Recruitment and Training in Canadian Policing

Recruitment and Training Overview

Learning Objectives

  • Understand future challenges for Canadian police agencies.

  • Identify qualities desired in police recruitment candidates.

  • Explore Canadian police training programs.

  • Discuss the concept of continuous learning in policing careers.

  • Identify challenges associated with a career in policing.

Finding Recruits

  • Key Questions:

    • Who is the right person for police work?

    • What essential qualities assist officers in making decisive actions in stressful situations?

    • What characteristics are necessary for mediating conflicts?

  • Goal: Recruit, screen, train, and hire individuals who can prepare to be competent officers.

  • Agencies aim to recruit officers reflecting the diversity of their communities and across Canada.

The Five Cs of Law Enforcement Leadership

  • Indicators of a successful policing career:

    1. Courage: The ability to confront fear or uncertainty.

    2. Character: Integrity and moral strength.

    3. Commitment: Dedication to duty and principles.

    4. Compassion: Empathy and care in dealing with others.

    5. Communication: Effective interaction with the public and colleagues.

Recruitment: The Numbers

  • Police officer retirement trends are rising in Canada:

    • 2022: 70,566 officers; 2023: 71,472 officers.

    • Police Strength: Decrease from 181 officers per 100,000 in 2022 to 178 in 2023.

    • 2018/19: 11% of officers were eligible for retirement.

    • Agencies must ensure adequate recruitment to mitigate officer attrition and variability.

Recruitment: The Basics

  • Common elements in hiring processes among police:

    • Aptitude Testing: Evaluation of reading, writing, and problem-solving skills.

    • Physical Abilities Testing: Includes RCMP’s PARE and similar testing for other forces.

    • Background Checks: Examination of history, lifestyle, and social media presence.

    • References: Verification of work and character references.

    • Formal Interviews: Detailed discussions probing lifestyle choices, criminal background, etc.

    • Polygraph Testing: Complements other assessment methods in screening candidates.

    • Medical and Psychological Assessments: Ensure fitness for duty and psychological readiness.

Recruitment of Women

  • Continuous increase in female representation:

    • 2022: 22.69% of sworn officers; 2023: 22.87%.

    • Goal is 30% women's representation.

    • Major Milestones: Merlo-Davidson decision in 2016 (lawsuit against sexual harassment of female RCMP officers); Brenda Lucki's appointment as the first female Commissioner in 2018.

    • Ongoing issues include legal actions regarding workplace discrimination.

Recruitment of Experienced Officers

  • 14% of new officers in 2016/17 were experienced.

  • Lateral Transfers: Transitioning officers from one force to another can reduce training costs but may impact staffing.

  • Consideration of motivation behind transfers is essential; officers need to be informed of the reasons behind a transfer.

Police Training Facilities

  • Global recognition of Canadian police training.

  • RCMP Depot: Provides room, board, uniform, training insurance, and a bi-weekly allowance of $525.

Operational Skills

  • Training includes:

    • Police Defensive Techniques (PDT).

    • Driving, arrest techniques, and firearms training combined with fitness exercises.

Scenario-based Training

  • Goal: Evaluate recruits’ responses in dynamic and stressful scenarios, focusing on:

    • Maturity and reasoning skills.

    • Knowledge of criminal laws and policies.

  • Situational simulations include domestic disputes, public intoxication incidents, and traffic stops.

Tactical Principles

  1. Use of Cover: Establish protective positions against threats.

  2. One Plus One: Anticipate additional threats beyond the immediate one.

  3. Verbalization: Use simple, clear language for direction.

  4. Threat Cues: Read body language and verbal signs of threat.

  5. Tactical Repositioning: Move defensively as necessary.

  6. Time-Distance Ratio: Assess the distance and time a threat can close in.

  7. Survival Mentality: Maintain perseverance in the face of challenges.

Socialization in Police Training

  • Socialization processes in training academies impact recruits’ self-perception and confidence.

  • Real-world experience enhances practical skills post-academy.

Field Training

  • Post-academy training includes mentorship from senior officers, focused on:

    • Public interactions.

    • Managing complex service calls.

    • Establishing a police officer identity.

Generational Differences

  • Modern officers prioritize work-life balance over overtime, challenging traditional training frameworks.

Continuous Learning

  • Importance: Ongoing learning is critical throughout a policing career.

  • Officers must maintain proficiency in first aid, CPR, and firearms with annual testing (e.g., RCMP’s Occupational Skills Training every three years).

Advanced Investigative Training

  • Development of expertise through specialized training.

  • Some police forces tie course completion to financial incentives.

Specialized Training

  • Includes Emergency Response Teams, Tactical Squads, and specialized units based on operational needs.

  • Experience prior to joining may facilitate entry into specialized units.

Online Training

  • Expansion of online courses for updates on issues like harassment, domestic violence, and legal changes.

Next Steps

  • Please read Chapter 5 - Ethics & Discretion for further understanding of police ethics and conduct.