Police officers (except commissioned) – NOC : 4311

Unit Group

4311 Police officers (except commissioned)

Police officers protect the public, detect and prevent crime and perform other activities directed at maintaining law and order. They are employed by municipal and federal governments and some provincial and regional governments. This unit group includes railway police.

Example Titles

RCMP officer

community relations officer – police

constable

crime prevention constable

detective – police

harbour police officer

highway patrol officer

police cadet

police diver

police officer

police sergeant

railway police officer

View all titles

Main duties

Police officers perform some or all of the following duties:

Patrol assigned areas to maintain public safety and order and to enforce laws and regulations
Investigate crimes and accidents, secure evidence, interview witnesses, compile notes and reports and provide testimony in courts of law
Arrest criminal suspects
Provide emergency assistance to victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters
Participate in crime prevention, public information and safety programs
May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other police officers.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is required.
Completion of a college program or university degree in law and security or in the social sciences is usually required.
A three- to six-month police training program is provided.
Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met, and psychological or other tests may also be required.
Experience as a constable and the completion of specialized courses are required for detectives and sergeants.

Additional information

Progression to commissioned police officer positions is possible with additional training and experience.

Classified elsewhere

By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers, n.e.c. (4423)
Commissioned police officers (0431)
Private detectives (in 6541 Security guards and related security service occupations )
Sheriffs and bailiffs (4421)