Police Foundations and Security

Business Communication

This course helps students develop the communication skills needed to function in the modern business setting. The course starts with a review of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation as they apply to business communication. Students explore the various formats for written and verbal business communication. In addition, they complete various exercises with the emphasis on improving their communication skills and apply them to the writing of letters, memoranda, and reports. Students also complete public speaking exercises to enhance verbal and non-verbal skills.

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook has become the corporate standard electronic personal organizer, and in this course students learn its many functions besides email. Areas covered include composing and sending email, scheduling appointments and managing contact information.

Microsoft PowerPoint

In this course students learn the fundamentals needed to create and modify basic presentations by using Microsoft Office PowerPoint. Students explore the PowerPoint environment and create a presentation. In so doing they learn to format text on slides to enhance clarity, and to boost the visual appeal by adding graphical objects to a presentation. In addition, students explore how to add tables and charts to a presentation to present data in a structured form, and how to finalize a presentation for delivery.

Canadian Charter and Criminal Code

This course will introduce students to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Criminal Code, both of which will be reinforced throughout their program of study. Students will learn how to utilize the Criminal Code so as to efficiently locate and as well understand the offences being investigated. Further to this, the students will delve deeply into the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in an effort to comprehend its connection to everyday police work and court procedures.

Criminal Investigation and Forensic Evidence

This course will provide all students with a broad introduction to the theoretical, technical, and realistic issues surrounding the investigation and processing of a crime scene The students will learn the various aspects of crime scene and evidence analysis, as well as the implications of evidence retrieval and processing.

Criminal Justice in Canada

This course will examine the Canadian Criminal Justice System, and students will continue to familiarize themselves with the Canadian Charter of Rights as well as the Criminal Code. Topics covered include the structure and operation of the criminal justice system, models of criminal justice, examples of crimes, Uniform Crime Reports, law enforcement services, court procedures, and correctional services.

Conflict Management and De-escalation

This course will introduce students to the theories and concepts surrounding conflict, conflict management and resolution, crisis identification, and crisis intervention. Students will learn about non-verbal communication, negotiation skills, de-escalation strategies, and how to use them effectively in policing situations. Additionally, students will learn how to safely handle a variety of aggressive behaviours.

Communication in Law Enforcement

This course will develop oral and written communication skills for success in law enforcement careers. Topics covered include writing a variety of law enforcement reports, digital, and face-to face communication, as well as the use of radio communication.

Community Diversity

This course will help students develop an understanding and appreciation for the history of diverse communities in Canada and their relationship with law enforcement agencies. Students will examine the role of culture, religion, in the historical and current relationships of law enforcement and diverse communities. Topics covered include indigenous history, land treaties, residential schools, multiculturalism, immigration, white privilege, religious rights, and social media

Community Policing and Engagement

This course will explore historical and contemporary policing roles, structure, recruitment, training and the challenges modern law enforcement agencies face in the context of criminal justice in modern Canadian communities. Students will understand governance, legislation, and parameters of policing in a democratic society as they relate to policing models, strategies, operations, and engagement. Students will also evaluate the basics of community policing strategies today with a focus on vulnerable and at risk groups as well as relationship building, and community engagement. Students will assess the efficacy of community policing today, the impact of current social factors, and the continuing evolution of policing in Canadian society.

Career Planning & Preparation - Level 1

This module introduces tools for planning and preparing for a successful job search, so that students can maintain a career-focused approach throughout their education program. Students will learn how to research opportunities and network for industry contacts, and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume, cover letter, thank you note and references. Class discussions on various self-management topics introduced in Student Success Strategies will round out this module, which is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation – Level 2.

Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1

This course will introduce you to and provide practice in using the tools required for a successful job search. The concepts covered in this course will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your studies so that you are better prepared to conduct a job search after graduating. Specifically, you will learn how to identify your soft and hard skills and how to articulate your abilities in a clear and concise Elevator Pitch that will appeal to employers and resonate with industry contacts. You will learn about the job search resources available to you including using career websites, creating LinkedIn profiles, accessing the “hidden” job market, and networking. You will examine sample résumés and cover letters and begin the process of creating your own professional résumés and cover letters that align with current conventions for content, organization, and formatting. You will also learn about the role of references, thank you letters, workplace philosophies, and strategies for success including maintaining a professional image and using proper etiquette when communicating with potential employers and industry contacts.

Career Planning and Preparation – Level 2

This course builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 course. In this subsequent course, you will update and refine your résumé and LinkedIn Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-play. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.

Courtroom Procedures and Testimony

This course will focus on courtroom procedures and testimony. Students will learn the role of evidence in prosecuting a criminal offence. They will understand the fundamentals of courtroom decorum and the importance of preparing and presenting evidence as a law enforcement witness.

Criminology for Law Enforcement

This course will evaluate key principles of criminology and their application in understanding the root causes of crime, and how criminology improves responses across the Criminal Justice System leading to more effective crime prevention as well as improved practices and tactics in law enforcement. Topics explored include deviance and crime, criminal law and common law, victims, crime trends, and an overview of different types of crime.

Digital Literacy for Professionals

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. This course will cover the following elements: using devices and handling information, creating and editing information, communicating and collaborating, and being safe and responsible online.

Federal Statutes

This course will demonstrate the role of the Canadian Criminal Code in law enforcement and the judicial system. Students will research offences and statutes as they learn to navigate the Canadian Criminal Code and the Federal Statutes within the code: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Controlled Drug and Substances Act, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes Act, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and Case Law also included within the code. Students will develop greater understanding of the role of the RCMP in enforcement under Federal jurisdiction and the documentation required by the judicial system: The Crown Brief

Fitness and Lifestyle Management

This course will provide students with fitness and lifestyle knowledge and skills, and encourages students to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being. Students will be exposed to creating fitness plans, diet plans, and goal setting. Students will also be introduced to causes and solutions to different types of stress that are particular to law enforcement.

Investigative Interviewing Techniques

This course will guide students through the hazards of investigative interviewing, and provide a solid legal and practical foundation for the development of interviewing skills. Students will develop skills related to information collection and the preservation of evidence. Students will then learn about courtroom procedures, investigative techniques, and questioning strategies.

Introduction to 21st Century Policing

This course will introduce students to the law enforcement field and the topics covered throughout the program. The course provides insight into various aspects of policing and security such as municipal, provincial, and federal policing, security, corrections, border services, and other law enforcement agencies. The students will explore the importance of operations and procedures in law enforcement, including the law enforcement notebook to be used throughout the program. The students will learn about the role and impact of the Canadian government, Canadian geography, and the current political landscape in Law Enforcement today. Students will be introduced to the history and evolution of policing, and current social and political issues, and their impact on modern policing in society today.

Job Application and Interviewing Process

This course will introduce and develop student skills for the job application process in law enforcement. Students will understand what recruiters are looking for in terms of documentation, qualifications, communication, references, education, and providing support for character, integrity, and ethical considerations. Students will practice the Behavioral interview and prepare to highlight their skills to law enforcement recruiters

Mental Health Training for Law Enforcement

This course will teach students to identify common mental health issues, signs, symptoms and treatments. Students will develop skills and strategies to employ management techniques in a safe manner for both law enforcement and the public. Students will learn the protocols and procedures for law enforcement when responding to people under stress.

National Security Threats

This course will canvas National Security, Public Safety Canada, and the relevant policies and legislation regarding Canada's security. Topics covered include Canada's response to pandemics, food security, the supply chain, cybersecurity, cybercrime and misinformation, counter-terrorism, security screening, and protecting critical infrastructure. Students will explore the roles of various Federal agencies in deterring and defending against current and future national security concerns for citizens, infrastructure, and allies.

Police Authority and Discretion

This course will provide students with the parameters of arrests, search and seizure, release and charging an offender. Students will learn the basic dynamics of such things as "Use of Force", release provisions, post custody detention, and charging an offender. The students will learn about the issues surrounding search and seizure and its many forms of search warrants and warrantless searches. Students will also develop the skills to determine if and when an arrest can be made.

Private Security Patrol Procedures

The training curriculum is based on the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services guidelines and provides a comprehensive program that prepares employees to create safe, secure environments while effectively serving employers, clients and the public. This course includes an Introduction to the Security Industry, and covers The Private Security and Investigative Services Act and Ministry Code of Conduct, Basic Security Procedures, Report Writing, Health and Safety, Emergency Response Preparation, Canadian Legal Aspects, Legal Authorities, Effective Communication, Sensitivity Training, Use of Force Theory and Emergency Level First Aid.

Police Foundations and Security Internship

At the completion of the in-class section of this program, students are required to complete an 8-week work placement at a business or organization which employs security or public safety measures. Students will have the opportunity to apply their newly developed knowledge and skills in a real-world environment.

Public and Officer Safety

This course will expose students to common issues and routines related to law enforcement. With a focus on officer safety, students will develop strategies to prevent and avoid dangerous situations. Students will be asked to demonstrate the use of the duty belt and its equipment. Discussions will involve the use of force and the aspect of disengagement as a viable option.

Professionalism and Ethics

This course will focus on the ethical issues and dilemmas faced by law enforcement professionals, and the concept of professionalism in law enforcement. Students will clarify and reflect on their values, establish a frame work for ethical decision making, and apply techniques to the moral/ethical decision making process. Real life ethical teamwork and professionalism dilemmas relating to a wide variety of concerns in the policing profession will be explored and examined.

Provincial Statutes

This course will differentiate the various levels of laws and statutes for Federal, Provincial, and Municipal policing, as well as non-police agencies. Students will become familiar with key Ontario Provincial Statutes and their role in law enforcement and learn to recognize the responsible application of offences and grounds when laying charges under Provincial Acts. Topics covered are arrest powers, search and seizure protocols, limitation periods, and use of force regulations associated with each Act. The Provincial Offences Act and its associated tickets, structure, forms, procedures and prosecution will be examined in detail and applied to real-life scenarios.

Sociology for Law Enforcement

This course will examine key theoretical sociology perspectives and their impact on law enforcement. Students will develop an understanding of the roles of the individual, the group, and group dynamics in society and law enforcement issues as well as developing appropriate strategies that incorporate key sociological theories for interactions with the public from a law enforcement perspective.

Student Success Strategies

This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note- and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting goals and maintaining a positive attitude techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.

Traffic Management and Accident Investigation

This course will introduce students to the Highway Traffic Act and accident investigations. Students will develop a working knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act and learn to interpret offences. Students will also learn skills and strategies required for information gathering and investigative techniques used in enforcing the Highway Traffic Act and Criminal Code impaired driving laws.

Youth Criminal Justice

This course will examine the history of Youth Criminal Justice in Canada, the impact of Case law, changing societal attitudes and youth crime patterns. Students will also understand the federal legislation that provinces enact to ensure transparency and fairness in police procedures and extrajudicial measures for youth. Topics covered include the pre-trial period, the trial process, sentencing, other youth agencies, youth gangs, abuses in the system, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act.