Recruiting Process
The Recruiting Process begins with the candidate submitting their resume, cover letter and application package. Each stage depends on successful performance in the preceding stages, but in certain circumstances the number and order of these steps may vary.
Assessment of honesty, integrity and ethics are an integral part of the selection process and the information you provide throughout the process will be scrutinized closely. Dishonesty, deceit, or non-disclosure of information can result in your removal from the process.
The Saanich Police are committed to being an equal opportunity employer as we look for confident applicants that reflect our diverse community that we serve.
1. Application Package
Documents Required for New Recruits
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Completed Recruit Applicant Questionnaire
- Completed Polygraph Integrity Questionnaire
- Completed Authorization for Release of Information
- Completed Visual Assessment Form
- Completed Hearing Assessment Form
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Copy of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident Documentation if applicable
- Copy of valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence or equivalent
- Copy of original Certified Transcripts from High School or Post-Secondary Institution
- Copy of a valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR Level C
- Official stamped copies of educational transcripts
Documents Required for Experienced Canadian Officers
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Completed Recruiting Applicant Questionnaire
- Completed Polygraph Integrity Questionnaire
- Completed Authorization For Release
- Visual Assessment Form
- Hearing Assessment Form
- Copy of your Birth Certificate
- Copy of your official Canadian Citizenship Certificate or Permanent Resident Card
- Copy of your valid BC Class 5 Drivers Licence or equivalent
- Copy of a valid standard First Aid Certificate with CPR Level C
- Copies of any training courses completed with current police agency
- Two letters of reference:
– one from a serving police officer commenting on your abilities
– the second letter can be from another police officer or a person in your community - A recent Performance Appraisal
- Official stamped copies of educational transcripts
Documents Required for Experienced Non-Canadian Officers
- Please refer to the “New Recruits” tab for the required documents for this application
Documents Required for Reserve Constables
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Copy of Class 5 Drivers Licence
- Copy of your driving record from ICBC
- Current colour photo (passport style)
- Polygraph Integrity Questionnaire
- Recruiting Application Questionnaire
- Authorization for Release of Information Form
- Copy of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident documentation if applicable
- Official stamped copies of educational transcripts
Documents Required for Community Safety Officers
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Completed Recruit Applicant Questionnaire
- Completed Polygraph Integrity Questionnaire
- Completed Authorization for Release of Information
- Completed Visual Assessment Form
- Completed Hearing Assessment Form
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Copy of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident documentation if applicable
- Copy of valid British Columbia Class 5 Drivers Licence
- Copy of original Certified Transcripts from High School or Post-Secondary Institution
- Copy of a valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR Level C
2. Written Testing
The three-hour ETHOS exam is administered at the Saanich Police Department on specified dates. The intake exam includes: spelling, grammar, logic analysis, comprehension, memory, math, and reasoning. To successfully advance in the selection process, applicants must achieve 70% or greater on the intake exam.
If applicants have already achieved a passing mark on the ETHOS exam while competing for a position with another law enforcement agency, there is no need to complete the exam again.
Applicants can prepare for the ETHOS exam by searching and reviewing study guides that are available on the internet.
The two hour multiple choice exam can be administered online and covers five areas of police work. A study guide will be provided to the candidate prior to the exam date. To successfully advance in the selection process, applicants must achieve a passing mark of 70% or greater.
3. Physical Testing (Not required for Experienced Canadian Officers)
The physical testing consists of the POPAT (Police Officer Physical Ability Test) is a demanding, anaerobic physical test which must be completed in 4 minutes and 15 seconds. The POPAT results are valid for 12 months.
Click here for the POPAT Protocol and video.
Applicants can choose at any time after receiving an Application Package to take this test and can submit a copy of their certificate using this form
Applicants can register for the POPAT at:
Applicants can choose at any time after receiving an Application Package to take this test and can submit a copy of their certificate using this form
POPAT (Police Officer Physical Ability Test) is not required for experienced Canadian officers.
4. Initial Screening Interview
This interview will assess your adaptability, ethical accountability and responsibility, interactive communication, organizational awareness, problem solving, risk management, stress tolerance, teamwork, and written skills.
Applicants who wish to be successful in this interview should review:
5. Peer Panel Interview (Implementation in 2023)
6. Polygraph Test
7. Staff Development Inspector Panel Interview
This interview is conducted by the Staff Development Inspector and two other officers. This behavioural based interview focusses on the life skills, experience and abilities of the applicant.
Applicants are provided the interview questions 30 minutes in advance to prepare themselves for the interview.
8. Psychological Testing (Not required for Reserve Constables)
9. Background Investigation
An investigator will conduct an extensive background investigation, contacting references such as friends, family members, past and present employers, neighbours and anyone else deemed necessary.
Upon completion of their investigation, applicants at this stage will have their entire applicant portfolio reviewed and analyzed by the Staff Development Section.
10. Occupational Health Assessment (Not required for Reserve Constables)
At the expense of the Saanich Police Department, applicants advanced to this stage will be contacted to attend a medical facility in Vancouver to ensure they are able to carry out the occupational requirements of the job as a constable.
You can find out more about the medical testing on the promedicals website.