Job prospects Police Officer in British Columbia

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "police officer" in British Columbia or across Canada.

Job opportunities in British Columbia

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be very good for Police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in British Columbia for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Several positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Persistent shortages in this occupation are present throughout the province due to retirements and recruitment challenges.

The RCMP is also facing shortages throughout the province as municipal forces draw many potential recruits.

The new Surrey Police Service will create opportunities for this occupation in the Lower Mainland-Southwest region.

Based on the Statistics Canada 2023 Crime Severity Index, B.C. experienced a decrease in violent crime (-4%) while non-violent crimes increased (+7%). Retail theft (shoplifting) valued at more than $5,000 in B.C. have been increasing.

Here are some key facts about Police officers (except commissioned) in British Columbia:

• Approximately 11,700 people work in this occupation.
• Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 67%
  • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 28%
• 87% of police officers (except commissioned) work all year, while 13% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 76% compared to 52% for all occupations
  • Women: 24% compared to 48% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 13% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: 35% compared to 22% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in British Columbia by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Job prospects elsewhere in Canada

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "police officer" Police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) or across Canada.

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