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Police Constable Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Police Constable, or Police Officer, is responsible for protecting the public and ensuring they are following municipal, provincial/territorial and federal laws. Their main duties include enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and patrolling their assigned area to keep citizens safe.

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Police Constable duties and responsibilities

A Police Constable’s main responsibility is to ensure the safety of the public. To do this, they must fulfill the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Enforce municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal laws
  • Apprehend and transport criminals to jail
  • Comprehend legal documents, such as a citation, warrant, or affidavit
  • Operate an assigned law enforcement vehicle
  • Build relationships with their community
  • Testify in court to crimes they witnessed
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Police Constable Job Description Examples:

Example 1

In a vibrant community only 10 minutes from downtown Victoria on
Vancouver Island, the Oak Bay Police Department has a long history of providing outstanding service to the residents of Oak Bay. The Department is responsible for a population of approximately 18,000 and enjoys the status of being one of the safest communities in Canada.

Experienced Canadian Police Officer

Oak Bay Police Department
Oak Bay, BC

This is a unique opportunity to join a small, community based police service that offers innovative policing initiatives to serve and protect its citizens. The Oak Bay
Police Department seeks to hire outstanding (experienced) police professionals with proven reputations of success within law enforcement and who embody the tenets of community policing.

The dedicated women and men of the OBPD subscribe to a philosophy of service and count themselves fortunate to be able to focus on crime prevention ideals versus the reactionary policing required in many of today�s larger forces.

We�re looking for proactive individuals who appreciate the role officers may play in a supportive community and are excited to get back to a more grassroots style of policing.

With a focus on high visibility initiatives such as foot and bike patrol, we strive to be a part of our community while our proximity to larger police services allow for both support and opportunities to flourish. We are an active participant in regional integrated units as well.

Join our team and realize the ability to truly make a difference.

Candidate Requirements

General

You may be eligible as an exempt candidate if you:

  • are a currently serving member of a Canadian Police force, and
  • have successfully graduated from police training, and
  • have an exemplary service record

    What does the exempt officer selection process involve?

    If you're currently serving as a police officer in British Columbia, either as a member of a municipal police force or the RCMP, you will go through a streamlined application process with the following steps:

  • review of application for basic suitability
  • physical fitness test (age appropriate)
  • integrity and lifestyle questionnaire,
  • peer interview with members of the Department (sworn and civilian)
  • polygraph examination
  • medical examination
  • Chief�s interview
  • background investigation

    Exempt officers are encouraged to apply, in confidence, with a Cover Letter and Resume to:

    Chief Constable Mark Fisher

    1703 Monterey Avenue

    Victoria, BC, V8R 5V6

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: $97,000.00-$124,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Company pension
  • Dental care
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • On-site parking
  • Vision care
    Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required
    Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift
    Supplemental pay pay

    Work Location: One location

    • What does a Police Constable do?

    A Police Constable’s exact duties depend on the law enforcement services they work for, as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) focus on federal crimes and provincial/territorial Police Constables focus on crimes in their province or territory. Typically, Police Constables protect the public by detecting, investigating, and preventing crimes. They also respond to 911 calls for police service and provide emergency aid. If they witness a crime while they are patrolling, they may write a citation or apprehend the suspect and transport them to jail. To keep their supervisors up-to-date, they have to prepare accurate reports of their daily activities.

    Police Constable skills and qualifications

    Police Constables serve the public and keep them safe. To do so successfully, they need the following prerequisite skills and qualifications:

    • Strong interpersonal skills
    • Ability to work well under pressure
    • Excellent conflict resolution skills
    • Knowledge of municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal law
    • Great written and verbal communication skills
    • Physical condition that meets their job requirements
    • Able to remain calm and empathetic in stressful situations
    • Strong analytical thinking skills
    • Pass an extensive background check

    Police Constable experience requirements

    Police Constables receive three to six months of training from their employer before starting their job, so no prior experience in the field is necessary for candidates. However, Police Constable candidates must meet set psychological and physical standards by passing agility, fitness, vision, hearing, strength, and psychological tests. You may conduct these tests yourself or require formal results from recent evaluations.

    Police Constable education and training requirements

    Police Constable candidates must have a high school diploma or GED. You may require candidates to have a college or university degree in law, security, social sciences, or a similar field. Many colleges in Canada offer a Police Foundations program which you may look for on resumes. You may also require candidates to have a driver’s license with no restrictions or demerit points to operate a law enforcement vehicle. Current certification in standard CPR and first aid is mandatory for candidates.

    Job salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Police Constable in Canada is $73,372 per year. This salary varies based on the employer, experience, and location.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If this is not quite what you’re looking for, some other law enforcement job description samples include:

    Police Constable job description FAQs

    What’s the difference between a Police Officer and Police Constable

    Police Officer and Police Constable are both used in Canada depending on the law enforcement employer. Police Constable is the lowest rank in most provinces and territories, so the position is equivalent to a Police Officer. For example, the provincial police in Newfoundland refer to all Officers as Constable and the only position lower than a Constable in the RCMP is a Cadet.

    What should I look for on a potential Police Constable’s resume?

    As most employers do not require Police Constables to have prior work experience, when looking at potential Police Constable resumes, you should focus on the candidate’s educational background instead. Candidates with a post-secondary degree in a related field, such as law, social justice, or criminology, will have more relevant knowledge than candidates with a high school diploma or GED. Ideal candidates will have completed a police foundations program.

    What qualities make a good Police Constable?

    Police Constables must have a variety of qualities and skills to keep the public safe, but one of the most important qualities they should have is strong interpersonal skills. Community members want to know they can trust and respect Police Constables, so it’s important that potential candidates can build and maintain strong relationships. Having good interpersonal skills will also help Police Constables put people at ease when they are patrolling or arriving at emergency calls.

    What interview questions should I ask a potential Police Constable?

    Being a Police Constable is a hands-on job, so interviewing candidates can be tricky, especially as they typically do not need prior work experience. In the interview, focus on behavioural questions to determine how the candidate will handle conflict, solve problems, interact with the public, and work with a team. For example: 

    • How would you handle a hostile suspect? 
    • What strengths do you have that would make you a good Police Constable?
    • Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team?
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    Job Description Examples

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