Edmonton police recruit in Calgary

Force looks to add 140 new officers this year and 80 more in 2017

The Edmonton Police Service is bringing its recruitment efforts to Calgary, as the force looks to add 140 new officers this year and another 80 in 2017.

Edmonton police were attending a Calgary career fair Tuesday and, in a new step, EPS will also host a local information session for potential applicants this week.

About 150 people have already signed up for the session at Bow Valley College on Sept. 14, said Const. Carmen Fidler with the Edmonton police.

“There’s quite a bit of interest,” Fidler said, noting EPS used to only host information sessions in Edmonton and in other provinces. The force has also hosted some information sessions in Alberta towns.

“We weren’t getting quite the draw that we’d hoped for, so that’s why we’re coming back to Calgary,” she said.

Fidler said EPS has the support of the Calgary police in coming here to recruit new officers.

Applicants often apply to the police services in both Calgary and Edmonton.

“We do work together, because we have the same kind of testing and we do have a lot of applicants sometimes that are in the process for both cities at the same time,” she said.

Fidler said EPS is looking for people of good character who are physically fit.

“And we’re looking for all varieties of backgrounds, whether it’s education, work experience — it’s all going to be valuable to us,” she said.

A large number of officers have been retiring from the Edmonton Police Service over the past couple of years, said Fidler, and the force is trying to keep its numbers even as the city grows.

Coun. Ward Sutherland, a member of the Calgary police commission, noted current unemployment levels could translate to a lot of candidates.

“One of the advantages that the police department has here is the cadet program ... which is a real good pre-screening.

“And then you’re looking at really good candidates, because you want to reduce turnover as much as possible and ensure that you’re hiring the right individuals,” he said.

New EPS recruits go through about nine months of paid training before becoming police officers.

Officers make $75,733 after two years of service.

We’re looking for all varieties of backgrounds, whether it’s education, work experience — it’s all going to be valuable to us.