Career Diversity
Policing is dynamic, complex, and exciting. Although being a police officer is often challenging, it is also highly rewarding. No two days are the same. As an officer, you'll have countless opportunities to help people who are at difficult points in their lives, to make a difference in Abbotsford, and to develop professionally.
Patrol officers respond to a wide range of situations and have the opportunity to take part in diverse investigations. You could serve as a first responder to calls, work in plainclothes, be involved in community engagement, assist victims, make arrests and work on special enforcement projects. You'll also be working with other skilled, dynamic police officers who are committed to keeping Abbotsford safe.
Specialty Sections
You will find there are many opportunities to branch out from patrol, if you would like to move into one of the APD's numerous specialty sections. Because the specialty branches available are as diverse as our officers, you’ll discover there are no limits to how your career can grow, and how many new skills you can develop.
Among APD's specialty sections:
- Major Crime Unit
- Gang Suppression Unit
- Community Policing
- Traffic Enforcement Unit
- Firearms
- Forensic Identification Unit
- Drug Enforcement Unit
- Recruiting Section
- Professional Standards
- Crime Reduction Unit
- Intelligence Unit
- School Liaison
- Training Section
- Emergency Response Team
- General Investigative Section
Additionally, APD is involved in numerous integrated units in cooperation with other police agencies. These units include:
- Integrated Gang Task Force
- Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services
- Fraser Valley Integrated Road Safety Unit
- Integrated Border Enforcement Team
- Unsolved Homicide Unit
- Tactical Flight Officer
- Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit
- Integrated Homicide Investigation Team
With time and experience, members can even consider teaching in the Police Academy at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, where they assist with recruit training and teach advanced programs.
Policing is a multi-faceted career that offers numerous opportunities for professional development. Each year, officers discuss their career options with their supervisor, and a career path is determined. This path could lead to any of the sections listed above and may change over the years, as your experience increases.
Career Advancement
For those APD members who excel in their field and would like the opportunity to take on more responsibility, there are opportunities to apply to move into supervisory and managerial positions.
If you're ready for a challenging yet highly-rewarding career that allows you to thrive, visit our Applicant Requirements page to ensure you meet our criteria. Then, submit an application to join the APD.