Happy New Year everyone! I hope that you all enjoyed a fabulous, festive break with loved ones, and that 2015 has been kind to you so far.
Have any of you made any New Year resolutions? Yes, me too! We all think about the usual stuff like getting fit, eating healthily, giving up bad habits – what about a change of occupation? Have any of you thought about a career change and, if so, what about a career in law enforcement?
Did you know that CPS is one of the few employers who are always recruiting? And did you know that CPS is actively looking to recruit members from diverse communities? It is all true, and we are always looking for high-calibre recruits, so if your interest is peaked then now is the time follow through on those promises, or to realize those dreams. Let me give you a little bit of information.
A police officer is expected to do many things and play a variety of different roles. In the course of your duties you may conduct traffic stops, investigate crimes, develop important preventative strategies, or deal with grieving or distressed families. Police work isn’t easy. People don’t call the police when things are going well. What makes this career worthwhile is that police officers are willing to deal with the difficult parts of life, making a real difference in people’s lives.
While always accountable to the community and the chain of command, police officers are also given autonomy to make decisions; big and small. These often need to be made quickly, and under pressure. You will be given the knowledge, training and guidance needed to perform your duties, but your own life experience, people skills and common sense are equally important parts of being a good police officer.
A career with the CPS means countless opportunities. The challenges constantly vary and rewards can be seen everywhere. That’s what appeals to our officers – the opportunity for change and growth.
Physical Demands:
It goes without saying that maintaining a high level of fitness is a must, given the physical nature of police work. Being physically fit allows you to best serve the community and your fellow officers. CPS has a team of highly qualified fitness trainers whose job it is to ensure you can perform the functions of a police officer. They take their job seriously and are committed to helping create and maintain a healthy workforce.
Work Environment:
CPS patrol officers generally work shifts of four working days followed by four days off. Our shifts vary between eight and 12 hours. You will switch between days and nights during your week, and have various starting times, depending on the rotation.
Salary and Benefits:
The CPS has a very competitive salary and benefits package. You will start with three weeks of vacation per year (pro-rated) with the opportunity to take overtime hours as additional vacation time. Plus you will receive full pay and benefits while you are training.
For the first five years of an officer’s career, salaries increase every year as one moves up in class.
Annual Salaries (as of 2013):
Fifth Class Constable – $59,404.18
Fourth Class Constable – $66,715.44
Third Class Constable – $77,682.36
Second Class Constable – $84,993.72
First Class Constable – $91,391.04
Additional benefits include comprehensive health and wellness programs, such as fitness facilities in most CPS buildings, as well as a family doctor and chiropractor available to members and their immediate families. Pension eligibility begins after 25 years.
Career Opportunities:
Recruit class graduates are assigned to one of the city’s districts for the initial first few years of their career. On patrol, officers will be involved in a wide variety of experiences, all of which allow for continual development of your skill sets. There are often opportunities for assignment to areas within the districts, such as mountain bike patrol, district response teams, community liaison officers and special enforcement projects.
After some time working in patrol, officers have the option to use their skills and knowledge to specialize in other areas of the service. Various opportunities exist for lateral movement and advancement, depending on suitability.
Requirements:
We expect a great deal from the people we select to serve the citizens of Calgary as police officers. Our members must have exemplary moral character, a high degree of personal integrity, display sound judgment, intelligent decision-making, maturity and common sense.
The CPS has six core values: respect, honesty, integrity, fairness, compassion, and courage.
The importance of having these traits cannot be stressed enough – nor can they be taught. These are the foundations of what makes a good CPS officer.
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 diploma or equivalent
- Canadian citizen, landed immigrant status or permanent resident status (living in Canada or the United States for three years)
- At least 18 years of age
- Class 5 Driver's license (non GDL) with no more than five demerit points
- Meet medical/health and fitness standards
- No unpardoned criminal convictions
- No criminal charges pending before the courts
- No criminal activity within the last three years both detected and undetected
- Strong credit rating
- One year clear of discharge date from a bankruptcy
These requirements are a prerequisite that you must meet to apply. Remember though that merely meeting them does not necessary mean you will be successful in our competitive hiring process.
If you think you are ready, or would like any more information about a career in policing with the Calgary Police Service, please get in touch with me. I would be happy to pass on my experiences to you, and can easily connect you with one of our recruiters. It is a truly worthwhile and rewarding career.
As always, please message me with any questions, comments or concerns. Stay safe, look after each other, and I will speak with you again next month.
