Recruiting Basics
Knowledge
Effective police officers need a strong foundation in knowledge of the law and modern community-based policing methods. You will learn CPS policy & procedure, municipal, provincial, federal laws and statutes including the Criminal Code of Canada and much, much more.
Physical Demands
It goes without saying that maintaining a high level of fitness is a must, given the physical nature of police work. Being physically fit allows you to best serve the community and your fellow officers.
Work Environment
CPS patrol officers work shiftwork. Depending on the rotation this may include 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts rotating between days and nights. Working shiftwork is an expectation of the job.
Salary and Benefits
The CPS has a competitive salary starting at $67,885 and rising to $104,439 after 5 years service. Benefits include Dental, extended Health services and a health spending account. Plus you will receive full pay and benefits during your training.
Requirements of a CPS Officer
We expect a great deal from the people we select to serve the citizens of Calgary as police officers. Our members must have a high degree of personal integrity, display sound judgment, intelligent decision making, maturity and common sense. We support a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace and expect our applicants to display these values.
The CPS has seven core values: Respect, Honesty, Compassion, Courage, Fairness, Accountability and Integrity. The importance of having these traits cannot be stressed enough – nor can they be taught. These are the foundations of what makes a good CPS officer.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident status.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Class 5 Driver’s license (non GDL) with no more than five demerit points.
- Meet medical/health and fitness standards. Medical Self Assessment Tool.
- No unpardoned criminal convictions.
- No criminal charges pending before the courts.
- No criminal activity within the last three years both detected and undetected.
- One year clear of discharge date from a bankruptcy.
Please note that these requirements are a prerequisite and you must meet them to apply. Also, remember that having the minimum requirements allow you to apply, but does not necessary mean you will be successful in our competitive hiring process. Some candidates may meet the minimum requirements but are not competitive, suitable or meet the core values of our organization.
The competencies that we are looking for are:
- Adaptability/Decisiveness
- Initiative/Perseverance
- Interpersonal Skills
- Stress Management
- Valuing Service and Diversity
Courage
Face adversity and stand up for what is right.
We accept that it takes resolve to address the challenges we will face. We will always accept those as necessary steps that allow good to prevail.
Fairness
Give just and impartial treatment to others.
We acknowledge we all carry unique personal beliefs, values and attitudes. We always provide care and service that is void of judgment.
Accountability
Be fiercely responsible to the public and to each other for our actions.
We embrace the importance of answering to others, whether we work with them or for them. In doing so, we strive to always act in the best interest of our collective goals.
Integrity
Consistently practice our values and principles.
We know every decision and action must stand the test of whether it reflects our ethos and best serves our community – both internal and external. Our actions must always strive to uphold the trust we build.
Information Sessions
The Calgary Police Service hosts several events throughout the year to answer questions about the recruitment process, help potential applicants prepare for the mental and physical requirements of the process, and foster a community of people interested in a career in policing.
These events, also known as applicant resources, include information sessions, Run with a Recruiter (RWAR), the Pre-application Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police Officers (A-PREP) Orientation, the Alberta Police Cognitive Abilities Test (APCAT) workshop, Behavioural Descriptive Interview (BDI) Prep and other specialized sessions.
Please be sure to arrive on time for all in-person and virtual events. Due to logistics and our facility security requirements, we are unable to admit any late attendees once a session has started.
Cancellation Policy: We kindly ask for a minimum of 48 hours’ notice if you cannot attend a session you have RSVP’d for. Our events fill up quickly and cancelled spots will be filled accordingly through our waitlist.
To cancel, please email cpsrecruiting@calgarypolice.ca or reply to your registration confirmation email.
Waitlist sign up here.
Please Note:
We are currently encountering technical difficulties with our RSVP form, causing the form to appear to have not been submitted once submit is selected. Please only click the submit button once. You will receive a confirmation email by 4 p.m. the following day, Tuesday through Friday. If you do not receive a confirmation email within this time period, please email recruiting@calgarypolice.ca to confirm that your RSVP was received.
Run with a Recruiter
Calgary Police Service Headquarters - Westwinds 5111 47 St NE, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaJoin us for a workout with CPS recruiting officers to learn more and ask questions about a career with CPS. […]
Virtual Information Session
Logon for a chat with one of our CPS Recruiting Officers, to ask questions about a career with CPS. Maybe […]
Run with a Recruiter – Physical Training Session
Calgary Police Service Headquarters - Westwinds 5111 47 St NE, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaJoin us for a workout with CPS physical training instructors from our Fitness Unit. Instructors will conduct exercises focusing on […]
Run with a Recruiter – District 5 @ CPS Headquarters
Calgary Police Service Headquarters - Westwinds 5111 47 St NE, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaJoin us for a workout with CPS recruiting officers and officers from District 5 at CPS Headquarters to learn more […]
The Process
The application process is a detailed and extremely time-consuming process to engage in – but it is designed to help us identify the very best applicants to become Calgary Police Service officers. It may take anywhere from three to six months to complete from beginning to end. As such, you must be mentally and physically ready to complete each step of the process before you apply.
FAQs
Wondering about the recruiting process? Here are some frequently asked questions.
Contact CPS Recruiting
EMAIL RECRUITING
Before emailing, please read through the site for information or check out our FAQ section.