Selection Process
Overview
Our selection process is highly competitive and results in employment offers for only the best and most qualified candidates. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, in order to identify and maintain a qualified applicant pool. It can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months for applicants to complete the selection process. Your success will require—and be determined by—time, persistence and high levels of performance.
The process of applying for the Abbotsford Police Department is strenuous, but successful candidates will enjoy a rewarding career with many opportunities for professional growth, and will work with talented colleagues who are committed to their field.
Honesty, integrity and ethics are integral to the AbbyPD and are key components of the selection process. The information you provide will be scrutinized closely. Dishonesty, deceit, or non-disclosure of information can result in your permanent removal from the process.
Please do not begin the online application process until you are certain that you have met all of the Applicant Requirements, and are ready to participate in all stages of our selection process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send resumes + cover letters through to: [email protected]
Pre-Screening Interview (Situation Specific)
AbbyPD's Recruiting Section may choose to conduct a pre-screening interview with you, to assess whether you should receive the full application package.
This interview occurs when the Recruiting Section feels that there is information from the online application that needs further clarification. The interview can be conducted by either phone or email.
Submission of Complete Application Package
Successful applicants will receive, via email, the Application Package, which includes the Integrity and Lifestyle Questionnaire.
You will be required to print the Application Package and the Integrity and Lifestyle Questionnaire. The documents MUST be completed in black ink, by hand, by you. Applicants can either mail or courier their Application Package and Integrity and Lifestyle Questionnaire to the Recruiting Section, or drop it off in person at 2838 Justice Way in Abbotsford, BC. Be sure to follow ALL of the instructions provided on the forms. You will be required to include the following documents with the Application Package:
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Photocopy of a valid driver's license
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Photocopy of your Social Insurance card
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Two colour, passport-suitable photos
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Driver's abstract (obtained from the Motor Vehicle Branch)
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A copy of your valid First Aid certificate (minimum requirement is "basic" or "standard" first aid with CPR), showing date of expiry
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A copy of your Birth Certificate and/or proof of your Permanent Resident status
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The AbbyPD-issued Visual Acuity Report, completed by a recognized eye care professional, confirming that the minimum vision requirements are met (eye exam must be within the past 6 months) (Visual Acuity Report)
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The Recruiting Section will be responsible for reviewing all completed and received Application Packages and Integrity and Lifestyle Questionnaires.
If you are successful at this point, you will be invited, via email, to participate in the Abbotsford Police Department Intake Exam. Intake Exams are held on an “as needed” basis.
Abbotsford Police Recruitment Exam
The AbbyPD Intake Exam assesses practical skillsets that police officers use on a regular basis while performing their duties.
The exam has a three-hour time limit. It is divided into four modules, and is marked out of a total of 110 possible points. A score of 60% (66/110) is required to pass. Applicants who fail to pass the exam must wait 6 months to request a second opportunity to write the exam, and each request will be considered on an individual basis.
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The modules assess the following four areas:
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Memory and observational skills (20 marks)
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Reading, comprehension and critical thinking skills (30 marks)
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Summarizing skills (15 marks)
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Writing and editing skills (45 marks)
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Once the exam is marked, you will receive an email showing your exam score.
Abbotsford Police Exam Sample Questions
Peace Officers Physical Abilities Testing (POPAT) and 2.4 km Run
The Peace Officers Physical Abilities Testing (POPAT) is a job-related physical abilities test.
It is designed to simulate a critical incident where a police officer chases, controls and apprehends a suspect. The POPAT has many components, including obstacles, jumps, cones, an agility bar, an eighty-pound push-pull exercise, and a one hundred pound bag carry. The standard is the same for males and females. It must be completed in less than 4 minutes and 15 seconds (4:15). Applicants should strive for the fastest time possible, in order to maintain their competitiveness in the selection process.
Applicants must be physically fit to complete this test. It is strongly recommended that applicants practice the POPAT before completing the test as part of an application. Practicing will help you pace yourself properly, become comfortable with the rules and proper protocols, and ultimately give you a better time. POPAT practice tests are conducted by private companies, and you can locate one in your area through an Internet search.
Applicants are also required to complete a 2.4 km (1.5 mile) run, following the completion of the POPAT. A rest break is provided following the POPAT. Although the run is not timed, it is beneficial for the applicant to complete the run in a competitive time.
To see what the POPAT looks like, click here
Suitability Interview
The suitability interview reviews your personal history, focusing on areas such as employment, work ethic, integrity and lifestyle, problem-solving abilities, and volunteer-based community service. This interview provides the AbbyPD with an opportunity to understand why you are interested in a career in policing, and to get a feel for how much you understand the role and the responsibilities and duties of a police officer.
Management Interview
This interview is conducted by a panel made up of two senior police officers and the Director of Human Resources.
The panel reviews your entire file, and questions you on all aspects relative to potential suitability for employment as a police officer with the AbbyPD. The questions are primarily behavioural based, and will require you to provide specific examples of how you have displayed certain behaviours in the past. At the completion of the interview, the panel determines whether you will move forward in the selection process.
Psychological Testing
Applicants complete numerous psychological tests, and then meet one-on-one with a clinical psychologist.
Polygraph Examination
The polygraph is a pre-employment tool used to verify your truthfulness about your personal history, qualifications, and integrity. The polygraph examination is conducted by a certified polygraphist.
Background Investigation
The background investigation is an extremely thorough and comprehensive investigation into every aspect of your work and personal history.
It can take up to six weeks to complete. All aspects of your background will be subject to investigation and authentication. At the conclusion of the background investigation, a recommendation is made as to your overall suitability to become a member of the Abbotsford Police Department.
Medical Examination
All candidates are required to complete a thorough physical exam that is conducted by a doctor designated by the Abbotsford Police Department.
The medical testing includes, but is not limited to, cardiovascular FIT testing (stress test), strength (grip) testing, visual acuity, hearing testing, flexibility, blood work, and an overall review of personal health. Upon completion, a medical report is forwarded to the Recruiting Section for review and consideration.
Selection Decision
Once a pool of suitable applicants has been identified, the Recruiting Section, under the direction of the Director of Human Resources, reviews each file and determines each applicant's competitiveness and overall suitability to become a police officer with the Abbotsford Police Department.