Experienced Officer - Join VicPD

Are you an Experienced Officer?

We’d like to speak with you!

As a member of the Victoria Police Department you will experience the challenges and rewards of big-city policing in a vibrant smaller city.

A year-round tourist destination for millions of visitors, Victoria offers average temperatures between 4C and 24C. Rather than dealing with cold and snow in the winter, or heat and humidity in the summer, you will be working in a city where mild ocean breezes keep the air clean, yet excellent skiing is a few hours away at Mount Washington. Victoria is a bike-friendly, walkable, fitness-oriented community where outdoor recreation of all kinds is close by.

Discover The 80-Factor

The only thing better than working in Victoria is retiring early to enjoy it. If you're coming from Ontario, you might be surprised to find out that you can retire once you achieve a combination of age and years of service that equal 80 years.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for the experienced officer program in BC, candidates must have completed their basic police training at one of the following training centres:

Justice Institute of BC
RCMP Training Academy (Depot)
Ontario Police College
Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre (Calgary Police Service)
Edmonton Police Service, Basic Recruit Training
Lethbridge College
Winnipeg Police Service, Police Recruit Training Academy
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
Saskatchewan Police College
École Nationale de Police du Québec
Atlantic Police Academy
Canadian Forces Military Police Academy

Experienced officer applicants must have been a serving police officer for a Canadian police agency in the preceding 36 months.

Police Application Process

1. Pre-requisites

Cover Letter and Resume

All potential applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume here. Provide your complete address, with postal code, and your valid email address. It is important that the cover letter outlines why you are applying to the Victoria Police Department, especially if you are living out of jurisdiction. All cover letters and resumes will be reviewed after which all applicants will be contacted by a member of the recruitment team.

2. Initial Screening

Screening Interview

This interview is conducted by the Recruiting Sergeant and is based on all of the information that the applicant has provided. This interview focuses on general suitability, life experience, integrity and assesses the next step in your hiring process. You do not need to prepare anything for this interview.

3. Secondary Screening

Recruiting Sergeant Interview

Applicants who advance to this stage will be invited to conduct an interview with a Recruiting Sergeant. This behavioural-based interview focuses on life skills, experience, and abilities of the applicant. Applicants should prepare answers using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Actions, Result). More information will be provided during your screening interview.

Documentation Request

If you are deemed suitable you will be given access to the application package. You must include all requested documents as outlined in the application package. Incomplete packages will not be processed.

Psychological Testing

You will be required to attend an identified Victoria Police selected psychologist office for an interview and written testing. This is paid for by VicPD.

Polygraph Test

This is a continuation of the Polygraph Integrity Questionnaire that is part of the application package. It is administered by a trained, professional qualified in the use of a polygraph.

4. Human Resources Managers Interview

Applicants who have been identified to advance to this stage will be invited to attend an interview with the Human Resources Division Staff Sergeant and civilian HR Manager.

5. Final Screening

Occupational Health Assessment

Conducted at Victoria Police Department’s expense, you will attend a health assessment company in Vancouver to ensure you are able to carry out the occupational requirements of the job as a constable.

Background Investigation

An extensive background investigation is conducted with regards to references submitted and others. An investigator contacts friends, family members, past and present employers and neighbors, and validates the candidate’s resume.

6. Offer of Employment

The Chief Constable or designate makes the final decision on offer of employment.

FAQs

Can I apply for a specific type of work in your Police Department?dphillips2022-02-24T23:06:28+00:00

Can I apply for a specific type of work in your Police Department?

All experienced members start in Patrol and are expected to complete two years in that function before applying to other sections within the Police Department.

How long do I have to wait before applying for promotion?dphillips2024-07-29T17:55:38+00:00

How long do I have to wait before applying for promotion?

At present, all police members must have at least 7 years experience with a recognized Canadian Police service, and 3 years with VicPD before being eligible for promotion.

Will my pension transfer over?dphillips2023-02-16T13:38:50+00:00

Will my pension transfer over?

Some pension plans are compatible with our pension plan. In order to ascertain if your pension plan will transfer over please use the link provided on this web site to the BC Superannuation Plan under the Experienced Officer Process.

https://mpp.pensionsbc.ca/your-pension

Does my seniority carry over to your department?dphillips2022-02-24T23:04:45+00:00