Kswift

Been a while since anything was posted on this thread, anyone heard anything lately?
I've emailed a few forces such as Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon etc. and all have said similar things. Basically they're not recruiting internationally and they don't forsee it opening up any time in the foreseeable future.

AdamfromWales

Hi everyone,

My experience may be of interest to those who are considering a move - but I am also after a bit of advice!

• I recently applied as a dependant with my partner being the main applicant (she has business-related experience which it's own NOC).
• We now successfully have PR
• The process was relatively quick on the EE system and only felt like months ONCE we had completed all of the leg work - i.e. IELTS, ECA, police checks and then a medical which was further down the process.
• I got pulled up by the reviewing immigration officer for further police checks, this incurred extra costs and time (I have no idea why I was selected).
• We have completed a soft landing to scope Alberta out - we lived in Banff on a working holiday when we were both younger - this didn't really help us for the PR but has focused our interest in Alberta.
• We are now back in UK, with time ticking, attempting to make some kind of plan of action

In all honesty, I have come to a stop in terms of researching potential 'police officer' job opportunities as per the above difficulties and residency / qualification requirements by the police services.
I have started to look at peace officer roles but again am having difficulty fitting the requirement (i.e. specific Canadian police / peace officer experience / qualifications).

So, even with PR, it's not easy.

I do have business related / marketing experience prior to policing and have started to do some freelance work in an attempt to broaden my 'recent' experience in preparation of having to move away from policing. If I am not able to find a suitable general role to focus on soon, I am going to have to make a decision to ditch my occupation and start fresh in something new in Canada... which is a big risk and would be such a shame to see all of the UK policing experience thrown away.

Are there any UK / international police officers who have recently made the move to Canada successfully? What roles did you find? Are there any recommended options within the civilian world?

Nairobi Jack

Yeah I'm a Border services officer in CBSA specialising in immigration but I've been here for yonkles. I mean I became a citizen way back in 2007 for crying out loud! I think it's generally tough cos there's so many Canadians want become policemen so they'll be front of queue naturally.

AdamfromWales

Yep. When I worked in Alberta in 2013, there seemed to be money everywhere. But it seems since then Canada isn't as strong. Salary within Canadian law enforcement is very attractive (substantially more than what I am earning in the UK, what with the reform to UK policing and all that) so I can see why there is a supply of good quality candidates to hit demand.

Just need to find a role, no matter what it is, that will accept the qualities of a UK police officer..... easier said than done.

notbrazil

Have you looked at the Alberta Sheriffs? I'll hopefully be in a similar boat to yourself in a year or so - we're looking at BC. I've heard that the Sheriff jobs are easier to get than Police Officer roles due to slightly lower pay. Link.

AdamfromWales

Hi and thanks for the suggestion. Yes, Sheriffs would be ideal for me. Not recruiting at the moment but keeping an eye on their website for further info.

vikingsail

Have you thought about Investigator roles. Policing experience combined with business and marketing might make for an ideal match?

AdamfromWales

That is a good idea! Thanks. Quite happy to look at civilian roles too.

Nairobi Jack

Any law enforcement job is hard to get. Any. Plenty of Mungo Joe security Jobs though.....

I think it real real hard anyone get into Canadian police now. Anyone!

http://www.joineps.ca/ApplicationPro...pplicants.aspx

Look it says basically thanks but we're not interested. Don't really see the point in further discussion

christmasoompa

On the assumption that you're responding to AdamfromWales (you've not quoted anybody, so it's not really clear), then he's got PR status. The link you've given only seems to say they're not hiring anybody without PR?

Nairobi Jack

Yeah well he'll get in then won't he this site isn't much use to him as he already there. That post wasn't for him it's for people on the outside looking in.

christmasoompa

Of course it's of use - it's for people at all stages, whether they are just thinking about moving abroad, or have lived as an expat for decades already. Everybody is welcome!

Ah, thanks for clarifying - for future ref, please quote whoever you are responding to so that it's clear.

Thx.

baller

Hi, I was a Belgian police officer before moving to Canada in December 2016 with the wife (both PR). My intention was joining EPS as they were recruiting 3 or 4 classes in 2017. Ultimately I was deferred for 2 years as I was too fresh in Canada. Still thinking of going back to policing.

Afterwards I mainly focused on peace officer jobs as this was recommended by my file manager. Three months later I was hired as an Edmonton Transit Peace Officer. Having a law enforcement related degree is must-have as it's a requirement for almost every peace officer posting.

Almost 2 years later we can say we're getting settled but it's been a busy. We were lucky that the wife could transfer internationally with her company so we had at least one pay check coming in.

For civilian options it's usually crime analyst our investigator positions. The latter usually require a peace officer appointment (which you get after 6 weeks training). Not having an appointment will set you back points in the hiring process as it's usually based on points.
I received two interviews in those 3 months: Transit and corrections. I have to say that I only applied to law enforcement jobs and no security stuff.

Coming from the UK it's a big advantage as the law system is very similar. It doesn't compare to our European civil law system at all.
Btw we have 2 Australian officers and an African officer here as well.

AdamfromWales

Thanks for the informative feedback. Peace officer appears to be my best option and it is great to see someone else successfully made the move over. Unfortunately my degree is not in policing, I do have a diploma in policing which I have gained on-the-job, which may be of use.

baller

My bad a diploma is fine as well. I was still stuck in Belgian education where you can only get a degree, no college diploma's.

You only have to get your educational credentials assessed, but you have probably done that to get PR. Note that your diploma has to be assessed by an educational assessment organization of the province your residing in. Mine was from Ontaria (WES) but I had to do it again because by IQAS because I was in Alberta.
As long as your diploma is recognized equally to the Canadian you should be fine.

Example of a peace officer job posting: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=116...rom=serp&vjs=3

They also require a first aid certification. It's a 2 day course for about 130 dollars and you'll be certified for 3 years. Re-certification will be on the job.