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Recruiting Process

The following is a general overview of the Saanich Police recruit selection process. The recruit candidate process consists of the following steps.

Each stage depends on successful performance in the preceding stages; failure to complete one stage will result in the removal of the candidate. In certain circumstances the number and order of these steps may vary.

Assessment of honesty, integrity and ethics are an integral part of the selection process and the information you provide throughout the process will be scrutinized closely. Dishonesty, deceit, or non-disclosure of information can result in your removal from the process.

The Saanich Police are committed to being an equal opportunity employer as we look for confident applicants that reflect our diverse community that we take pride in keeping safe. 

 

1.

Request for Application

The Saanich Police is conscious of our responsibility to the environment, and therefore has implemented an electronic application process.  All potential applicants are asked to access the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it email address and attach their covering letters and resumes.  Any questions or concerns should be directed to this email address.  It is important that the covering letter clearly articulates the reasons why you are applying to become a police officer with the Saanich Police.   Please ensure that all your contact information is included on your covering letter (full name, address, phone number and email).   All covering letters and resumes will be reviewed and one of the following two decisions will be made:

(i)  the candidate will receive a recruit basic                         qualification package;

(ii) the candidate will receive an email indicating that they are not competitive at this time.

2.

Submission of Complete Basic Qualification package

MUST include all requested documents as outlined in the basic qualification instructions / check sheet.   Applicants are asked to submit the completed package via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it within 60 days of receipt.  The completed package will be reviewed at which time the applicant will be advised that they will advance to the next stage of the process, or that they do not meet the minimum basic requirements.

3.

Submission of Complete Application Package

MUST complete and submit the application package within 60 days.   Incomplete packages will not be processed.  Packages will be reviewed, time permitting. 

4.

Review of Application Package

Completed by the Recruiting Sergeant.  Successful applicants at this stage will be invited to participate in the  POPAT and write the  entrance exam. Those not successful will be contacted via email and be provided reasons as to why they have been deferred or removed from the process. 

5.

Recruit Intake Exam

Applicants advanced to this stage will receive an invitation to a future intake exam date.  The exam is administered at the Saanich Police building on specified dates.   The intake exam includes:  spelling, grammar, logic analysis, comprehension, memory, math, synonyms and antonyms and reasoning.  Applicants have a maximum of two hours to complete the exam which is monitored by the recruiting sergeant.  To successfully advance in the selection process, applicants must achieve 70% or greater on the intake exam.  It is recommended that applicants prepare for this exam by reviewing a study guide that covers the above mentioned areas.  These can be found on the internet. 

6.

Physical Testing

Applicants advanced to this stage will be contacted by the Recruiting Section, and provided a date to attend the Police Officer's Physical Ability Test (P.O.P.A.T.) and Lifestyle Evaluation. The P.O.P.A.T. is a demanding, anaerobic physical test which must be completed in 4 minutes and 15 seconds. 

7.

Screening Interview

Completed by the Recruiting Sergeant. This interview is based on all information that the applicant has provided, including the application and Lifestyle Integrity Questionnaire.  This interview focuses on integrity, life experience and general suitability.

8.

Assessment Centre

Applicants advanced to this stage will be contacted by the Recruiting Section, and provided a date to attend the Assessment Centre at B.C. Police Academy in New Westminster (at applicant's expense). This is a day of role-playing exercises and it is not necessary to have police related experience. Police officers who are trained assessors participate in the role playing and record and assess the candidates.

9.

Polygraph Test

This is a continuation of the Lifestyle Integrity Questionnaire. It is administered by a trained professional, qualified in the use of a polygraph.

10.

Psychological Testing

Applicants are required to attend an identified Saanich Police selected psychologist office for an interview and written testing.

11.

Staff Development Panel Interview

Applicants advanced to this stage will be contacted to attend an interview with the Inspector in charge of Staff Development, the Recruiting Sergeant, and a third Non-Commissioned Officer. This interview is based on life skills, experience and abilities of the candidate.  The format is a behavioral based interview.

12.

Background Investigation

An extensive background investigation is conducted with regards to references submitted and others. A police officer from the Detective Division contacts friends, family members, past and present employers, neighbours, and anyone else deemed necessary.  Upon completion of the background investigation, applicants at this stage will have their entire applicant portfolio reviewed and analyzed by the Staff Development section. 

13.

Chief Constable Interview

Applicants identified to advance to this stage will be contacted and provided a date to attend an interview with the Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable, and/or a Senior Officer of the Saanich Police.

14.

Occupational Health Assessment

At the expense of the Saanich Police, applicants advanced to this stage will be contacted to attend a medical facility to ensure they are able to carry out the occupational requirements of the job as a constable.

15.

Saanich Police Board Approval / Offer of Employment

The Chief Constable presents the Saanich Police Board with information on applicants that are being recommended for employment with the Saanich Police.  The Saanich Police Board will make the final decision on the offer of employment.

 

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