The selection process is a fair and equitable competition that results in the best candidates being offered employment. Applicants enter the process once their application for employment is submitted. Certain stages of the selection process may be completed in an order different from what is listed below.

The stages of the selection process are:

1. Apply by filling out the personal disclosure and application package
2. Screening Interview
3. Panel Interview
4. Written Testing – APCAT 
5. Alberta Physical Readiness Evaluation (A-PREP)
6. Polygraph Examination
7. Psychological Assessment
8. Security Background Investigation
9. Selection Committee
10. Occupational Medical Exam 
11. Cadet Training Program

Applicants will be contacted by the recruiting officer to arrange a one-on-one interview. The purpose of this interview is to discuss in detail the Personal Disclosure Form and outline expectations of the selection process. 

The panel interview is conducted by three members of the Blood Tribe Police Service. The interview is a Behavioural Descriptive Interview and focuses on the competencies required for policing. Members of the panel will assess the applicant's answers to the questions based upon the principle of “past behaviour predicts future behaviour.” The panel will also ask general questions related to the applicant’s employment application. The interview is scheduled for one hour. The applicant will be advised of the results of the interview by the recruiting officer.

The APCAT is a paper and pencil test used to assess an applicant’s cognitive abilities including judgment, observation skills, written communication skills, learning/memory recall and problem analysis. Before starting the exam, the applicant is given 30 minutes to review material relevant to the memory recall portion of this test. The applicant then writes the APCAT, which is a two hour and 15-minute multiple-choice exam. 

Applicants must obtain or exceed the cut-off score to move forward to the next stage in the recruitment process. Applicants who are unsuccessful on their first attempt in the APCAT will not be allowed to retake the test until one month has passed from the date of testing. After the second unsuccessful attempt, each test has a specified deferral period. The APCAT is a provincial test utilized and shared by all Alberta police services. This test is valid for five years.

The A-PREP was developed by experts in the areas of policing, fitness and equality rights to ensure it is an unbiased and valid occupational requirement for policing. It is based on a comprehensive scientific process. We are confident that the A-PREP effectively identifies those individuals who possess the physical capabilities needed to meet the rigorous demands of policing.

The polygraph examination assists the Blood Tribe Police Service in identifying applicants who meet our standards of honesty, integrity, and suitability for employment. It is essential that applicants provide an honest and full disclosure in the Personal Disclosure Form. The examination is lengthy and those scheduled to be tested will be given specific instructions prior to testing. If an applicant has had a pre-employment polygraph within the last 12 months, the applicant must disclose this as they may not be required to be tested again.

Each applicant is required to take a series of psychological tests. A psychologist will evaluate completed psychological tests, which will assist in determining suitability for employment as a police officer. 

A thorough security background investigation will be completed on applicants who have been successful to this stage in the application process. This will include, but is not limited to:

• Employment and character reference check
• Credit check
• Security clearance check
• Police Information Systems check
• Applicants will also be asked to provide copies of:
• Education transcripts
• Job performance evaluations

Results of the checks will not be released and remain the sole property of the Blood Tribe Police Service.

The selection committee is comprised of senior members of the Blood Tribe Police Service. Applicant files are presented to the selection committee for review and consideration. Applicants do not attend this stage of the process. The selection committee selects the most suitable and best-qualified applicants. Applicants will be advised by the recruiting officer if they are successful or unsuccessful at this stage.

A condition of employment with the Blood Tribe Police Service is the successful completion of the occupational medical, conducted by the Occupational Health provider for the Blood Tribe Police Service. 

New Recruits of the Blood Tribe Police Service receive provincially and federally recognized training through Lethbridge College’s Police Training Program.

Download the BTPS Application Form as well as the Personal Disclosure Form below and have them completed and submitted in full order to apply.

For more information on how to become a member of the Blood Tribe Police Service, please contact: recruiting@bloodtribepolice.com