Understanding the Recruitment and Assignment Process for the RCMP

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), also known as the Canadian Police Force, is one of the most respected and well-regarded police services in the world. Each year, many individuals seek to join this prestigious organization. One common question is whether or not you get to choose your station. However, the reality is that the assignment process is heavily influenced by the needs of the service rather than personal preferences.

Where You Are Stationed

When considering the placement of new recruits and experienced police officers, the RCMP prioritizes its operational needs over individual preferences. There are generally two main categories of postings: Provincial Policing duties and Federal Policing duties. While it might seem straightforward, the actual location you are sent to can be quite complex.

Joining the RCMP as an experienced police officer in British Columbia, for instance, does not automatically mean you will be stationed in the province of your choice. In fact, unless you are already serving in a province, you are not guaranteed a posting in your home province. This is because the recruitment and assignment process is driven by the needs of the service rather than individual requests.

Chances of Staying in British Columbia

One of the few silver linings for an experienced officer in British Columbia is the possibility of staying in the province, but it is not guaranteed. If vacancies open up elsewhere in British Columbia, you will need to apply for a transfer to be considered. However, there is still a high demand for police officers, which increases the likelihood of staying in your preferred province.

Recruitment and Assignment Process for Experienced Police Officers

If you are an experienced police officer looking to join the RCMP, there are certain steps and procedures you should follow. For example, you can try to get a posting in your home province by applying, but the decision ultimately lies with the RCMP. However, the recruitment and assignment process is more flexible compared to applying to a city police force. You are not guaranteed the exact city or town where you want to work.

Benefits of Joining the RCMP

Joining the RCMP offers numerous benefits, including pay parity, better benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Many experienced police officers are choosing to join the RCMP due to these advantages. In fact, about half of the recent recruits into plain clothes positions have chosen to do so, assuming they are suitably qualified.

Personal Preference in Assignment

While you cannot guarantee a specific province or city, the process does allow you to indicate your preferences. Similar to the Canadian military, you can list up to three preferred postings on your Personal Evaluation Report (PER). While the RCMP cannot guarantee your preference, your choice will be considered by the selection committee.

Conclusion

Whether you are an experienced officer in British Columbia or anywhere else, the process of choosing your station for the RCMP is complex and primarily driven by the organization's needs. However, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of being placed in your desired province or role, such as applying for transfer and expressing your preferences on your PER.

Next Steps

To learn more about the recruitment process and to find out more information, you can email the RCMP at

Source: Personal Insight from JimB and Other Experienced Recruits