Canadian cop2be

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Just wondering if any Canadians out there trying to get on with the RCMP or Calgary Police? I have interviews with Calgary coming up in Jan 2002. With respects to the rcmp, I passed the RPAT test but haven't heard anything yet. Looking forward to Calgary. Their physical test is the same as rcmp but instead of the 4min and 45 sec. Calgary is 4min flat. I took a practise test at the Y and I did it in 3min and 25sec.
Anyway just seeing if anyone is out there?
Glenn 8)

['Guest']

I hope all goes well. The best part is that you should know if you have the job in January.  I would not be concerned about the interview.  As long as you prepare and respond with real situations you won't have to bullshit.  It's just like telling a story.  I personally found the RCMP interview to be more difficult.  The only reason was that he asked so many stupid questions; for example, tell when your life was in danger, yah whatever.  So what is Calgarys hiring situation like now.  Why do you have to wait so long for your interview?  Good luck!

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I live in Victoria. I wrote for them in Vancouver on Oct 5,6. I passed the apcat with 103 out of 120. But the wct I missed one important fact on the fact sheet. I included it in the report, but thats not good enough. I couldn't believe it. On my way home I realized what it was..one of the main facts, how simple but stupid. They were impressed with the apcat score so I have to wait until Jan to rewrite just that part of it. I will fly out there to do it. I keep going over it in my head, so I know exactly what to do. So since I am out there,they  have set up all the interviews.As long as I pass the wct exam. Which I know that I will. I going to do the pare on Nov 4, so I will have everything ready to go. I am pretty pumped up over this. Never been so determined in my life of thirty four years. I should of done this ten years ago. The last ten years have gone by so fast it is hard to believe it. Anyway Calgary seems to be hiring and they were recommended by a couple of rcmp members. They said they have a good police force. It showed at the information session, the guys were really straight forward and anwsered questions with the respect that they love working for Calgary. It has been years since I was in Calgary, it has changed a lot I can only imagine. So did you get on with the rcmp?
Glenn 8)

['Guest']

I put my application into the Calgary Police just a few days ago, hopefully I should hear something in a few weeks about testing.  Did you hear that they have shortened the training from 24 weeks to 21 because they need cops on the street as fast as possible.  Calgary is desperate for Cops right now so we should be in a pretty good position.  Good luck to you and keep me posted on how you do, I will let you know how my app works out.

['Guest']

Have you applied with the agencies in the lowerMainland?  Most agencies in the west are hiring right now.  What about West Vancouver, Victoria etc.  Calgary Police has a good reputation, but, do you want to live in the City of Calgary?  I prefer the climate and lifestyle on the West Coast as opposed to the prairies.  Have you done the POPAT?  I am curious how difficult it is.

[Glenn]

I have applied to Detla and West Van. Delta is only hiring two officers. About three hundred applied so the chances are slim. West Van I wrote last night. They are looking for six officers,   and about one hundred were there writing. I will find out by Monday if I passed and go on to do the POPAT. Its along the same lines as the PARE, mind over matter. You must pace yourself and you will do fine if you are in shape. As for Victoria, I wasn't impressed by them when I went down to see if they were hiring. Oak Bay police, well one would probably have to be born into that one. Sannich police aren't hiring right now, as well as Central Sannich police. The other such as Sidney, North Sannich, Colwood, View Royal, and Langford are RCMP. It is crazy that the size of Victoria and area of about 350,000 people have, seven different police departments. In my opinion things would work a lot better if they just had the one department with several detachments. But like I said, thats my opinion and I would take up to much space talking about it.
If I have to move to Calgary for a job as a police officer, I most certainly would. The west coast is nice, but it does has it set backs, espically on the island. So a move to Calgary would be a nice change in ones life. Calgary police have been recommended by serval RCMP officers. They said they are one of the best departments to work for.
Anyway thats about it for now, I will let you know on my progress.
Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.
Glenn 8)

[Glenn]

Well I did the POPAT on Nov 1. It is demanding,but it is doable. They allow you 4 min and 15 sec. My time was 3 min and 40 sec.  ;DSo if you are prepared you can make it. There were a few who did not pass it though. So now I hope to make the next cut and get an interview with West Vancouver Police. Anyway I will keep you posted.
Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.
Glenn 8)

['Guest']

What kind of training schedule do you have?  How much running do you do?  How much would you recommend to pass the popat including the 2.4km run?  My friends who have been to the JI for training have said that all you really need to worry about is passing the popat.  They have said that in training, the level of physical fitness training is quite easy. For example, when they did group runs, they kept pace with the slowest, who in their class happened to be quite slow.  Way to keep at it, keep me informed.

[Glenn]

JJ
I did variable training. First I don't smoke so thats a plus, second I quit drinking alcohol all together. Next I cut down on the munching and ate better foods. I lost about 20lbs in 4 months. I am six foot two and I now wiegh between 195 and 200. Next was a lot of walking on the hiking trails where I live by Goldstream park. I also ran along the rail way tracks, short distances at first, then increasing as time went by. I also started hiking up Mt Finlyson. If you know it, it is steep. And those stairs at the start, about 150 of them, I would hike up the mountain one day and next day just run up and down the stairs until I was dead tired, and then pushed it more. On the rainy ugly days I was at the Y. Tread mill at a good incline, bike,and the stair master. My 85% heart rate for my age is between 160 and 165 bpm. So I made sure I reached that and maintained it for at least 10min. You have to get used to that aching feeling in your legs, that lack tose acid.(dont ask me how to spell it). Then in the arobics gym I set up a small obstacle course. Jumping over the 5 foot mat and knee high stuff. Push ups and sit ups help.
Yeah it sounds tough, it is..but if you prepare you will be fine. REMEBER to pace yourselve during the 6 laps. I saw young guys in there early 20's fly out of the gate, and by the 5th lap they were out of steam. I am 34 and my time for the popat was 3.40. I also did the pare for Calgary two days later, my time was 3.27 So for an old fart as some of them said, thats pretty good.
Also hit the weights. Not to bulk up, but to get strength. Lots of reps will do it. I have worked hard labour jobs as in logging, docks and commercial fishing. You will have to learn to give that extra umph! when your tired.
I dont want to scare ya, but just prepare and you will do fine, pace, pace, pace, and breath properly.
Glenn 8)

[Glenn]

Got a call from Delta Police today for an interview in 2 weeks. I was surprised to hear from them. I sort of wrote them off. Now I have to prepare for that. Also, if I pass the first interview there will be the assessment at the J.I. Probably some scenario questions. Any input would be helpful if anyone has been to the assessment part of it at the Justice Insitute.
I will keep you posted.
Glenn 8)

['Guest']

Hey Glenn, congrats, if you got hired by Delta or West Van would you take the job offer right away?  The reason I'm asking is that I understand that Calgary is not putting any training classes through until the summer, would you wait?, or would you take the first offer?  I don't know anybody who has been through the assessment centre.  The people I know went through while it was shut down.  My presumption is to use your common sense.  In the group co-operation exercizes, for example, don't get in an arguing match if you disagree with someone.  From what I understand, it's not that difficult, just use common sense.  I assume they are measuring qualities such as co-operation, support, initiative etc.  So be proactive and offer help and suggestions, give and take, and keep your cool.  I don't what exactly takes place but this is my presumption.

['Guest']

Hey Glenn, congrats, if you got hired by Delta or West Van would you take the job offer right away?  The reason I'm asking is that I understand that Calgary is not putting any training classes through until the summer, would you wait?, or would you take the first offer?  I don't know anybody who has been through the assessment centre.  The people I know went through while it was shut down.  My presumption is to use your common sense.  In the group co-operation exercizes, for example, don't get in an arguing match if you disagree with someone.  From what I understand, it's not that difficult, just use common sense.  I assume they are measuring qualities such as co-operation, support, initiative etc.  So be proactive and offer help and suggestions, give and take, and keep your cool.  I don't know what exactly takes place but I do know they put you in various role playing exercizes with others.

[Glenn]

Thanks Ross, I figure it would be a lot of common sence. I have some books about no win questions relating to police work. I should do fine, I have seen alot of things in my life and from the volunteer program I am on with the rcmp. Have to stay focused.
I havent heard anything about the Calgary training being on hold to the spring. At the information session with them, they came across that they were training on a regluar baises. Maybe I will ask my recruiter next time I talk to her.
But if I make it through the process with Delta and was offered a job, I would take it.
Anyway thats about it for now, chat later.
Glenn 8)