Our Program

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program is designated to help students who are interested in policing in Ontario. 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, diversity, professional ethics and communication.

This is a mobile learning program which engages students in a collaborative, elearning environment which helps them become skilled, confident users of the technology they are expected to use in the workplace. Students are required to supply and use a laptop computer that meets minimum hardware and software specifications as outlined at http://mlearning.algonquincollege.com. Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin's New Technology Store at educational rates.

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 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. Applicants 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 convictions 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
PFP9103	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. S tudents learn how to take advantage of available college resources and services and understand what is e xpected of them in the college educational setting, in the community and in the policing profession.	30.0
PFP9113	CANADIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Students are provided with an overview of the Canadian criminal justice system with a particular emphasi s 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 syst em. Each of the major components from enforcement through the courts and correctional services is explor ed.	45.0
PFP9120	PSYCHOLOGY Students learn to apply basic psychological concepts including scientific methods, biological bases of b ehaviour, perception, states of consciousness, learning, motivation and theories of personality. Emphasi s is placed on the causes and consequences of human behaviour including abnormal behaviour.	45.0
PFP9130	SOCIOLOGY AND CANADIAN SOCIETY Students adopt a sociological orientation and theoretical foundation for analysis of social events. Stud ies 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 collecti ve behaviour.	30.0
PFP9140	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 practis e writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information and using technology to co mmunicate professionally. Students develop and stengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
PFP9153	POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Students learn about the role of government. They study the responsibilities of the three levels of gove rnment in Canada and how they are carried out. They learn how public policy is developed and laws are pa ssed through the activities of both the political and public administration branches of government. Stud ents explore current issues facing government in Canada, especially related to law enforcement and the j ustice system. They discuss the role of special interest groups, and transparency and accountability in government.	45.0
PFP9163	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 fo r developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through research, self-evaluation, and practical exper ience students address physical fitness, nutrition and potential health problems. Students set goals, de sign 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 Evalu ation test (PARE) are introduced.	30.0

Level: 02		Hours
PFP9200	CRIMINOLOGY This course provides an examination of various theoretical explanations of criminal and deviant behaviou r including the sociological, biological and psychological perspectives. Criminological theory is relate d to various types of criminal activity. The reality of crime in Canada including victimology is examine d through crime statistics, as are the correlations of criminal behaviour. The impact of theory on the d evelopment and effectiveness of the criminal justice system is discussed with an emphasis on future tren ds within the system.	30.0
PFP9213	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 cohesi veness and group decision making are discussed.	30.0
PFP9223	CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS/COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES Students analyze contemporary social issues using the current social science paradigms and theories. Top ics such as crime, violence, abuse, social stratification, ageism and racism are included. The course ex plores the structure and administration of community organizations, and social services that operate wit hin and adjacent to the criminal justice system.	45.0
PFP9230	COMMUNICATIONS II Students write notebook entries and reports following guidelines used by police agencies. They complete exercises that familiarize them with professional communication practices including business writing. St udents develop and enhance their reading and listening skills and acquire effective presentation skills.	45.0
PFP9243	ISSUES IN DIVERSITY/FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES Students study the diversity of Canada's population both as a product of its historical immigration back ground and also within its original Aboriginal population. They look at challenges posed by regional, so cial and economic differences, as well as age, gender, ethnicity, religion and disabilities. Students ex amine how immigration patterns and theories of settlement reflect societal values and have resulted in i ssues, and related government policies and legislation, as well as initiatives within the community. Stu dents have an opportunity to learn more about the rich cultural diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Me tis in Canada. They examine the challenges faced by the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada since the arrival o f 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
PFP9250	FITNESS AND LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT II Students continue to follow their personal fitness program and personal diet plan, readjusting their goa ls as necessary. This course prepares the student to successfully complete the Physical Readiness Evalua tion for Police test (PREP), as well as the Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation Test (PARE).	15.0
PFP9260	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 inv olving 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 anal ysis skills to locate, interpret, and apply statute and case law.	45.0

Level: 03		Hours
PFP9303	CRIMINAL CODE AND FEDERAL STATUTES In this course, students analyze specific elements of selected Criminal Code offences. Provisions of fed eral statutes and their relationship to the Criminal Code are examined.	45.0
PFP9310	INTERVIEWING AND INVESTIGATIONS This course focuses on interviewing and investigation skills. Students develop the interviewing skills n ecessary to retrieve information from victims, witnesses and suspects. Students also learn the basic ste ps of investigation including the practical development of note-taking and observation skills.	45.0
PFP9320	TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Students develop the knowledge, skills, and ability to locate and apply sections of the Provincial Traff ic Law and Criminal Code of Canada. Students practise locating topics in the acts and regulations, maste r the definitions required to interpret traffic laws and apply the law. Students develop and practise in terpersonal strategies and procedures for dealing with motor vehicle stops and traffic accidents.	45.0
PFP9330	FITNESS AND LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT III Students continue to follow their personal fitness program and personal diet plan, readjusting their goa ls as necessary. Specific focus is on successful completion of the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Pol ice test (PREP), as well as the Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation test(PARE).	15.0
PFP9343	CAREER PREPARATION This course introduces students to the career choices available to them upon graduation and provides the m 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 ski lls development and resume writing techniques. Guest speakers further prepare students for their career choices.	30.0
PFP9353	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 sear ch and seizure with and without a warrant and, police discretion and its implications are discussed. Thi s course enables the student to become familiar with police terminology and apply the procedures require d 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 relate d to officer safety is examined.	45.0

*Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED2444	GED2444 Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the followin g five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Unde rstanding, and Science and Technology.	45.0

Level: 04		Hours
PFP9403	PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL REASONING This course focuses on ethical issues faced by individuals as citizens and professionals. It helps stude nts to clarify their values and establish a framework for ethical decision making. Ethical issues which relate to a wide variety of concerns are examined. Students examine a variety of professional ethical co des and apply ethical decision-making models to dilemmas in their personal and professional lives.	45.0
PFP9413	YOUTH IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW This course enables students to explain and analyze the historical, philosophical and contemporary appli cation of statutes affecting youth in conflict with the law. As well, students examine and analyze, in t he 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 apprai se disposition alternatives which may be employed with a view to aiding and rehabilitating a young perso n while facilitating public safety and victim response, if applicable.	30.0
PFP9420	PROVINCIAL OFFENCES Students examine scenarios and determine the appropriate enforcement action for the most common provinci al statutes. Topics studied include arrest, search and seizure authorities, common offences and the invo lvement of non-police agencies. Statutes examined include the Provincial Offences Act, Mental Health Act , Landlord Tenant Act, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor License Act, Child and Family Services Act, Fami ly Law Act, Blind Persons Act and Game and Fish Act.	30.0
PFP9430	INVESTIGATION AND EVIDENCE Students examine the requirements of a continuing investigation. They learn the rules of evidence and de velop the ability to apply these rules in the collection and presentation of evidence in a court of law. Forensic requirements, statute law, and other related issues are emphasized.	45.0
PFP9440	CONFLICT MANAGEMENT Students develop the ability to intervene in conflict and crisis situations with competence and confiden ce. The conflict situation is examined from its inception through intervention by police. Various proble m-solving skills and non-violent intervention techniques are discussed along with intervention strategie s 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
PFP9453	COMMUNITY POLICING This course allows students to study and apply models of community policing and problem-oriented policin g. Crime prevention strategies and elements of community involvement are also examined.	45.0
PFP9460	FITNESS AND SELF DEFENSE This course is a continuation of the Fitness and Lifestyle Management courses with an emphasis on person al fitness and basic self-defence. Elemental restraint and protection techniques are demonstrated and pr actised 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

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 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 AlgonquinCollege.

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 $650 in the first year and $550 in the second year. Fitness attire costs approximately $150.

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Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

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Application Information

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 www.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 Heritage Institute
7 Craig Street Perth, ON
K7H 1X7
Telephone: 613-267-2859
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723


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Additional Information

Additional Information

This Full-time day program is also offered on the Woodroffe and Pembroke Campuses.

Although the learning outcomes at the three Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of the local circumstances, which affect program delivery.

If you have been convicted of an 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 is 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 few weeks of classes.

Exemptions for recognized equivalent postsecondary courses are processed at the beginning of each term. Students are advised to see their academic advisor (coordinator) for information.

Selected Police Foundations courses are also offered at the Woodroffe Campus for students interested in pursuing their studies through Online Learning.

An Articulation Agreement between Carleton University and Algonquin College permits graduates with an Ontario College 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, Law, Psychology or Sociology if they have completed the Ontario College Diploma in Police Foundations at Algonquin College with an overall B average (Algonquin Grade Point Average of 3.0).

For more information, contact the Perth Campus at 613-267-2859.

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