Military Police

As a member of the military, Military Police enforce laws and regulations on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) establishments in Canada and abroad. They serve the entire CAF community, including Regular and Reserve Force members, civilian employees, cadets, and family members.

The primary responsibilities of the Military Police are to:

• Support CAF missions by providing policing and operational support
• Investigate and report incidents involving military or criminal offenses
• Develop and apply crime prevention measures to protect military communities against criminal acts
• Coordinate tasks related to persons held in custody (including military detainees and prisoners of war)
• Provide security at selected Canadian embassies around the world
• Provide service to the community through conflict mediation, negotiation, dispute resolution, public relations and victim assistance
• Perform other policing duties, such as traffic control, traffic-accident investigation, emergency response, and liaison with Canadian, allied and other foreign police forces

All Canadian citizens are entitled to the same rights, privileges and protection under Canadian law, and Military Police are qualified to provide these services to the same standard as every other Canadian police service. Military Police routinely work within the civilian criminal and military justice systems, and are recognized as peace officers in the Criminal Code of Canada. With over 1,250 full‑time members, they form one of the largest police forces in Canada. Military Police provide around-the-clock service to the military community in Canada or around the world, including areas of armed conflict or natural disaster. Most Military Police members work outdoors, on foot or in a vehicle, or in an office setting to take statements or complete documentation.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part-time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full‑time employment.

The minimum required education to apply for this position is graduation from an approved program at a post‑secondary institution. A valid provincial driver’s licence is also required. The ideal candidate will already have a college diploma in Law and Security Administration, Police Foundations or similar program from a recognised Canadian community college. Foreign education may be accepted.

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. Military Police attend the Military Police Academy in Borden, Ontario. Over a six‑month period, they will learn the basics of Canadian civilian and military law, investigative techniques, and acquire skills necessary to perform daily Military Police functions.

Military Police may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training, including:

• Criminal Identification Specialist
• Polygraph examiner
• Major crime investigator
• Crime scene manager
• Major case management
• Drug investigator
• Aircraft security specialist
• Sexual assault and fraud investigations
• Clandestine lab investigator
• Homicide investigator
• Evasive anti‑terror driving
• Strategic intelligence analysis
• Cybercrime investigative technique

As they progress in their career, Military Police who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Interview techniques
• Information security investigation specialist
• Criminal investigator
• Counter‑human intelligence specialist
• Surveillance operator
• Officer safety instructor
• Senior police administration
• Use‑of‑force instructor

The role of the Primary Reserve Military Police (PRes MP) is to augment Regular Force field platoons. These field platoons are designated to maintain high readiness in order to assist with both domestic and foreign operations. Applicants should be physically fit and able to work both independently and in small teams when required. They must possess confidence and strong communication skills. In addition, applicants must be capable of working in all weather conditions and adapting to rapid changes in pace and environment.

The minimum required education to apply for this position is Grade 11. Permanent residence in Canada for a minimum of 3 years and have started a Canadian citizenship application. Preferred but not required valid Provincial Driver’s Licence.

Service in the Reserve Force is entirely voluntary and does not require a fixed Terms of Service. However, the ideal candidate should be prepared to commit to approximately 3–4 years. The Reserve Force training process can take up to two years for applicants to reach Occupational Functional Point (OFP). Following qualification, members are expected to serve an additional two years in an official capacity as trained soldiers.

When tasked or deployed, Military Police Reservists provide around-the-clock service to the military community in Canada and abroad, including in areas affected by armed conflict or natural disasters. Most members work outdoors, either on foot or in vehicles, as well as in office settings where they take statements and complete documentation. If you choose a part-time career with a Reserve Military Police unit, there is no requirement to relocate; however, positions are typically offered to applicants who live within 100 km of the unit.