Police Officers
(NOC 4311)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesPolice officers protect the public, find and prevent crime and do other activities to maintain law and order. They work for municipal and federal governments and some provincial and regional governments.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
As with most public-sector employment, budgetary restrictions may limit overall employment growth. This is a large occupational group overall so positions will arise through normal retirements and attrition.
Hourly Pay
$30.00
Minimum$42.47
Median$49.52
MaximumAnnual Pay
$56,982
Minimum$97,595
Median$122,030
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$16.30
Minimum$30.00
Median$51.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Police officers protect the public, find and prevent crime and do other activities to maintain law and order. They work for municipal and federal governments and some provincial and regional governments.
Job duties
Police officers:
- Patrol areas to maintain public safety and order and to enforce laws and regulations.
- Investigate crimes and accidents, carry out search warrants, gather evidence, interview witnesses, compile notes and reports and testify in court.
- Arrest criminal suspects.
- Help victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters.
- Participate in crime prevention, public information and safety programs.
- May supervise and coordinate the work of other police officers.
Sample job titles
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) investigator
- community relations officer
- constable
- crime prevention constable
- detective
- harbour police officer
- highway patrol officer
- police cadet
- police officer
- police sergeant
- railway police officer
- RCMP officer
- crime scene technician
- police diver
Skills
- You should be physically fit and in excellent health. Cultural sensitivity, patience, and mental stability are important. You must be resourceful, able to give and take orders, and able to make decisions quickly. Excellent communication, observation, and problem-solving skills are essential. You should also be able to communicate with and gain the respect of the public.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- 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 required.
- Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met, and psychological or other tests are also required.
- Experience as a constable and the completion of specialized courses are required for detectives and sergeants.
- Specialized training or certification is required for certain areas of policing.
Other considerations
- Earnings will generally increase with the officer's rank and years of service. Movement to commissioned police officer positions is possible with additional training and experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$99,388 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$97,586 median annual incomeCape Breton
$90,910 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$97,439 median annual incomeSouthern
$97,823 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$96,419 median annual incomeBachelor
$99,857 median annual incomeHigh school
$101,025 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$81,572 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$92,716 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
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Institutions providing this program
Criminal Justice/Police Science
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Institutions providing this program
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Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management
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Forensic Science and Technology
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on applying the physical, biomedical, and social sciences to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence, human testimony and criminal suspects. They include courses in forensic medicine, forensic dentistry, anthropology, psychology, pathology, forensic laboratory technology, crime scene analysis, fingerprint technology, document analysis, pattern analysis, examination procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the origins, resolution and prevention of international and inter-group conflicts. They include courses in peace research methods and related social scientific and psychological knowledge bases.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
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Contacts
Additional resources
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