Police Officers
Formal Description
“Police officers maintain order and enforce laws and regulations. They respond to emergency calls, patrol public areas, regulate traffic, control crowds, arrest offenders and build community relationships. They are employed by municipal and federal governments and some provincial and regional governments. Commissioned police officers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate police force administration and police activities such as maintaining law and order and detecting and preventing crime. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments.” (NOC 2021)
Sample Job Titles
This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:
Canine-Team Member - Police
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer
Plain-Clothes Officer
Evidence Technician - Police
Ethnic Relations Officer - Police
Morality Officer - Police
Commanding Officer - Police
Regional Coroner
Police Lieutenant
Detective Inspector - Police
Police Chief - Regional Operations
Harbour Police Chief
Typical Employment and Education Requirements
The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- Completion of a college program in police technology is required in Québec and usually required in other provinces and territories.
- A three- to six-month police training program is required.
- Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met, and psychological or other tests are also required.
- Specialized training or certification may be required for certain areas of policing.
Commissioned Officers:
- A university degree in the social sciences or in business administration is usually required.
- Several years of experience as a police officer is required.
Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond
The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.
When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:
- Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
- Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
- Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.
Related Categories
Here are a few other categories that might interest you:
Related Sectors
Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:
Academic Program Connections
As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:
Political Science Learn More
Political Science examines government systems, legal frameworks, and public policy, equipping police officers with knowledge of law enforcement structures and civic responsibilities. A strong foundation in political science allows officers to apply legal principles, engage in policy discussions, and uphold democratic values in law enforcement.
Sociology Learn More
Sociology explores social structures, crime patterns, and community dynamics, helping officers understand societal influences on criminal behaviour. By integrating sociology, officers can develop proactive crime prevention strategies, improve public relations, and promote equitable policing.
Anthropology Learn More
Anthropology studies cultural diversity, human behaviour, and historical contexts, preparing officers to work effectively in multicultural communities. Expertise in anthropology allows officers to navigate cross-cultural interactions, reduce biases, and promote culturally competent law enforcement.
Social Psychology Learn More
Social Psychology examines human behaviour, group interactions, and decision-making, helping officers navigate conflict resolution and crisis situations. A background in social psychology enables officers to enhance communication, build trust, and improve public safety outcomes.
