RCMP recruitment ramps up

by Heidi Riley

The RCMP is recruiting people who enjoy collaborating with diverse communities, are physically fit, and have strong leadership abilities.

Corporal Ellen Peters is the proactive Recruiter for RCMP on PEI. She has worked with the RCMP for over 17 years, mostly in general policing.

“We have more than 29,000 employees across the country, including police officers and civilians who support operations,” says Cpl. Peters.

The RCMP offers over 150 different types of career opportunities to choose from. Examples include General Duty Policing, Indigenous Community Policing, Forensic Identification, Drugs and Organized Crime Investigation, Financial Crime, Emergency Response Team, Integrated Border Enforcement Team, National Security, VIP Protective Service, Police Dog Services, Marine Services, International Peace Operations, Explosives Disposal, and many more.

“To be an RCMP police officer, you don’t need any previous training, an undergraduate degree, or any specialized courses. We will develop the skills you need through training at Depot and our field coaching program.”

Basic requirements needed to become an RCMP officer

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident status for three years before applying.
• Speak English or French – you do not have to be bilingual. Additional languages are an asset.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid unrestricted driver’s license.
• Grade 12 or equivalent such as a GED certificate.
• Pass a hearing and vision test.

For more requirements, click here

“Something that would be a disqualifier from the application process would be a criminal record or charges pending in Canada or any other country. If you have been involved in a serious crime, such as a murder, production of child pornography, or human trafficking, you are not eligible.”

Help with the application process

“If there is a learning disability or a language barrier, I am here to support people with their applications,” says Cpl. Peters. She emphasizes she is here to support applicants throughout the process.

The three-week Diverse and Inclusive pre-Cadet Experience program is for people interested in a career with the RCMP but may not have their permanent residence status for three years, or have other barriers preventing them from a successful application.

Applicants are flown to Depot in Regina and are paired with a mentor who will help them achieve success in the application process. For more information or to learn how to apply, email the program mailbox at rcmp.dice-ecdi.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

There is also an Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training program for those 19 to 29, among other programs. The Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training program is currently accepting applications. To learn more about this program, email Cpl. Peters at ldiv_recruiting@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

The RCMP also recently developed a direct entry into their Federal unit. You don’t need to go to Depot – you can apply and if successful go into the Federal Policing Recruit Development program, which is located in Ottawa, for a 12-week training program. After that training for 12 weeks, there is further training and development curriculum that you need to complete.

For more information, visit www.rcmp.ca/en/careers/become-police-officer-with-federal-policing-before-you-apply

New officers could now be posted on PEI

One common barrier which prevents people from applying to the RCMP is being asked to move anywhere in Canada.

Now, applicants may have the option to come back to PEI for their first posting. By making PEI their first posting choice during training, and as long as positions are available, there may be an opportunity to come back to the Island. “PEI RCMP recently saw a local applicant attend training and get posted back to PEI right after training in October 2023!”

To find out more, email Cpl. Ellen Peters at LDIV_Recruiting@rcmp-grc.gc.ca For more information, click here

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Application process

To apply for RCMP police officer or civilian jobs, start by visiting www.jobs.gc.ca

“It is important to check the listings every two weeks, because new civilian jobs can be posted once they are available. The Police Officer job poster is always there, as we are always hiring police officers.”

“The application process for police officers takes six to eight months. It starts with your application on the Government of Canada website (www.jobs.gc.ca), and applications from PEI come to me. The next step is to attend a mandatory presentation, and then an online assessment/exam that takes about 1.5 hours, an interview, and then you will have to fill out forms, undergo a medical and psychological exam, and then there is a field investigation to determine security clearance.

“In the process of getting security clearance, we go back 10 years and verify the information you told us. We make sure you are reliable and suitable to do the job of a police officer within the RCMP.”

Application steps

1. Search online for How to become an RCMP officer and follow the steps provided.

2. Once you have been screened in, you will be invited to attend a career presentation and write the RCMP entrance exam.

3. Extensive paperwork and documents as requested by the RCMP.

4. Interviews to determine core values, personality traits, and judgment required of an RCMP officer.

5. A polygraph examination verifying honesty, and a background check, contacting former and present employers and references.

6. A health assessment by an RCMP-designated physician and psychologist to receive a medical clearance.

7. The last step in the application process is a field investigation and security assessment. If successful, you will receive security clearance.

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Training

Once you have passed all the application and assessment steps, you will be contacted to attend the RCMP cadet training program in Regina, Saskatchewan. The 26 weeks of training includes classes such as policing, fitness, and firearms training.

The RCMP covers the cost of the flight, accommodations and meals, kit, and clothing. As well, cadets are paid $525 per week while in training. At the end of the training, the flight home is covered. If you are required to move to take a position, moving costs are covered as well.

After you graduate Depot, you start six months of field training. You will be placed with an experienced police officer to help you transition from training into real-life policing. After the six months, there is a two-year probation period.

After completing the training, you will be assigned to a job posting in Canada, or you can choose to stay in your home province. The RCMP will pay for your trip home to pack your belongings and will pay for you and your family to move to your first posting.

Salary

The salary for a new RCMP officer starts at $65,000 for the first six months after graduation. Within 36 months, the salary rises to $106,000. “We have very competitive pay, pension and benefit plans.”

Career progression in the RCMP

“We like to see new officers work three to five years in general duty policing, which will create a foundation for their career. After that, we have 150 different jobs (specializations) you can do as a police officer within the RCMP.”