As a part of the application process to become a police officer for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or a provincial police department, you will be subject to a background check. The background check includes a complete background investigation and a fingerprint check. During a background investigation, police candidates can be disqualified for several reasons including items found below.
Mental Stability
- Previously been admitted to a mental health facility
- Have been judicially declared incompetent or insane
Felonies
- Have entered the country illegally
- A fugitive running from the law
- Previously been convicted of a felony
- Currently on parole or probation
- Previously convicted of domestic violence or stalking
- Currently have a restraining order or protection from abuse order against you
Characteristics
- Previously been dishonorably discharged from the Military
- Currently have a drug or alcohol addiction
- Currently abuse prescription medications
Marijuana
- Illegally sold, produced, cultivated or transported marijuana
- Illegally used marijuana for any reason within the past three to five years – time frame depends on the department’s regulations
Dangerous Drugs and/or Narcotics
- Illegally sold dangerous drugs or narcotics
- Illegally produced, cultivated or transported drugs or narcotics
- Illegally used dangerous drugs or narcotics within the number of years determined by the department’s regulations that you are applying
A police applicant can also be disqualified for a police position if they have been previously denied law enforcement certified status, have certified status revoked or have current certified status suspended. A police applicant could also be disqualified if they have been previously denied the right to carry a concealed weapon.
If you can honestly answer “no” to all of the above disqualifying factors, you should not have a problem qualifying as a police applicant during the background investigation.