Information: Canadian Police Interview Program
The police interview stage is one of the most significant parts of the hiring process.
Services use several interview styles to assess judgment, values, professionalism, and suitability for police work.
This page provides a brief overview of what to expect.
What Police Interviews Typically Include
Police services commonly use a combination of:
- Behavioural interviews (“Tell me about a time…” based on competencies)
- Situational interviews (How you would respond to job-relevant scenarios)
- Role-play interviews (Simulated interactions to evaluate conduct, composure, and communication)
- Values-based interviews (Assessing alignment with policing ethics, standards, and service values)
Each interview type evaluates different aspects of suitability for policing, such as judgment, emotional regulation, communication, integrity, and professionalism.
How to Prepare for Police Interviews
Effective interview preparation includes:
- Understanding interview styles
- Learning how to structure responses
- Building strong scenario examples
- Identifying gaps and correcting them
- Practising delivery, clarity, and composure
- Understanding behavioural expectations in police culture
- Ensuring alignment with service values
A polished interview stage significantly increases the likelihood of progressing.