John Wilson's Qualifications To Become An RCMP Officer

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is perhaps one of the most well-known police forces in the world. Often depicted mounted upon a horse, the iconic Red Serge has become a symbol of Canada and its values: fairness, equality, equity, and social justice. Dating back to 1873, the RCMP was originally known as the North-West Mounted Police. When the NWMP was first established, the requirements to become an officer were very different from the modern RCMP’s. Certain qualifications such as race and religion have since been removed and many regarding health, education and citizenship have been added. To become an RCMP officer today, applicants must meet several requirements and complete an extensive training process, many of which John Wilson does not meet, meaning his application would be rejected were he to apply today.

To become an RCMP officer, all applicants must meet specific requirements and qualifications and complete a series of assessments, examinations and training programs. Due to requirements related to citizenship, age, education, health, and suitability assessments, John Wilson would not have been able to become an RCMP officer if he were to apply modern day.

The first requirement applicants should ensure they meet is the possession of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. Permanent resident status may be achieved by residing in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years. Individuals may apply at the age of eighteen and begin the training process, but cannot be hired as a police officer until they are nineteen years old. All applicants must be fluent in English or French, possess a Canadian secondary school diploma or complete an equivalency assessment, and have an unrestricted Canadian driver’s licence. Applicants in remote/rural areas may apply without an unrestricted driver’s license, but must obtain one prior to attending cadet