Our Recruiting Unit makes every effort to reduce the amount of travel for our applicants, but please expect to make at least two trips to Vancouver.
Complete an application
It is preferable that you come to an in-person Information Session. If you are not able to come in person, you can view a previously recorded session.
Complete and submit your application package and an integrity and lifestyle questionnaire.
Have an interview
You will be interviewed by a Recruiting Unit detective, who will review your Integrity and Lifestyle questionnaire and personal history. The behavioural-based interview will assess your integrity, problem-solving abilities, respect for diversity, community service orientation, self-initiative, and acceptance of responsibility within your personal life and your career.
Psychological assessment
You complete a written psychological assessment following a successful interview. This is not a test you can study or prepare for.
Take the polygraph exam
Have a second interview
If you are successful, you will have an interview with two Recruiting sergeants, who will determine if you move forward to a final medical examination and background investigation.
Background investigation
A Recruiting detective will request you provide a minimum of two letters of endorsement from current and past supervisors. You will need to provide written documentation supporting your police experience. A thorough background investigation will include interviews with your family, long-time friends, present and past employers and colleagues, neighbours, and landlords.
Have a medical examination
You will complete a medical exam by a physician contracted by the City of Vancouver. Hearing standards are assessed at this stage. Basic Function Movement testing will be done which assesses fitness, such as push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and flexibility.
The coast of the medical exam is approximately $480 and is paid by the applicant.
BC Exemption Exam
Members serving outside BC are required to write a BC Exemption Exam in order to be eligible, which is two hours in length and multiple-choice. Once you are approved by BC Police Services to write the exam, you will be provided a study package and six weeks to study. The exemption exam can only be written after successfully completing the interview.
Physical test
Applicants from outside BC are required to pass the POPAT physical test and Leger Shuttle Run. On the day of testing, applicants will attempt the POPAT first. If successfully completed under 4:15, applicants will continue on the Leger Shuttle Run. There will be a minimum 30-minute break between completing the POPAT and starting the Leger Shuttle Run.
Disclaimer
Please note that any member hired by the Vancouver Police Department is hired on a probationary basis for the term of one year. Any increments or wage increases will include previous years of police services.
