Police officers (except commissioned)

Strong job outlook

Overview

Police officers maintain order and enforce laws and regulations. They respond to emergency calls, patrol public areas, regulate traffic, control crowds, arrest offenders and build community relationships. They are employed by municipal and federal governments and some provincial and regional governments.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Respond to emergency calls and complaints, execute search warrants and arrest criminal suspects

  • Patrol assigned areas on foot, horseback, bicycle and motorized vehicles to maintain public safety and order and to enforce laws and regulations

  • Prepare reports to record incidents and patrol activities and to provide testimony in courts of law

  • Provide emergency assistance to victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters

  • Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and test persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs

  • Control crowds at public events and protests and monitor suspicious and violent behaviour

  • Participate in crime prevention, public information, safety and community relations programs

  • Perform daily administrative tasks in support of law enforcement activities, such as maintaining equipment and information files

  • May assist police investigators in criminal investigations.

Job titles

  • bodyguard - police
  • canine-team member - police
  • community police officer
  • community relations officer - police
  • community services officer - police
  • constable

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$64,654

Median

$95,708

High

$120,318

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

Strong job outlook

British Columbia

1,986

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.

  • Completion of a college program in police technology is required in Québec and usually required in other provinces and territories.

  • A three- to six-month police training program is required.

Additional information

  • Progression to investigative positions is possible with additional training and experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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