2026 Application Information

If you are considering a career in policing please review the information below, tell us how you meet our qualifications, and forward your Application Package to careers@oakbaypolice.org. This is the first step towards deciding if policing is the right fit for you.

Basic Qualifications

Anyone applying to be a police officer must meet the following basic qualifications and criteria:

  • Minimum age 19 years
  • No criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted
  • No adult criminal charges pending
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Meet visual acuity standards
  • Meet our hearing standards
  • A demonstrated fit and healthy lifestyle
  • Ability to successfully undergo an extensive background investigation involving workplace, personal, financial and neighborhood enquiries
  • A valid Class 5 driver’s license with a good driving history
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Valid First Aid Certificate
  • CPR-C Level
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are not necessary but are considered advantageous:

  • A degree, diploma or other certification in any field of study
  • Knowledge of a second language or culture
  • Law Enforcement related work experience
  • Work experience that demonstrates teamwork, conflict resolution, initiative, communications skills, integrity, interpersonal skills
  • Military service
  • Police Reserve Constable experience
  • Community volunteer experience such as: Community Police Stations, Block Watch, victim services

Application Process

Step #1 – Submit Your Application Package

Your application package must contain the following:

  1. New Recruit Applicant Checklist (completed with all documents and assessments included)
  2. Cover Letter and Resume (Your cover letter and resume must include your complete address with postal code, and a valid email address. It is important that the cover letter demonstrates how you meet our basic requirements and why you are applying to the Oak Bay Police Department, especially if you are living outside of our jurisdiction.)
  3. Copy of your Birth Certificate / Permanent Resident Document(s)
  4. Employment Disclosure Form
  5. Copy of your Driver’s License
  6. Valid First Aid Certificate and CPR (Level C)
  7. Vision Assessment
  8. Hearing Assessment
  9. High School/Post Secondary Transcripts
  10. Integrity & Lifestyle Questionnaire
  11. Polygraph Integrity Questionnaire
Step #2 – ETHOS Exam and POPAT

After successful completion of Step 1, candidates who have been selected to move on to the next phase will be invited to write the ETHOS Entrance Exam and to complete the Police Officer’s Physical Abilities Test (POPAT). Candidates who may have already completed both the ETHOS and POPAT are welcome to include their test results with the initial Application Package.

  • ETHOS EXAM: The ETHOS exam assesses practical skill sets that police officers must use on a regular basis while performing their duties including spelling, grammar, logic analysis, comprehension, memory, math, and reasoning. The test is three hours in length, and i required to pass. ETHOS results are valid for 3 years and can be used with any Municipal Agency in British Columbia that uses ETHOS in their recruiting process. Possible ETHOS Exam – SAMPLE.

 

  • POPAT TEST:  (mandatory pass result): The POPAT (Police Officers Physical Abilities Test) is a demanding, aerobic, physical test which must be completed in under 4 minutes and 15 seconds. POPAT test results are valid for 12 months and applicants can complete the test on their own prior to applying. Before conducting the POPAT test, candidates are required to complete a waiver form acknowledging any potential health concerns. The POPAT Test is operated jointly by Saanich and Victoria Police within the Capital Reginal District. POPAT scores from other qualified testing facilities are accepted. For details and to register – POPAT Test Registration. 
Step #3 – Intake Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to the first interview – the Intake Interview. This is an in-depth and extensive interview conducted by a panel of recruitment officers. The interview will cover all aspects of your application and background. Candidates that are not competitive will not move onto the next phase and their information and documentation will be expunged.

Step #4 – Polygraph Test and Background Investigation

Polygraph testing is administered by a trained professional qualified in the use of a polygraph. This testing is paid for by Oak Bay PD.

Step #5 – Medical Assessment

New recruits must take a pre-employment medical exam to ensure they are fit for duty. This testing includes a medical history, a physical exam, psychological exam, vision and hearing tests, lab work, etc. and is paid for by the Oak Bay Police Department.

Step #6 – Chief’s Interview

The final interview is with the Chief Constable. This behavioral-based interview focuses on questions which allow candidates to showcase their communication skills, ability to problem solve, and explain why they are a competitive candidate for the Oak Bay Police team.

Step #7 – Offer of Employment

The Chief Constable or designate makes the final decision on offers of employment. Once you are offered employment, you will be sworn in and begin preparations to attend training.

New recruits will start in September with Block I at the South Island Police Academy hosted by Victoria Police Department. Block II is on the job training at Oak Bay Police Department with a Training Officer and  in Block III, the recruit will return to the Academy. Upon completion, the recruit will be assigned to a Platoon and begin full-time as a patrol officer.