Step 1: Information sessions 

Information Sessions are held to provide you with details on the recruitment process, minimum standards and expectations for all SPS recruits. It is highly recommended that you participate or view the most recent information session in order to progress to the application stage

Step 2: Application 

Complete the online application and upload your resume, cover letter. Cover letters should be limited to two (2) pages, single spaced, and use 12 point Arial font. Once your completed application is received, it will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic qualifications.                

Step 3: Written exam 

You will be scheduled to write an in-person Intake Exam. This three-hour exam assesses the practical skills that police officers use on a regular basis while performing their duties. Scores that are deemed competitive will move on to the next step. If you do not pass, you must wait six months to request a second opportunity to write the exam.

The Intake Exam assesses four areas:

• Memory and observational skills
• Reading, comprehension and critical thinking skills
• Summarizing skills
• Writing and editing skills

Sample Written Exam 

Step 4: Integrity and Lifestyle Questionnaire (ILQ)

After successful completion of the exam, our Recruiting Unit will send you an Integrity and Lifestyle Questionnaire (ILQ) to complete. The questionnaire assesses your honesty, lifestyle and integrity to ensure you are suitable for employment with SPS. You will also be required to submit supporting documentation for your application. 

Supporting documentation required:

• Birth certificate or Canadian citizenship/ proof of permanent residency.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license                               
• Driving abstract                                                             
• Two passport size photos
• Vision report (must be within 6 months)
• Audiometric report (must be within 6 months)
• Valid first aid/CPR certificate with AED                                               
• Grade 12 Diploma or GED Certificate
• Post-secondary transcripts / ICES                                                     
• Police Information Check – Vulnerable Sector                                  
• Criminal pardon (if applicable)                                                          
• Release Authorization

ILQ - Reference List Police Information Check  Police Information Check - Secondary Waiver

Step 5: ILQ review 

You will receive a phone call from your assigned Recruiting Officer during which we will review your ILQ. 

Step 6: Peace Officers Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)

The Peace Officers Physical Abilities Testing (POPAT) is designed to simulate a critical incident where a police officer chases, controls and apprehends a suspect. The POPAT has many components, including obstacles, jumps, cones, an agility bar, an eighty-pound push-pull exercise, and a one-hundred-pound bag carry. The POPAT must be completed in less than four (4) minutes and 15 seconds (4:15). If you fail the POPAT, you may attempt a second physical fitness test when you feel ready. A second failure of the POPAT will result in a six-month deferral. Physical testing results are valid for six months. 

Step 7: Management interview 

An interview will be conducted by a panel of three senior SPS officers. The panel will competency-based, behavioral questions, requesting specific examples of you past experiences. The interview questions are based on the philosophy that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour. You will need to provide a list of 30 references at this stage of the application. 

Step 8: Background investigation

A thorough investigation into your background will be done by one of our Recruiting Officers. This investigation will include police database queries, and interviews with your family, long-time friends, present, and past employers and colleagues, neighbours and landlords. They will contact people you have identified in your application package and others you have not. 

Step 9: Psychological testing

You will complete numerous psychological tests and meet one-on-one with a clinical psychologist. Psychological testing is intended to assess your suitability as a police officer. These tests assess your personality, emotional intelligence and resilience. They take several hours to complete and are not something you can study for.

Step 10: Medical examination

You will be required to complete a medical examination by a physician contracted by SPS. The medical testing includes but is not limited to, cardiovascular FIT testing (stress test), strength (grip) testing, visual acuity, hearing testing, flexibility, blood work, drug test, and an overall review of your personal health. A medical report is forwarded to our Recruiting Unit for review.

Step 11: Polygraph examination

The purpose of the polygraph is to ensure you have been honest and forthright in your disclosures and that there are no additional integrity issues. A specially trained polygraphist will conduct this examination.

Step 12: Executive panel 

A 30-minute interview will be conducted by a panel of three Executive SPS Officers (Chief, Deputy Chief, Superintendent). The panel will ask you for a short introduction of yourself, followed by competency-based, behavioural questions, requesting specific examples of your past experiences. 

Step 13: Final review and hiring decision

The Recruiting Officer will present your entire application package to a panel of senior officers to determine your suitability for hire at SPS. Offers of employment are dependent on many factors including your competitiveness against others in the pool. All offers of employment receive approval by the Chief Constable.

Questions?

The answer to your question may be on our FAQ page, or in one of our recorded information sessions. If you can't find the information you're looking for, please contact one of our SPS recruiters.