A police career

Page 17

Recently I heard on the radio that because the Edmonton Police Department's budget has been affected by the tight economy, only a dozen or more new recruits for the force will be accepted this year.

The city is to depend more on city residents through programs such as Neighbour-hood Watch and Block Parents.

However this does not mean a person with a desire to become one of the city's finest cannot make application to join the police force and not be accepted. If accepted, the Edmonton Police Department offers young men and women exceptional employment opportunities, stability and security.

The Edmonton Police Department program for recruitment is based on an open competition with the best candidates offered employment.

In order to apply, of course, an application form must be filled out giving education, date of birth, previous police and military work and so on.

Individuals are requested to submit a driver's abstract and, once selected candidates who are chosen are requested to participate in a two-hour job related examination. A pre-test booklet describing the exam and its application is supplied to these candidates. All examinations are administered at the Edmonton Police Department's recruiting facility. Later, and based on the results of the recruitment examination, selected candidates are interviewed by a member of the Staff Services Section.

A high degree of physical fitness is a requirement for service with the police force and to successfully complete the physical fitness testing, candidates are required to attain at least an average level on all testing components. An applicant's cardiovascular endurance, anaerobic power, upper body strength, abdominal endurance, lower back flexibility and body composition are measured.

All applicants must undergo a complete medical, which includes drug testing, arranged and paid for by the Police Department. To facilitate the optical examination portion of the medical contact lenses must not be worn during the 48-hour period preceding nor during the examination. Eye glasses must not be worn in the 24-hour period preceding and not during the examination.

Upon completion of the selection process, an extensive enquiry into the character of an applicant is initiated. Applicants invited to participate in the selection process are asked to obtain a letter of reference from three reputable adults who can attest to their character.

Below are some of the documents that are needed in order to apply.

- Copy of your birth certificate.

- Copy of your high school diploma.

- Copy of your high school marks.

- Documentation of special qualifications, e.g. first aid, self-defence.

- Proof you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

A police officer is a special member of the community. Daily responsibilities include the protection of life and property, and the maintenance of the public peace. According to the Edmonton Police Department's brochures it is a proud profession and indeed it is.