Police Constable

• 18 years of age.
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (Landed Immigrant).
• Grade 12 Diploma; G.E.D. Certificate; or equivalent*
• No involvement in any criminal activity within the last two years (including illegal drugs).
• No criminal record for which a Pardon has not been granted.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License (Full).
• No more than four demerits on Driver's Abstract as assessed by the Winnipeg Police Service.
• Must meet current Winnipeg Police Service vision standards.
• Must meet current Winnipeg Police Service hearing standards.
• Successful completion of the Winnipeg Police Service – Physical Abilities Test

* Recognized Canadian assessment services are members of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC). They offer a variety of assessment products including basic/general or comprehensive/detailed reports. While either type of report can be submitted, only a basic/general report is required.

Preferred qualifications

Applicants possessing any of the preferred qualifications noted below, in addition to all of the required minimum qualifications, will be considered more competitive during the selection process.

1. Post-secondary education
2. Demonstrated commitment to the community through volunteer experience
3. Police-related work or volunteer experience
4. Stable work history involving a position of leadership, responsibility and trust
5. Work and/or volunteer experience involving significant interaction with the public
6. Knowledge of a second language or culture
7. Applied knowledge of computers and basic keyboard skills

The selection process for out-of-town applicants will require that they travel to Winnipeg on several occasions. All travel and relocation costs will be the responsibility of the applicant.

• Trip 1:  Written test & WPS Physical Abilities Test
• Trip 2:  Panel interview & background interview
• Trip 3:  Psychological & medical testing

Applicants are advised they may incur some costs associated with the application process.

Specifically, your application must include:

• Your driver’s abstract: $10.00
• High School Transcript: $15.00

As you progress through the application process, you may also incur expenses for:

• post-secondary transcripts:  $13.00to $28.00
• physical abilities test:  $75.00
• physical abilities test medical (if necessary):  $75.00 to $100
• vision testing: $80.00 to $100.00
• Hearing testing: $80.00 to $100.00
• First Aid/CPR: $140.00
• Class 4 Drivers license: $45.00 
• child and adult abuse registry checks:  $40.00

**Fees quoted are approximate**

Please also note that the Winnipeg Police Service has taken steps to reduce the financial impact on applicants who meet the Low Income Cut-off as established by the Federal Government.

Written test

The Winnipeg Police Service Written Test is an 105 minute multiple choice test that focuses on theskills that are essential to working in law enforcement. The test covers 8 areas; and measures your understanding of the following:

• Working Memory
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Applied Math
• Police Logic
• Problem Solving
• Map Navigation
• Reading Comprehension

The pass mark is 65%.

Applicants who pass the written test with a mark of 65% or better hold that mark for four years which is applicable for the Constable and Cadet Application process.

There is a five (5) attempt maximum for the written test. This includes constable and cadet attempts. After the 5th failed attempt, you will be deferred for life.

Written Test Study Guide (PDF, 2.3MB)

Winnipeg Police Service Physical Abilities Test (WPS-PAT)

The WPS-PAT is conducted in a gymnasium with the applicant wearing clothing appropriate for physical activity and consists of:

• Running 400 metres (1/4 mile) over a six lap course. This includes climbing up and down stairs, jumping over low obstacles.
• Following the six laps the applicant moves to the push/pull station where they will pull and push against 80 lbs of resistance while moving in a controlled half circle. Two controlled falls to the chest (roll over to the front and stand) are completed after each group of three pulls or three pushes. This sequence is repeated twice.
• Following the push/pull station the applicant completes the test by lifting and carrying 80 lbs a distance of 50 feet.
• The WPS-PAT test must be completed within 4 minutes and 15 seconds.

Note: A WPS-PAT certificate in not required to apply, is valid for one year and must be completed prior to the panel interview

Applicants selected to proceed to the P.A.T. will be notified by email.

Helpful information about the WPS-PAT:

• Training Tips: How to prepare for the WPS-PAT (PDF, 612KB) 
• For further information, please visit the University of Manitoba Recreation Services website

All successful applicants or Recruit Constables are required to attend the Winnipeg Police Training Academy located in Winnipeg Police Headquarters.

Recruits are full time employees and receive salary and benefits during training.  Training is Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) and consists of 36 weeks and is broken down as follows:

• 18 weeks of academics in law and law enforcement.
• 16 weeks of field training.
• Two weeks back at the academy for additional academics and graduation prep.

Recruit Constables must successfully complete both the academic and field training programs which include;

• firearms training.
• police vehicle operations.
• use-of-force training.

Probationary period

Police Constables must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of two years from the date of appointment.

Additional training opportunities

The Winnipeg Police Service supports and encourages their members to continue their police training and education. Numerous opportunities are provided for all police personnel to participate in advance courses of study offered at:

• The Winnipeg Police Training Academy.
• Canadian Police College.
• Other venues within Canada and the United States.

Vision standards

Please have the Ophthalmologist and Optometrist complete the  vision form (PDF, 29KB).

This form is valid for a one year period from the test date.

If applicable, those who have had refractive surgery will require an eye surgery form (PDF, 34KB).

The Winnipeg Police Service is not responsible for any costs incurred for the vision tests and completion of subsequent forms.

Uncorrected vision:

• 20/20 Vision both eyes.

Corrective lenses needed:

• With corrective lenses at least 20/20 with both eyes.
• Without corrective lenses at least 20/40 both eyes with one eye no worse than 20/80.

Colour vision:

• Colour vision should be normal.

Peripheral vision:

• 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 20 degrees above and below the fixation point with both eyes.

Corrective surgery:

• No significant difficulty with glare or night vision.
• No significant diurnal instability in visual testing or function.
• Additional medical information is required for applicants who have had surgery and have completed a Minimum waiting period of six months post-op.

Hearing standards

Please have the Audiologist or Otolaryngologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist of your choice complete the hearing form (PDF, 243KB).

This form is valid for a one year period from the test date.

Hearing loss in both ears to be no greater than:

Additional information regarding the hearing standard can be obtained by contacting the Occupational Health Branch at 204-986-5218 

• Pure tone hearing loss no greater than 25 dB in both ears in the 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 Hz range. 
• No single frequency shall exceed 35 dB in the 500- 3000 Hz range.
• The 4000 Hz shall not exceed 45 dB.
• Complete In-Canal hearing aides are allowed.

*Above salary schedule is as of February 11, 2024.

Note: Fourth Class Constables are on probation for a 24 months.

The Winnipeg Police Service offers a lateral entry program to those individuals who are interested in continuing their policing career with the Winnipeg Police Service. To be eligible as a lateral entry candidate, an applicant must meet the following requirements in addition to the minimum qualifications:

1. Be a serving member of a Canadian police organization whose standards and training are comparable to those of the Winnipeg Police Service, as determined by the Winnipeg Police Recruiting/Human Resources Unit.
2. Be eligible for an honourable discharge from the police service of which they are a current member.
3. Have a minimum of two years of continuous police experience post training.

Lateral Entry applicants will be required to follow the same recruitment process as that of a Police Constable, however they are not required to complete the written test.

Training

Lateral entry constables are required to attend the Winnipeg Police Training Academy for instructional courses, which commence following appointment and constitute part of regular duties.

Paid training is broken down as follows:

• Academics – Six weeks maximum dependent upon previous training and experience.
• Field Training - 12 weeks.
• Assessment by a Coach Officer.

Lateral Entry candidates must successfully complete both the Academic and Field Training program. This includes passing:

• firearms training.
• police vehicle operations.
• use-of-force training.

Classification and salary level

All successful lateral entry constables begin earning a salary, at a rank determined by the Winnipeg Police Service, upon appointment.

The following schedule will be used to determine the classification of a lateral entry constable:

*Above salary schedule is as of February 11, 2024.

Providing all requirements and standards have been met, a lateral entry constable will advance one increment at a time on the anniversary date of their hiring until they have attained First Class Constable.

Only actual service with the Winnipeg Police Service will be considered for increments above the rank of First Class Constable.

Probationary period

Lateral entry candidates must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of two years from the date of appointment.