Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Work Environment

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 choose 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. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum, with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry Requirements

• Graduation from an approved program at a post‑secondary institution (college diploma in Law and Security Administration, Police Foundations or similar program is preferred)
• A valid provincial driver’s licence
• Foreign education may be accepted

Training

All candidates complete the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School. Following BMQ, they attend the Military Police Academy in Borden, Ontario, for a six‑month program covering Canadian civilian and military law, investigative techniques and core policing skills.

After initial training, candidates may pursue specialized courses such as: 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 and Strategic Intelligence Analysis.

Advanced training opportunities include: Interview Techniques, Information Security Investigation Specialist, Criminal Investigator, Counter‑Human Intelligence Specialist, Surveillance Operator, Officer Safety Instructor, Senior Police Administration and Use‑of‑Force Instructor.

Part‑Time (Reserve) Options

The Primary Reserve Military Police (PRes MP) augment Regular Force platoons and support domestic and foreign operations. Candidates must be physically fit, able to work independently and in small teams, and adaptive to all weather conditions.

• Minimum education: Grade 11
• Permanent residence in Canada for a minimum of 3 years, with a pending Canadian citizenship application
• Preferred but not required: valid provincial driver’s licence

Service Requirements

Reserve Force service is voluntary but typically requires a commitment of approximately 3–4 years. Training can take up to two years to reach the Occupational Functional Point (OFP). Following qualification, members are expected to serve an additional two years in an official capacity as trained soldiers. Reservists may train one evening per week and participate in training three to four times per year, including weekend and summer exercises.

Related Careers

• Military Police Officer
• Legal Officer
• Firefighter