Frequently Asked Questions

The time required to complete all stages of the selection process will vary. It’s also affected by the applicants availability and overall preparedness. An applicant who is successful at each stage may still take anywhere from 3 – 6 months to complete the required stages.

The EPS Recruiting and Selection Unit works closely with all applicants to ensure an efficient process where possible. We are happy to assist with applicant tips and preparedness advice throughout the process.

If you’re interested in a policing career with the EPS, we would recommend familiarizing yourself with the minimum requirements and our 8 stage application process to begin. Once you have an understanding of the basics, our office is here to assist you with any further questions.

In addition to offering an exciting and rewarding career, the EPS provides an excellent benefits package to police officers:

• Competitive salary is provided from day one of training
• Opportunities for promotion & advancement
• Paid further education & training opportunities
• Paid vacation
• Comprehensive medical and dental plans
• Life insurance plans
• Professional development courses, tuition reimbursement (within established guidelines)
• Career counselling and employee assistance programs
• More on why EPS is a great career option

To complete your online application through APATS, you will be required to submit information across multiple forms and supporting documents. Please view the application process requirements for details.

All new EPS Recruits hired as a sworn police officer begin their careers in patrol. The fundamental training new police officers receive in Patrol ensures a dynamic training opportunity to both assess and improve your skills to handle a wide variety of situations and tasks.

After 2-3 years police officers with an exemplary record of achievement can then pursue other career placement opportunities in specialized units and roles within EPS. With dozens of units, there are multiple options to expand your career based on personal and professional career goals.

Applicants are required to successfully complete the APCAT prior to taking the Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police Officers (A-PREP). The APCAT is a job-related written examination. You no longer need to have submitted an application prior to writing exams.

The process can be competitive as we hire year round, but have a limited number of available spaces to hire new recruits. How many we hire each year depends on many factors but we typically have 2 – 3 Recruit Classes each year.

EPS Recruiters will work closely with applicants to provide feedback, guidance and recommendations on their application. A good rule of thumb is ensuring you are prepared for the requirements of the application process, and become familiarized with the application requirements. A good indicator of applicant readiness is ensuring they are prepared for each stage in the process.

To apply, a candidate should have no criminal activity detected or undetected (within three years) of the application date. In addition no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted.

If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact our office.

The Edmonton Police Service Substance Use Policy has been amended to remove the prohibition on cannabis use by sworn members. All EPS officers are responsible for ensuring they are fit for duty, and understanding how any substance may impact their workplace safety.

If you have specific questions, please contact our office.

For applicants out of the City or Province, we work collaboratively to ensure all necessary testing, appointments and interviews can be completed in a timely manner. Depending on the scenario we may be able to complete all stages within a week to avoid repeat visits for the applicant.

Please note, timelines vary based on the applicant.

We are currently only accepting applications from those with Permanent Resident (PR) status. If you have been granted Permanent Resident (PR) status, you may submit an application to the EPS after arrival in Canada. You would then enter into the regular recruit selection process.

Learn more here.

The EPS has an experienced officers program (EOP) that is designed to accelerate training to only 5 weeks (compared to 27 weeks a new EPS recruit receives). EOP hires are also provided with specific transfers, salary and pension options.

Learn more about Experienced Canadian Officers.

We have recently re-started the ride along program, however priority is being provided to applicants who are currently in the process.

The EPS recognizes that Canadian Forces military police officers often have experiences similar to those of civilian police. These experiences may qualify a candidate for special consideration within the EPS. It is important to note applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

For more information please contact our office.

The purpose of the pre-employment polygraph examination is to prevent infiltration and/or corruption within the Edmonton Police Service. This means being 100% truthful throughout the entire application process (i.e. information supplied on the Personal Disclosure Form and responses given during the PDI). If an applicant has made a mistake, or a misstatement on their employment application, or when they have additional disclosure(s) or new information, they should inform their file manager or polygraph examiner prior to the in-test portion of the pre-employment polygraph examination.

Most applicants are curious about the pre-employment polygraph examination procedure and will seek out information prior to attending their scheduled appointment. We encourage applicants to research common sources of information including, but not limited to, the following sources:

• Polygraph Association
• Other police applicants (ie: current co-workers, run with recruiters);
• Current police officers
• Family/friends
• Social media
• Television and movies
• Podcasts (ie. Gil Witte-Episode 4 of the police applicant podcast)

It’s important for applicants to recognize there is much misinformation and disinformation regarding the use of polygraphs specifically as part of a hiring process, the accuracy of the results, and what applicants should/should not do during their pre-employment polygraph procedure. Misinformation and bad advice account for some applicants not successfully completing this stage. The polygraph examiner will openly discuss any or all these sources of information with the applicant prior to the in-test portion of the procedure and ensure that each applicant is fully informed and set up for success.

Most applicants become nervous, anxious or apprehensive when they are asked to submit to a pre-employment polygraph examination. This is normal and will NOT affect the results in any way. The examiner will answer all questions the applicant may have prior to conducting the in-test portion of the procedure. Applicants are encouraged to discuss and/or explain any issues that cause them concern. The examiner will review the test questions and answers with the applicant prior to the in-test portion of the procedure. The polygraph examiner will ensure that each applicant is very well prepared for their pre-employment polygraph.

Ensure you maintain a normal routine prior to attending; ie: taking prescriptions as prescribed, adequate rest, nutrition, and consuming normal quantities of coffee/tea. The procedure takes approximately 4-6 hours.