of BC, alongside B.C. municipal police and receive all of the training required to become a police officer in British Columbia. During your field-training, you will have a Transit Police field coach who will provide instruction specific to our unique service.

Read more about training

How to Apply

If you think you have the necessary skills required to become a Transit Police Officer, fill out our Recruit Employment Application form and follow the instructions.

If you have questions, or if you would like to book an in-person meeting with one of our recruiters to learn more, email us at recruiting@transitpolice.bc.ca.

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