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Exemption Process

Publication date: March 20, 2024

Section 2.0 – Training for Police Officers
Sub Section 2.2 – Exemptions
Subject 2.2.1P – Exemption Process

Effective: January 30, 2012
Revised: February 1, 2015, March 12, 2021 and February 18, 2025

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Definitions

Certified Constable: An Officer appointed under section 14.07, 14.15 or 26 of the Police Act who is certified by the Director of the Police Academy to have:

(i) Successfully completed the Police Recruit Training Program (Blocks I, II, III, and IV), or
(ii) Been exempted from Blocks I, II, and III of the Police Recruit Training Program and successfully completed Block IV of the Police Recruit Training Program.

Director: The Director of Police Services referred to in section 39 (1) of the Police Act.

Director of the Police Academy: The person employed to administer the Police Academy and to ensure that the training of recruits, Qualified and Certified Constables is in compliance with the Standards set by the Director of Police Services under section 40.01(1) of the Police Act, as amended from time to time.

Experienced Applicant: A person whose previous police training and experience satisfies the conditions set out in the BC Provincial Policing Standards for appointment as an Officer under section 14.07, 14.15 or 26 of the Police Act without completion of the Police Recruit Training Program or a request for an exemption.

Field Trainer: A Certified Constable who is appointed by their Chief Constable or Chief Officer to supervise students of the Police Recruit Training Program during their practicum periods.

Officer: A constable appointed under the Police Act or an enforcement officer appointed under section 14.15 of the Police Act.

Police Academy: The entity authorized by the Director of Police Services to administer provincially-approved recruit and advanced training for Municipal Constables, Designated Constables and Enforcement Officers.

Police Recruit Training Program: Periods of training at or under the auspices of the Police Academy during which recruits will acquire the knowledge, skills, experience and understanding to function as police officers. The Police Recruit Training Program is divided into four distinct blocks of training:

(a) The first and third are comprised of curriculum developed by the Police Academy in consultation with the Police Training Advisory Committee and in compliance with standards set by the Director of Police Services;
(b) The second block is a practicum monitored by the Director of the Police Academy or designate, during which the recruit works under the direct supervision of a Field Trainer; and
(c) The fourth block is a minimum one-year field practicum requiring a satisfactory competency-based assessment of performance by the recruit’s supervisor and approved by the recruit’s Chief Constable or Chief Officer and Training Officer and certified by the Director of the Police Academy.

Police Training Advisory Committee: A committee chaired by a member of the Police Academy Chief's Committee and comprised of police representatives, to advise on the training programs conducted by the Police Academy.

Qualified Constable: An Officer appointed under section 14.07, 14.15 or 26 of the Police Act who is certified by the Director of the Police Academy to have:

(i) Successfully completed Blocks I, II, and III of the Police Recruit Training Program, or
(ii) Been exempted from Blocks I, II, and/or III of the Police Recruit Training Program.

Training Officer: An Officer who has been appointed by their Chief Constable or Chief Officer to administer the training obligations of the police service and attend meetings of the Police Training Advisory Committee.

Policy Directive

In accordance with Standard (7) of BCPPS 2.1.1 Recruit and Advanced Training, the Chief Constable or Chief Officer must apply to the Director to exempt a candidate from attending the Police Recruit Training Program.

Candidates from within Canada may meet the conditions for appointment without an exemption request. Please refer to Standard (3) of BCPPS 2.1.1 Recruit and Advanced Training for more information.

Candidates from outside Canada must complete the Police Recruit Training Program.

(1) Exemption candidates from within Canada:

(a) The Chief Constable or Chief Officer must submit a written request to the Director to consider a candidate’s exemption from Blocks I, II and III of the Police Recruit Training Program. Candidates must complete Block IV.
(b) The request must include a description of the candidate's previous police experience, all education and training transcripts, a minimum of two reference letters confirming the competence and expertise claimed, and verification, through professional assessment or through physical testing using a recognized protocol, that the candidate is physically fit to perform the duties of a police officer.
(c) If the Director is satisfied that the candidate is eligible for consideration, the Director will refer the candidate to the Police Academy for a written exam.
(d) The Police Academy will coordinate the written exam. To be exempted from the Police Recruit Training Program (Blocks I, II and III only), candidates must score at least 70% on the written exam. The Director of the Police Academy will notify in writing the Chief Constable or Chief Officer and the Director of the candidate’s test results and the Police Academy’s decision on exemption. The Director of the Police Academy may specify additional training requirements or attach conditions to the exemption. These training requirements may include the courses required for Experienced Applicants under Standard (4) Of BCPPS 2.1.1 Recruit and Advanced Training and any additional courses deemed appropriate in the circumstances by the Director of the Police Academy.
(e) If the Director of the Police Academy certifies a candidate as exempt from Block I, II and III of the Police Recruit Training Program, the candidate attains the status of Qualified Constable.
(f) A candidate who receives an exemption from Blocks I, II and III of the Police Recruit Training Program must complete Block IV and attain the status of Certified Constable within 12 months.

(2) General

The Director of the Police Academy, in consultation with the Director, shall make policies regarding the examination and testing of skills, the distribution of study material, periods of time for familiarization of program content, rewriting of examinations, invigilation and like matters relevant to the exemption process.