The Moose Jaw Police Service is focusing on recruitment to add new members to the force.
At last week’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting, Acting Superintendent Cam Lewis spoke about the required steps for potential recruits after their initial application.
The process includes taking the SIGMA police test and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, undergoing POPAT testing of physical capabilities, and participating in a pre-employment polygraph and an interview. A background check and medical examination are also required.
Before an offer is officially given to applicants, they also undergo an interview with the Chief of Police. “You get to look the Chief in the eye, and the Chief gets to determine if he likes the cut of their jib,” said Lewis.
Police Chief Rick Bourassa explained that the whole process is provincially legislated, including the meeting with the Chief of Police. “I don’t know anything about what they’re doing until we get to that point, and then I read the whole file, and then go through my final interview with people.”
For the current intake, Lewis said he anticipated that selections will be made by mid-November, with conditional offers by December.
“I say conditional, because they have to actually test for POPAT a second time within 60 days of the beginning of their employment at the Saskatchewan Police College and the recruit training,” he explained.
The board approved an increase in operating strength for the MJPS from 64 to 72 members during last month’s meeting due to an increase in funding expected next year. They are currently operating with 60 members.
Ideally, they are looking to have 4 applicants sent to the police college in January to get back to their baseline operating strength, with a further 11 by January 2026 between the spring and fall intakes next year to account for the new operating strength and attrition.
Lewis said that forces across Canada are experiencing reduced numbers of applicants, noting that the MJPS received 20 applications for their current hiring process. He added that over 25 years ago, they saw over 300 applications.
Recruitment efforts will be primarily focusing on nearby colleges and universities, area career fairs, Moose Jaw Warriors games, and social media.
Applicants are required to be at least 19 years old, but a post-secondary degree is not needed. “We see a benefit to bringing in diverse peoples from all walks of life and backgrounds,” said Lewis.