Whether at home on CF bases or abroad on international missions, Military Police, in conjunction with civilian and allied military police forces, protect and support all components of the CF.

Military Police with the Canadian Forces (CF) serve a community of 200,000 Regular and Reserve Force members, Department of National Defence (DND) civilian employees, cadets, and family members residing on military establishments in Canada and abroad. Whether at home on CF bases or abroad on international missions, Military Police, in conjunction with civilian and allied military police forces, protect and support all components of the CF. With over 1,250 full-time members, they form one of the largest police forces in Canada.

The international scope of the CF requires that Military Police provide services in Canada and around the world. 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 function within the civilian criminal and military justice systems, and are recognised as peace officers in the Criminal Code of Canada.

Specific tasks of Military Police may include:

• Supporting CF missions around the world, by providing policing and operational support
• Enforcing provincial and federal laws and regulations on DND establishments
• Investigating and reporting incidents involving military and/or criminal offences
• Performing other policing duties, such as traffic control, traffic-accident investigation, emergency response, and liaison with Canadian, allied and other foreign police forces
• Developing and applying crime prevention measures to protect military communities against criminal acts
• Coordinating tasks related to persons held in custody (including military detainees and prisoners of war)
• Providing security at selected Canadian embassies around the world
• Providing service to the community through conflict mediation, negotiation, dispute resolution, public relations and victim assistance

Military Police members must be courageous, dedicated, patient, and tactful. They must have good reasoning abilities, good powers of observation, a memory for detail, initiative, physical and mental stamina, and a genuine interest in working with and helping all members of the community. They must also communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The minimum academic requirement is a community college diploma in Law and Security Administration, Police Foundations, or a similar program from a recognised Community College or CEGEP. Related employment experience will also be considered in determining education equivalency.

Candidates must meet CF medical standards and successfully complete a selection process consisting of interviews and a wide range of examinations.

Following the initial screening, all eligible candidates will attend a career orientation and undergo aptitude assessment at a Military Police Assessment Centre (MPAC), to ensure that they have a realistic view of the Military Police occupation and the potential to succeed.

The Military Police occupation provides an opportunity for a challenging and rewarding career in Canada and abroad, with opportunities for career progression and advanced training for those who excel.

In addition to providing police services and maintaining their policing skills, Military Police are required to maintain additional specialist skills. Given the complexity of modern policing in Canada, there is a need for advanced police training. Military Police members who demonstrate the required abilities and ambition will have an opportunity for advanced training through formal courses or on-the-job training. More specialised training may also be available at police colleges and academies in Canada. Listed below are examples of available courses.

Provisional Employment Period

Candidates who successfully complete Basic Military Police Training will be assigned to a Military Police detachment in Canada for a one-year provisional employment, or internship period, where specially trained coach-officers will monitor, mentor and guide them through a formal accreditation process leading to their Military Police certification. The provisional-employment period will cover all aspects of police response, investigation and administration that junior Military Police members encounter in their day-to-day duties.

Advanced Training Courses

• Interview Techniques
• Information Security Investigation Specialist
• Criminal Investigator
• Counter-Human Intelligence Specialist
• Surveillance Operator
• Officer Safety Instructor
• Senior Police Administration

Specialty Training Courses

• Criminal Identification Specialist
• Polygraph Examiner
• Major Crime Investigator
• Crime Scene Manager
• Major Case Management
• Drug Investigator
• Aircraft Security Specialist
• Sexual Assault and Fraud Investigations

Military Police provide around-the-clock service to the military community and may be deployed on military operations anywhere in Canada or around the world, including areas suffering due to armed conflict or natural disasters. They participate in humanitarian support operations, peacekeeping, peacemaking or war fighting, and encounter traumatic events and austere living and working conditions. They are required to overcome physical dangers, with flexibility, innovation and perseverance.

Most Military Police members work outdoors, on foot or in a vehicle, exposed to all climatic conditions. They may spend prolonged hours in a vehicle while responding to service calls, or work indoors meeting people, taking statements or completing necessary documentation. They are frequently subjected to physical and mental stress in situations that require them to exercise their lawful authority. Military police are trained to exercise sound judgement and cope with frequently changing situations while remaining alert.