Police Foundations at Algonquin College

Your first step in preparing for a career in law enforcement.

The Police Foundations Ontario College Diploma program provides you with a foundational knowledge of the field of law enforcement. Curriculum includes both theory and applied lessons in policing - helping you prepare for the workforce.

This program offers instruction in:

• police powers and procedures
• community policing
• investigation processes
• diversity
• ethics, and
• communication

While there is a strong theoretical aspect to this program, there are many opportunities for hands-on learning through in-class scenario situations and our fitness program. Outside the classroom, students are given opportunities for community volunteering and work integrated learning.

The program prepares you to apply for and be tested for employment in policing. As fitness is an important part of a career in law enforcement, you use an on-site fitness facility to prepare for physical fitness tests required by police departments. In addition to your work in our fitness facility, you establish and maintain your own exercise schedule.

There are a number of potential job opportunities for graduates of this program in areas such as:

• municipal, provincial or federal police services
• military police service
• bylaw services
• Canada Border Services Agency
• transit security
• private or public sector security
• Correctional Services Canada
• social services agencies
• Government of Canada
• Parliamentary Protective Services, or
• Commissionaires.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess good communication (written, verbal, technological) and interpersonal abilities.
• Are committed to serving the broad and diverse needs of their community.
• Have strong analytical and observational skills.
• Enjoy working as a team member.
• Maintain a good level of physical fitness.

Careers

Graduates of this program may find employment in municipal, regional and provincial police services in Ontario and the rest of Canada, Military Police Service, social service agencies or bylaw services. Graduates are encouraged to verify entry requirements with their choice of law enforcement agencies, as the requirements vary between agencies.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Complete all tasks in compliance with pertinent legislation, as well as policing standards, regulations and guidelines.
2. Analyze all relevant information and make effective and legally defensible decisions in accordance with ethical and professional standards.
3. Be accountable for one`s actions when carrying out all tasks.
4. Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development.
5. Ensure the respect of human rights and freedoms in all interactions.
6. Work co-operatively in multidisciplinary teams to achieve mutual goals.
7. Collaborate in the development and implementation of community policing strategies.
8. Monitor, evaluate and document behaviours, situations and events accurately and discreetly in compliance with legal, professional, ethical and organizational requirements.
9. Mitigate risks and maintain order by applying effective strategies in crisis, conflict and emergency situations.
10. Take positive actions to help crime victims.
11. Conduct investigations by collecting, documenting, preserving and presenting admissible evidence.
12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.