The beginning.

I’m 20, fresh out of CEGEP where I completed the Police Technology program, and now I’m faced with the big decision of what comes next. I’ve always known that I wanted to work in law enforcement. The idea of serving my community, keeping the peace, and standing up for what’s right has always been a big part of who I am. But there’s a huge difference between studying policing and actually living it day in and day out. I just got my acceptance letter from École nationale de police du Québec (ENPQ), and it feels like a big step forward. It’s exciting, but also a little intimidating. I’m ready for this next challenge, but am I really prepared for everything it entails?

Choice 1 : Go to the ENPQ.

Choice 2 : Take a step back and think about it more.

Go to the ENPQ.

You’re ready to dive into the police force. The ENPQ is the pathway to becoming a police officer in Quebec, and you’re excited to start your training. The idea of being on the front lines of law enforcement excites you. Do you want to specialize in a particular area of policing during your training?

Choice 1 : Yes, I want to become a criminal investigator.

Choice 2 : No, I prefer to stick to general policing and gain experience first.

Take a step back and think about it more.

You’re not sure if jumping straight into the police academy is the right move. Instead, you take a step back to think about your future, considering your options more carefully. You reflect on the intensity of police work, the challenges it presents, and whether it's truly the path you want to take. Do you want to pursue further education to broaden your options?

Choice 1 : Yes, I want to study criminology or law at university.

Choice 2 : No, I want to explore a career in private security or another related field.

Yes, I want to study criminology or law at university.

You decide to pursue further education, enrolling in a criminology or law program at university. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of crime, criminal justice systems, and the law, making you even more qualified for a future in law enforcement. Do you want to return to law enforcement after your degree, or explore other career options?

Choice 1 : I want to return to law enforcement and apply my knowledge.

Choice 2 : I want to explore other options, like legal research or teaching criminology.

No, I prefer to stick to general policing and gain experience first.

After your training at ENPQ, you begin your career as a police officer, focusing on general policing. You patrol the streets, respond to emergencies, and get to know your community, building trust and safety.

Choice 1 : The beginning.

Yes, I want to become a criminal investigator.

You’ve passed through the ENPQ training and have become a police officer. You’ve chosen to specialize in criminal investigations, diving into the world of solving complex crimes. You now work in homicide, fraud, or other serious crimes, using your investigative skills to bring criminals to justice.

Choice 1 : The beginning.

No, I want to explore a career in private security or another related field.

Instead of entering law enforcement, you decide to start a career in private security. You gain hands-on experience working in security management, investigations, or personal protection.

Choice 1 : The beginning.

I want to explore other options, like legal research or teaching criminology.

After earning your degree, you decide to explore a career in legal research or teaching criminology at a university. You contribute to academia, researching criminal behavior and shaping future professionals. Do you want to work in research, or focus on teaching?

Choice 1 : I prefer researching criminal justice issues.

Choice 2 : I want to teach criminology at the university level.

I prefer researching criminal justice issues.

You dive into the world of criminology research, focusing on the study of criminal behavior, justice systems, and the factors that influence crime. Your work becomes highly regarded in academic circles, and you're able to contribute to important studies that could help shape future policies and law enforcement practices. You find yourself researching topics such as the rehabilitation of offenders, racial profiling in policing, or the effectiveness of prison sentences. As your expertise grows, you're invited to collaborate with governmental agencies or non-profit organizations working on criminal justice reform.

Choice 1 : The beginning.

I want to teach criminology at the university level.

You decide to teach criminology at the university level, where you shape the minds of future criminologists, law enforcement professionals, and policy-makers. Your classroom is filled with students eager to learn about crime, law enforcement, and justice systems. You create thought-provoking lessons that challenge your students to think critically about criminal behavior and the society in which it occurs. Over time, you become known as a respected educator, known for your engaging teaching style and your ability to make complex topics accessible to students. Your work also brings you into collaborations with law enforcement agencies, where you offer insights into training programs for police recruits.

Choice 1 : The beginning.