The Police Foundations program at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley is ideal first step for individuals who want to pursue a career in policing. Our program covers many aspects of law enforcement, including police powers, criminology, professional ethics, investigation and interviewing processes, Canadian law, and defense and control tactics.
- Ontario College Diploma
- 2 Year(s)
- Program Code:
- 0444X01FPM
- Academic Year:
- 2011/2012
Our Program
This two-year Ontario College Diploma program is the first step in preparing students for a career in policing in Ontario and is of interest to those who aspire to become police constables. Students gain a broad education in human relations skills and the interpretations of social interaction. The curriculum includes courses on police powers and procedures, community policing, investigation processes, cultural relations, professional ethics and communication.The Pembroke Campus provides students with a unique exposure to municipal, provincial and federal policing operations. With small class sizes and experienced police officers as part of a diverse faculty, the Pembroke Campus offers an excellent learning experience for students preparing for careers in policing and public safety.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Possess good communication (written, verbal, technology) and interpersonal abilities.
- Are committed to serving the broad and diverse needs of their community.
- Have analytical and observational skills.
- Enjoy working as a team member.
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Your Career
Graduates of the Police Foundations program who successfully complete the requirements set by individual police services may find employment with municipal, regional and provincial police services in Ontario and the rest of Canada. They may also find employment with related law enforcement agencies.Application criteria for police services in Ontario are outlined in the Ontario Police Services Act. An applicant must:
* be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada;
* be at least 18 years of age;
* be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of the position;
* be of good moral character and habits;
* be a graduate of at least four years of secondary school education or its equivalent;
* possess vision and hearing within acceptable standards;
* possess a current Standard First Aid certificate and a current CPR
certificate at time of hire;
* have no criminal conviction for which a pardon has not been granted;
* pass a medical examination.
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Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| ENL7777 | Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. | 45.0 |
| PFP7000 | Career and College Success In order to be successful in college and later in the policing profession and in the community, students must learn to adapt to new environments. This includes the ability to manage time, finances and stress, think independently, and make critical decisions while focusing on self awareness and professionalism. Students learn how to take advantage of available college resources and services and understand what is expected of them in the college educational setting, in the community and in the policing profession. | 30.0 |
| PFP7110 | Canadian Criminal Justice System Students are provided with an overview of the Canadian Criminal Justice System with a particular emphasis on the history, function, role and organization of Canadian law enforcement services. The operation of the criminal justice system is examined and analyzed in light of contemporary issues affecting the system. Each of the major components from enforcement, through the courts and onto correctional services is explored. | 45.0 |
| PFP7130 | Sociology and Canadian Society Students adopt a sociological orientation and theoretical foundation for analysis of social events. Studies of societies, culture, socialization and social change are included. Students study and survey areas relating to Canadian society and culture including social inequalities, social interaction and collective behaviour. | 30.0 |
| PFP7151 | Political Science and Public Administration This course provides an introduction to the democratic system of governing ourselves in Canada. It includes a description of the organization of the three levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal. The interaction of each government level, the democratic election and legislative processes are discussed. The course includes the services of each level of government, the daily problems and issues facing Canadians, and the impact on the fields of law enforcement by public opinion and special interest groups. | 45.0 |
| PFP7180 | Fitness and Lifestyle Management I Society has come to recognize that personal and collective wellness is essential to enhance the quality of life. This course introduces students to the concept of wellness and provides practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle. Through research, self-evaluation and practical experience, students address physical fitness, nutrition and potential health problems. Students set goals, design and implement an effective personal fitness program and personal diet plan to meet these goals. The Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police test (PREP), as well as the Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation test (PARE) are introduced. | 30.0 |
| PSY7603 | Introduction to Psychology This course is designed to promote an understanding of the following important contemporary psychological concepts: the biological basis of behaviour, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, thought and language, development, motivation and emotion, personality, intelligence and assessment, health, stress and coping, psychological disorders, approaches to treatment and social psychology. | 45.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| ENL7678 | Communication Skills for Police Foundations This course continues from Communications I to help you develop communication skills required for a career in law enforcement. Topics include police writing style, report writing, critical thinking, research skills, presentation skills, employment correspondence and resumes. Prerequisites: ENL7777 | 45.0 |
| PFP7210 | Criminology This course provides an examination of various theoretical explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour including the sociological, biological and psychological perspectives. Criminological theory is related to various types of criminal activity. The reality of crime in Canada including victimology is examined through crime statistics, as are the correlations of criminal behaviour. | 30.0 |
| PFP7220 | Interpersonal and Group Dynamics Students learn to apply knowledge from interpersonal relations and group dynamics to working in a team. Emphasis is placed on utilizing effective communication skills with individuals and groups. Group cohesiveness and group decision-making are discussed. | 30.0 |
| PFP7231 | Contemporary Social Problems/Community and Social Services The student analyzes contemporary social issues using the current social science paradigms and theories. Topics, such as crime, violence, abuse, social stratification, ageism and racism are included. The course explores the structure and administration of community organizations and social services that operate within and adjacent to the criminal justice system. | 45.0 |
| PFP7271 | Issues in Diversity/First Nations Peoples Students study the diversity of Canada's population both as a product of its historical immigration background and also within its original aboriginal population. They look at challenges posed by regional, social and economic differences, as well as age, gender, ethnicity, religion and disabilities. Students examine how immigration patterns and theories of settlement reflect societal values and have resulted in issues and related government policies and legislation, as well as initiatives within the community. Students have an opportunity to learn more about the rich cultural diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis in Canada. They examine the challenges faced by the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada since the arrival of Europeans and trace recent developments in areas such as treaties, land settlement and self government, as well as social and economic issues, such as health care, education and justice. | 45.0 |
| PFP7295 | Fitness and Lifestyle Management II Students continue to follow their personal fitness program and personal diet plan readjusting their goals as necessary. This course prepares the student to successfully complete the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police test (PREP), as well as the Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation Test (PARE). | 15.0 |
| PFP7310 | Criminal and Civil Law Students are able to analyze the elements of an offence, to classify offences and to identify possible defences in criminal cases. Students are also able to analyze the rights and obligations of citizens involving areas of civil law. They learn to recognize the responsibilities and limitations of citizens and police officers in light of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Students develop legal research and analysis skills to locate, interpret, and apply statute and case law related to both civil and criminal proceedings. | 45.0 |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| PFP7302 | Fitness and Lifestyle Management III Students continue to follow their personal fitness program and personal diet plan readjusting their goals as necessary. Specific focus is placed on successful completion of the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police test (PREP), as well as the Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation Test (PARE). | 15.0 |
| PFP7321 | Criminal Code and Federal Statutes In this course, students analyze specific elements of selected criminal code offences. These include offences against the person, against property and against public order. Students research case law and assess its impact on criminal offences and use case law to argue or defend decisions. Students analyze elements of offences related to weapons and the Firearms Act, controlled drugs and substances, and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Provisions of other federal statutes and their relationship with the Criminal Code are also examined. | 45.0 |
| PFP7333 | Police Powers This course examines pertinent sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and their impact on Canadian criminal procedure. Citizen and police arrest and release authorities, police powers of search and seizure, with and without a warrant and, police discretion and its implications are discussed. This course enables the student to become familiar with police terminology and apply the procedures required to affect arrest and release. The course looks at police governance and accountability issues related to the Police Services Act, police complaints, First Nations policing and management and labour issues. Use of force theory, law and other legal issues related to the use of force are discussed. Theory related to officer safety is examined. | 45.0 |
| PFP7340 | Interviewing and Investigations This course focuses on interviewing and investigation skills. Students develop the interviewing skills necessary to retrieve information from victims, witnesses and suspects. Students also learn the basic steps of investigation including the practical development of note-taking and observation skills. | 45.0 |
| PFP7371 | Traffic Management Students develop the knowledge, skills, and ability to locate, and apply sections of the Provincial Traffic Law and Criminal Code of Canada. Students practise locating topics in the acts and regulations, master the definitions required to interpret traffic laws and apply the law. Students develop and practise interpersonal strategies, and procedures for dealing with motor vehicle stops and traffic accidents. | 45.0 |
| PFP7497 | Career Preparation This course introduces students to the potential career choices available to them upon graduation and provides them with the skills necessary to obtain employment in policing, corrections, security or further criminal justice related fields. The course includes career related employment testing preparation, interview skills development and resume writing techniques. Guest speakers further prepare students for their varied career choices. | 22.5 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED1444 | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FIN2300 or GED1896 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or PSI0003 | 45.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| PFP7160 | Principles of Ethical Reasoning This course focuses on ethical issues faced by individuals as citizens and as police professionals. It helps students to clarify their values and establish a framework for ethical decision-making. Ethical issues for police which relate to a wide variety of concerns are discussed. Students examine a variety of professional ethical codes and apply ethical decision-making models to dilemmas in their personal and future professional lives. | 45.0 |
| PFP7350 | Youth in Conflict with the Law This course enables students to explain and analyze the historical, philosophical, and contemporary application of statutes affecting youth in conflict with the law. As well, students examine and analyze, in the context of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other relevant legislation, the detention, interviewing and processing through the court structure of young persons. In addition, students summarize and appraise disposition alternatives which may be employed with a view to aiding and rehabilitating a young person while facilitating public safety and victim response, if applicable. | 30.0 |
| PFP7410 | Provincial Offences Students examine scenarios and determine the appropriate enforcement action for the most common provincial statutes. Topics studied include arrest, search and seizure authorities, common offences and the involvement of non-police agencies. Statutes examined include the Provincial Offences Act, Mental Health Act, Landlord Tenant Act, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence Act, Child and Family Services Act, Family Law Act, Blind Persons Act and Game and Fish Act. | 30.0 |
| PFP7440 | Investigation and Evidence Students examine the requirements of a continuing investigation and crime scene management. They learn the rules of evidence and develop the ability to apply these rules in the collection and presentation of evidence in a court of law. Some forensic requirements, statute law and other related issues are emphasized. | 45.0 |
| PFP7450 | Conflict Management Students develop the ability to intervene in conflict and crisis situations with competence and confidence. The conflict situation is examined from its inception through intervention by police. Various problem-solving skills and non-violent intervention techniques are discussed along with intervention strategies directed toward specific incidents. Students are taught to recognize behaviour patterns that may lead to violent encounters and the appropriate legal responses to these encounters. These responses emphasize officer safety through awareness and preparation. | 45.0 |
| PFP7461 | Community Policing This course allows students to study and apply the three models of community policing and problem oriented policing. Crime prevention strategies and elements of community involvement are also examined, discussed and developed with local police partners. | 45.0 |
| PFP7492 | Fitness and Self-Defence This course is a continuation of the Fitness and Lifestyle Management courses taken in Levels 01, 02 and 03 with an emphasis on personal fitness and basic self-defence. Elemental restraint and protection techniques are demonstrated and practised in drills that increase cardiovascular endurance, power, speed, agility and balance. The Ontario Use of Force model is examined along with laws dealing with arrest, use of force and liability for the excessive use of force. | 30.0 |
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Fees & Expenses
Approximate 1st Year CostsTuition/Fees: $ 3,124
Books/Supplies: $ 1,200
Incidental Fees: $ 0
Total: $ 4,324
Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Tuition Fees: $1,212.20 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,206.40 per term in Levels 03 and 04.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.
Health Service Fee: $10 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **
A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books and supplies cost approximately $900 in first year and $400 in second year. Fitness attire cost approximately $300.
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Admission Requirements
College Eligibility
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their
eligibility for admission; OR - Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Read, sign and return the Information Sheet.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
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Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
315 Pembroke Street East
Pembroke, ON K8A 3K2
613-735-4700 ext. 2708
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
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Additional Information
This Full-time day program is offered on the Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses. While the learning outcomes at the Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of local circumstances which affect program delivery. Fitness classes at the Pembroke Campus are held off campus and students are responsible for their owntransportation and for any travel costs.
Note: If you have been convicted of a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada for which you have not been granted a pardon, you are strongly encouraged to consult your Academic Advisor (Coordinator) since this may hinder your chances of becoming a police officer. A current Certificate of Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector will be required by Police Foundations students wishing to volunteer on behalf of the program.
Successful applicants to the Police Foundations program undergo the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (P.R.E.P.) test to determine their level of physical fitness. This test is administered within the first weeks of classes.
Exemptions for recognized equivalent postsecondary courses are processed during the first two weeks of each term. Students are advised to see their academic advisors for information.
An Articulation Agreement between Carleton University and Algonquin College permits graduates with a diploma in Police Foundations from Algonquin College to apply for admission into the B.A. program at Carleton University.
Successful applicants are granted 5.0 credits on admission towards the completion of a B.A. in either Criminology, or Law, or Psychology or
Sociology. To be eligible for admission pursuant to this Articulation
Agreement, students must have completed the diploma in Police Foundations at Algonquin College with an overall B average (Algonquin Grade Point Average of 3.0).
For more information regarding this program, visit our website at:
www.algonquincollege.com/acad_menus/current/0444X1FPM.html
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Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time
