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What They Do
Military Police enforce laws and regulations on Canadian Forces’ establishments in Canada and abroad. They serve the entire Canadian Forces community, including Regular and Reserve Force members, civilian employees, cadets, and family members.
The primary responsibilities of the Military Police are to:
- Support Canadian Forces missions by providing policing and operational support
- Investigate and report incidents involving military or criminal offenses
- Develop and apply crime prevention measures to protect military communities against criminal acts
- Coordinate tasks related to persons held in custody (including military detainees and prisoners of war)
- Provide security at selected Canadian embassies around the world
- Provide service to the community through conflict mediation, negotiation, dispute resolution, public relations and victim assistance
- Perform other policing duties, such as traffic control, traffic-accident investigation, emergency response, and liaison with Canadian, allied and other foreign police forces
Working Environment
All Canadian citizens are entitled to the same rights, privileges and protection under Canadian law, and Military Police are qualified to provide these services to the same standard as every other Canadian police service. Military Police routinely work within the civilian criminal and military justice systems, and are recognized as peace officers in the Criminal Code of Canada. With over 1,250 full-time members, they form one of the largest police forces in Canada.
Military Police provide around-the-clock service to the military community in Canada or around the world, including areas of armed conflict or natural disaster. Most Military Police members work outdoors, on foot or in a vehicle, or in an office setting to take statements or complete documentation.
Career Development
The starting salary for fully-trained Military Police is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher.
In addition to providing police services and maintaining their policing skills, Military Police are required to maintain additional specialist skills. Military Police who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training.
The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Military Police attend the Military Police Academy in Borden, Ontario. Over a six-month period, they will learn the basics of Canadian civilian and military law, investigative techniques, and acquire skills necessary to perform daily Military Police functions.
Military Police may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
- Criminal Identification Specialist
- Polygraph Examiner
- Major Crime Investigator
- Crime Scene Manager
- Major Case Management
- Drug Investigator
- Aircraft Security Specialist
- Sexual Assault and Fraud Investigations
- Clandestine Lab Investigator
- Homicide Investigator
- Evasive Anti-terror Driving
- Strategic Intelligence Analysis
- Cybercrime Investigative technique
As they progress in their career, Military Police who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
- Interview Techniques
- Information Security Investigation Specialist
- Criminal Investigator
- Counter-Human Intelligence Specialist
- Surveillance Operator
- Officer Safety Instructor
- Senior Police Administration
- Use-of-force Instructor
The minimum required education to apply for this position is a community college diploma in Law and Security Administration, Police Foundations, or a similar program from a recognized Canadian community college or CEGEP. Foreign education may be accepted. Related employment experience will also be considered during the application process.
Following the initial screening, eligible candidates will complete career orientation and aptitude assessment at a Military Police Assessment Centre to ensure that you have a realistic view of the Military Police occupation and the potential to succeed.
If you already have a college diploma in Law and Security Administration, Police Foundations or similar program from a recognised Canadian community college, the Canadian Forces will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military occupation training are required before being assigned.
This position is available for part-time employment through the Reserves. Reservists generally work part-time for a Reserve unit in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.
Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required in order to specialize skills, arrangements will be made by the home unit.
It is also possible to set up an “Individual Learning Plan” to take courses leading to a college diploma related to this job, and upon successful completion, be reimbursed for up to 50% of tuition and other mandatory costs. Education fees for successfully completed courses are reimbursed as long as the student was a Reservist during the entire duration of the course.
Typically, Reservists work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.
