Selection Process

Initial Application

Police Officers Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)

Applicants may be asked to attend the JIBC to be tested on physical fitness. The POPAT is a job-related physical abilities test designed to simulate a critical incident where a police officer chases, controls and apprehends a suspect. It measures physical fitness (including strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance), and motor fitness (including power, agility and speed). The POPAT must be completed in 4 minutes and 15 seconds.

Employment Application Package

Applicants who successfully complete the initial screening stages of our process will be asked to complete and submit a long form Employment Application Package, including Integrity and Lifestyle Questionnaire. Additional records will be requested at this time including:

Records of basic police training
Records of advanced police training
Performance appraisals
Discipline records
Post-Secondary transcripts
Vision Report

Following review of this package by the Recruiting Section, some applicants will be shortlisted for panel interview.

Panel Interview

Two or more members of our Department will conduct an in-depth interview of short-listed applicants. The interview panel will be comprised of police officers of various ranks and experience. The interview will be approximately two hours in length.

Psychological Testing

Short-listed applicants will be asked to write a test designed to assess psychological suitability for policing. A follow-up clinical interview by a psychologist may also be required.

Polygraph Examination

Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by a qualified examiner with the aid of a polygraph instrument to determine suitability for employment. The interview will be a continuation of the Employment Application (Exempt Candidate) and the Integrity and Lifestyle Questionnaire, and will test truthfulness about personal history, qualifications and integrity.

Supervisor Reference Letters

Applicants who are selected to proceed to background investigation will be asked to provide reference letters from two direct police supervisors attesting to the applicant’s knowledge, skills and abilities as a police officer.

Background Investigation

An experienced investigator will conduct an extensive background investigation of short-listed applicants to determine employment suitability. It may include interviews of present and past employers, friends, relatives, landlords and neighbours, and will check qualifications, training records, discipline records, references, resume and interview information.

Medical Examination

Short-listed applicants will be subjected to an extensive medical examination by an occupational health company designated by Port Moody Police Department. A comprehensive fitness assessment may also be conducted.

Chief Constable’s Interview

Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by the Chief Constable or another member of Management.

Appointment

Successful applicant(s) on the short list will be notified and become eligible for appointment, subject to security clearance.