National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

• 4 - Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services
• 43 - Occupations in front-line public protection services
• 431 - Occupations in front-line public protection services

4311 - Police officers (except commissioned)

Police officers protect the public, detect and prevent crime and perform other activities directed at maintaining law and order. They are employed by municipal and federal governments and some provincial and regional governments. This unit group includes railway police.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • community relations officer - police
  • constable
  • crime prevention constable
  • detective - police
  • harbour police officer
  • highway patrol officer
  • police cadet
  • police diver
  • police officer
  • police sergeant
  • railway police officer
  • RCMP officer

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers, n.e.c. (4423)
  • Commissioned police officers (0431)
  • Private detectives (See 6541 Security guards and related security service occupations)
  • Sheriffs and bailiffs (4421)

• Main duties

  Police officers perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Patrol assigned areas to maintain public safety and order and to enforce laws and regulations
  • Investigate crimes and accidents, secure evidence, interview witnesses, compile notes and reports and provide testimony in courts of law
  • Arrest criminal suspects
  • Provide emergency assistance to victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters
  • Participate in crime prevention, public information and safety programs
  • May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other police officers.

• Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.
  • Completion of 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 provided.
  • Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met, and psychological or other tests may also be required.
  • Experience as a constable and the completion of specialized courses are required for detectives and sergeants.

• Additional information

  • Progression to commissioned police officer positions is possible with additional training and experience.