Data Analysis - Law Enforcement
There are about 68,773 police officers in Canada representing a police strength ratio of about 190 officers per 100,000 members of the population.1 In addition, as of May 2016, 28,422 civilians were employed by police services across Canada - representing 29% of all police personnel. Civilian employee numbers have risen consistently as a proportion of all police service roles over the past four decades with the majority of growth being experienced at management levels. The numbers employed in roles such as managers, administrators, analysts and scientists has grown gradually since the 1960s. 1
Graduate Recruitment Rising
In 2016, 2,630 police personnel were hired by the police services of Canada – of these hires 86% were recruit graduates, up from the 80% rate that was reported the previous year. The remaining 14% were experienced hires. More than half (52%) were individuals with less than 5 years of service experience. 1
Women in Police
The number of women in Canadian Police Services has been increasing steadily over the past two decades across various ranks. Women made up 21% of all sworn officers as of May 2016. In addition,, women represented 13% of senior officers in 2016, rising considerably from the 6% level reported in 2006 and the under 1% rate that was reported in 1986. 1
Canadian Policing – Useful Insights
Pursuing a degree in law enforcement, such as a BA in Policing, can be a rewarding endeavour that equips you with the skills for a successful career. Wilfrid Laurier University offers two accessible, entirely online degree programs in law enforcement – a Bachelor of Arts in Policing (for experienced officers) and a Bachelor of Arts in Policing and Criminology (for individuals who have no previous policing experience). Graduates of both programs can go on to pursue successful careers in law enforcement whilst enjoying high levels of job satisfaction.
About Wilfrid Laurier University’s online bachelor degree programs
Our online Bachelor of Arts in Policing degree was designed in partnership with law enforcement throughout Canada. The online combined honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Policing serves individuals interested in policing as well as other public safety careers. Laurier’s programs deliver an engaging curriculum designed to improve your critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, the fully fully online courses provide you with the skills to evaluate and apply different perspectives to better operate in your chosen career path.
Data Source:
1 Juristat - Police Resources in Canada 2016, Release Date: March 2017