Company: Vancouver Police Department

Position: Constable

Where did you go to school? What program did you attend?
I attended Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Burnaby, BC from September 1993 to April of 1998. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology with a communications minor.

What drew you to your current field?
Policing was not a career I had ever considered, mainly because I had limited knowledge of what policing is all about. I did not consider a career in law enforcement until I attended the Vancouver Police Department Information Session at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) in 2002. After hearing the information firsthand in regards to the VPD, my mind was set to pursue a long-term career with this Department. It was the first time I felt like I'd found a career that reflected what I wanted to do. I have to admit that I never knew what my "dream" job would be. As some people may be able to relate, I was still unsure as to what my next educational or career step would be upon graduating from SFU (it's extremely frustrating).

How did you find your current position?
In 2002, my close friend from high school and current roommate had just completed a co-op term through the SFU Criminology Program. Through this program, she worked with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) on a youth-at-risk project. She enjoyed her work experience and learned there was a high level of job satisfaction among police officers. She recommended a career in law enforcement and encouraged me to attend a VPD Information Session. In addition to the Information Session, I spoke with Vancouver police officers regarding their experiences at work, their level of job satisfaction and went on a ride-along with a patrol unit on a night shift. The feedback from the officers I spoke to, as well as, my experience on the ride-along only confirmed my decision to apply for a job with the VPD.

Tell us a bit about your responsibilities.
In patrol, we work 11-hour shifts for four days (the next four days are your days off). You drive a police vehicle on your own or with a partner and respond to 911 calls that come into your district. As a constable on patrol, I assume the role of primary responder in the police mandate to maintain peace, order and security in this District. In this role, constables perform the functions of response, referral, prevention, public education, crime solving, and law enforcement.

What is the most challenging aspect of your position?
The job itself is challenging and exciting. There's always room for improvement and learning. I motivate myself by setting realistic goals I would like to achieve. I work with a lot of police officers that possess excellent skills or qualities that I would like to attain. My peers and my co-workers are a motivation factor as well. I'm motivated to do the best job possible because I'm immersed in a work environment where there's great camaraderie and teamwork.

How do you feel your job makes a difference?
You know you've made a difference when people you come into contact with recognize what you've done and they express their gratitude. This is where I get satisfaction from my job. Policing definitely makes a difference in any community.

Is there one accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
The accomplishment that I am most proud of is continuously working on developing members of my team, by giving them constructive feedback as well as opportunities they require to develop and achieve their career aspirations.

What are your future career aspirations?
I would like to stay in General Patrol duties for at least four to six more years before I consider going to a specialty unit/section. I really enjoy being out on patrol and there is so much to learn. I would like to develop my patrol skills to the best of my abilities.

What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
In my case, it really helped making a list of what I wanted in a long-term career. Use available resources in your community or school to see what kind of jobs are out there and what you need to do as far as training/education to obtain the job. Also, it really helps to speak with people who are already on the job that you are interested in. They really provide insight to what the job is truly about. Most people are honest about the positive as well as the negative aspects of the job. jp
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