Come to an Information Session
Prior to submitting your application, it is highly recommended that you attend an in-person information session. You can have an opportunity to hear directly from VPD recruiters and have your questions answered.
Complete an application
Complete and submit your application package and an integrity and lifestyle questionnaire.
Write the test
This three-hour entrance exam sits on Saturdays. A passing mark of 50% is required for Special Municipal Constable applicants. You will be tested on grammar, spelling, composition, comprehension, and mathematics at a Grade 12 level. The exam also includes a section on memory and short essay responses, and will be handwritten, with no spell check or calculators. Errors in spelling and grammar will result in marks deducted from your score. See a sample test and study resources.
Do the physical testing
Complete the physical testing, which consists of the Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT), which must be completed in under 2:50.
VPD COPAT practices are on every third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Contact VPD Athletic Therapist Amanda McRae to ask about COPAT sessions and dates after you have been invited to write the exam.
Have an interview
Two Recruiting detectives will interview you and review your integrity and lifestyle questionnaire and personal history. They will assesses your integrity, problem-solving abilities, respect for diversity, community service orientation, self-initiative, and acceptance of responsibility.
Psychological assessment
Following a successful interview, a psychological assessment will be conducted. This includes a written psychological assessment and a one-on-one interview with a registered psychologist.
Take a polygraph exam
If you have been honest and forthcoming throughout the application process, you should have no concerns about the polygraph stage.
Have a second interview
If you are successful, you will have an interview with a Recruiting sergeant, who will determine if you move forward to a final medical examination and background investigation. You’ll review your file and provide a personal autobiography as well as a list of both employment and character references.
Have a medical examination
You will complete a medical exam with your own doctor, who will also assess your hearing standards.
Background investigation
A thorough background investigation by a detective from the Recruiting Unit will include interviews with your family, long-time friends, present and past employers and colleagues, neighbours, and landlords.
