Introduction to Police Recruit Training - Justice Institute of British ColumbiaPolice Education in CanadaCrime and Fire Programs -- Community College Programs
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Introduction to Police Recruit Training - Justice Institute of British Columbia The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) offers police recruit training comprised of 'a balanced mix of skill training, academic education, and practical field experience relevant to policing in today's complex society.' The JIBC emphasizes the student-centered model of learning, 'which includes seminars, group discussions, and carefully constructed scenarios that approximate modern policing activity,' rather than classroom lecture-based education. To be eligible for police training, candidates must first be employed by 1 of British Columbia's 12 police divisions, including 11 municipal police departments, 1 tribal police (the Stl' Atl' Imx Tribal Police in Lillooet), and 1 Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service (GVTAPS). The municipal departments are located in Abbotsford, Central Saanich, Delta, Nelson, New Westminster, Oak Bay, Port Moody, Saanich, Victoria, and 2 in Vancouver. The standard prerequisites one must have to be considered for employment by any police department in BC is 'a high degree of physical fitness, health and vision.' Applicants must also be 19 years of age or older, be 'a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, and possess a valid British Columbia driver's license, first aid and CPR certificate.' One to two years of 'post secondary education or equivalent' is recommended though not required. Further, applicants who are selected for recruitment must undergo a vigorous testing procedure including a full medical examination, English language skills, logical reasoning, mathematical ability, memory capability, polygraph, and psychological tests, and panel interviews, and possibly 'an evaluation at the Police Academy Assessment Centre.' The latter, 'uses task-based simulations to assess an applicant's potential as a police constable.' Applicants should be aware that while 'these are the basic standards for initial consideration, selection of personnel is the prerogative of the Chief Constable of each police department' and thus 'the actual criteria for selection may vary depending on the needs of the particular department or the quality of the applicants for available positions.' Applicants that are hires as recruit constables 'by a municipal police department' must 'attend the JIBC Police Academy for recruit training' during which they will receive 'an entry level wage, determined by the collective agreement of the particular department.' Once an individual is hired as a police officer, he/she will undergo 4 blocks of training at the JIBC's Police Academy, 'as required under the BC Police Act Training Rules.' Some departments 'may exempt candidates from Blocks I, II, or III if they have previous police experience' and the 'Academy administers the exemption process on behalf of the departments.' Individuals who believe they qualify for exemption 'should consult with the recruiting office of the police department in which they are interested.' A recruit that enters the Academy will have a personal record of his/her training (recruit and advanced) maintained and updated 'through the Provincial Constable's Registry,' The record will be 'continually upgraded throughout' his/her 'policing career,' and will assist 'in determining' his/her 'future training needs.' Block I of police training consists of 13 weeks of training at the Academy designed to provide the recruit with the 'relevant knowledge base for the Block II field training.' Block I focuses 'on police skills (such as driver training, firearms, arrest and control, investigation and patrol techniques), legal studies, physical fitness, foot drill (dress and deportment), and an introduction to the social sciences.' Block II will have the recruit return to his/her police department for 13 to 17 weeks for field training during which he/she will have the opportunity to apply what he/she has learned in the first Block 'within an operational setting.' During the second Block, the recruit will work 'under the guidance and continuous assistance of an experienced, specially trained constable (known as a field trainer).' The latter will be 'responsible for ensuring that the recruit receives a wide exposure to general police work.' The third Block will have the recruit return to the Academy for 8 more weeks of training. Block III will build 'on the knowledge of Block I and the practical experience of Block II in preparing the recruit to function independently upon graduation.' If the recruit graduates Block III, he/she will be known 'as a "Qualified Municipal Constable" as designated by regulation, pursuant to the Police Act.' For the final Block, the recruit will again return to his/her police department and 'perform all general patrol duties under minimal supervision' for a period of 12 to 18 months. Upon completion of the latter, 'a supervisor's evaluation report is submitted, recommending certification.' If the recruit successfully completes Block IV requirements, he/she will graduate and be 'designated as a "Certified Municipal Constable" by regulation, pursuant to the Police Act.'
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