Questions?

Common Questions

Women often have common questions when they start thinking about a career in policing. Below are some topics that may help you with your decision about a career with the EPS.

Physical Ability

A high level of fitness is required to meet the physical readiness evaluation requirements, and to do the job. Training a week before your Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police Officers (A-PREP) probably won’t cut it! We are looking for healthy, fit people who have incorporated active living into their lifestyle.

Start training now and with commitment and determination, you will set yourself up for success. Be prepared by checking out Fit to Serve (a physical readiness evaluation), which details the assessment and provides some training tips.

The A-PREP is an unbiased and valid assessment tool developed to effectively identify individuals who possess the physical capabilities needed to meet the demands of policing. It is not geared more toward men. But remember, physical fitness does not happen overnight — the recruits that do well in training have incorporated physical activity into their lifestyle.

Recruit training is both physically and mentally hard — expect to be challenged! The key to success is preparation. Everyone in class is expected to give 100% and all members of the team will support and encourage you. It’s a team atmosphere. Regardless of gender, there is an expectation that you will keep up and come fit (ready to serve).

Job Suitability

Women are valued for their unique approach to policing, their enthusiasm for the job and their willingness to help the community. Male officers appreciate the contributions female officers make and will often request to work alongside them in different areas.

Dangers of the Job

Police officers (both male and female) are extensively trained. Although officers are often called into risky situations, they are equipped with the knowledge, tools and skills to handle all of the situations that they may encounter. You will never go into a call alone. Team members are frequently called in to support officers when they begin a call.

Being fit and training hard helps you develop into a strong and competent police officer. Our officers are expected to diffuse situations and take control. For example, we train recruits in “verbal judo”, which is just one of the tools that officers have when encountering difficult situations.

Family Life

Many female officers want to start a family someday and are concerned about the practicalities of doing this with shift work and varying schedules. It can be challenging, especially in the first part of your career. But it can be done with time management and support.

During training, you will definitely need to create a strong support system, as it is very strenuous and taxing on your time, energy and emotional state. After three to five years in patrol, you can apply to different areas within the EPS where the shift schedules may be more conducive to family.

A large part of family life is where you live and where your children go to school. The EPS tries to accommodate your preferred place of work (division), but you may not get that choice. Once you are in your preferred division, you can stay there until you’re ready to apply to a different posting. We are a city-specific police service, so you won’t be posted to other cities.

If you have further questions, please email us or call us at 780-421-2233 or 1-866-777-0815. You can also drop by and talk to one of our recruiters at the EPS Recruiting Centre, located at 10177-97 Street.