Job prospects Peace Officer in the Outaouais Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Police officers (except commissioned) in the Outaouais Region. There were more job openings than workers available to fill them in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be moderate for Police officers (except commissioned) (NOC 42100) in the Outaouais region for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

Employment in this occupation is primarily dependent on government spending on police services. Although the demand for prevention services is growing, its impact is limited on the occupation, given the small increase in funding at the federal and provincial levels. At the municipal level, many cities are facing fiscal challenges and have had to cut spending on these services. 

However, additional funds have recently been allocated to tackle gun violence, which will have a positive impact on employment. 

In addition, the practice of this occupation is influenced by new ways of organizing work, technological innovations requiring upgrading, and legislative changes requiring knowledge upgrading. 

Interventions with vulnerable clients with mental health or criminal problems will continue to increase, placing positive pressure on this occupation. 

Recruiting and retaining police officers, especially in large cities, will remain a major challenge. Greater exposure to risky situations during patrols is one of the many reasons that helps to explain why there is still a large number of vacancies. 

Here are some key facts about Police officers (except commissioned) in the Outaouais region:

• Approximately 1,070 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Police officers (except commissioned) mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 44%
  • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 37%
  • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 19%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology