BC Police Recruit Training

This award-winning police recruit training program from the JIBC Police Academy is available only to recently hired municipal police recruits serving in BC. All applications to become a police constable are made to each individual municipal police department.

Program Strengths

This program has garnered international attention for its implementation of a new delivery model that aligns with the Police Sector Council National Framework of Competencies.

Its design is based on educational theory, including case-based and competency-based education, incorporating the best adult-learning principles. It helps recruits build critical thinking skills that better help them meet the changing expectations of police in modern society.

The program provides the essential knowledge, skills and applied training required by municipal police officers to perform their duties, to preserve the peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, apprehend offenders and enforce the law.

What You Need to Graduate

The Basic Police Recruit Training program is composed of three separate blocks of training. Students must pass each block.

Program Format

Block I - Skills

The first block of training (13 weeks) takes place at the Police Academy. It places heavy emphasis on police skills (such as driver training, firearms, arrest and control, investigation and patrol techniques), legal studies, physical fitness, foot drill (dress and deportment), and an introduction to the social sciences. The intent of Block I is to develop a relevant knowledge base for the Block II field training.

Block II - Field Training

In Block II, the recruit constable returns to their home police department for a period of 18 to 21 weeks. During this field-training component, the recruit works under the guidance and continuous assistance of an experienced, specially trained constable (known as a field trainer). The field trainer is responsible for ensuring that the recruit receives a wide exposure to general police work. As a result, the recruit has the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in Block I within an operational setting.

Block III - Final Preparation

In Block III (8 weeks), the recruit constable returns to the Police Academy, bringing experience from the “street scene.” This block builds on the knowledge of Block I, and the practical experience of Block II, to prepare the recruit to function independently upon graduation. After successfully completing Block III, the recruit graduates as a “Qualified Municipal Constable” that is designated by regulation, pursuant to the Police Act.

Textbooks & Supplies

Course manuals are supplied when you attend class. If additional books or other materials are required, you will be advised when you are accepted into the program.

This program is available only to recently hired municipal police recruits serving in BC. All applications to become a police constable are made to each individual municipal police department.

Q: Can I take courses in this program? 

A: This program is available only to recently hired municipal police recruits serving in BC. All applications to become a police constable are made to each individual municipal police department.

Q: Are these courses available for international students? 

A: Organizations outside British Columbia or Canada interested in providing these courses to their law enforcement professionals are invited to contact the JIBC Office of International Affairs for further information.