Police Foundations - Algonquin College of Applied Arts and TechnologyPolice Education in CanadaCrime and Fire Programs -- Community College Programs
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Police Foundations - Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology's 2-year Police Foundations diploma, offered at both the Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses, is a career-oriented designed for individuals aspiring 'to become police constables,' particularly in Ontario. Students will be provided with 'a broad education in human relations skills and the interpretations of social interaction' and equipped with a thorough knowledge and understanding of 'police powers and procedures, community policing, investigation processes, race relations, professional ethics and communication.' Moreover, the Program will provide participants with 'career related employment testing preparation, interview skills development and resume writing techniques.' Applicants accepted into the Program will be required to complete the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) test, usually 'administered in the first week of classes' which will determine students respective levels 'of physical fitness.' Employment opportunities in policing, security, and other areas of the criminal justice system are growing. For instance, Federal Corrections has suggested that upwards of 3,000 additional job openings in various areas of the criminal justice system will be made available over the next five years. Moreover, related domains and specialized federal law enforcement authorities will continue to hire as needed. Graduates of the Program may thus pursue a myriad of careers, career advancement, and/or educational opportunities in policing, corrections, security, and other related areas of the criminal justice system. Students should be aware, though, that having a criminal record could be an obstacle to finding employment in the Criminal Justice field, as many employers are reluctant to hire those with a criminal history. Career-wise, graduates may be employed in various positions across Canada, including working for educational or governmental institutions, private organizations, or for employers in the non-profit or private sector. For example, graduates may work in the areas of administration, corrections, crime prevention, criminal investigation, criminal law, government, insurance, law and law enforcement, national security, offender case management, policing, private and public investigation, public and private security, the courts, victim services, and young offenders, to name but a few. Some common employers of graduates include correctional facilities, Customs, various federal and provincial enforcement agencies, military police, municipal and provincial police forces, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Some careers available to graduates, however, may require further training, as determined by individual employers. For example, to be eligible for employment with police services, candidates 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;' and 'pass a medical examination.' Graduates of the Diploma program may also pursue further educational opportunities at numerous colleges, universities, and institutes across Canada and internationally. For example, the College has an Articulation Agreement with Carleton University by which graduates of the Police Foundations program can apply for admission to a Bachelor degree program in either Criminology, Law, Psychology, or Sociology at the University and be eligible to receive advanced standing of 5.0 credits. To qualify '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).' To be eligible for admission to the Police Foundations program students must have an '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.' Applicants who do not the aforementioned credential and are 18 years of age or older may apply via "mature student status." Mature applicants may be required to undertake 'academic achievement testing' to determine eligibility. All applicants must have completed Grade English (ENG4C), or equivalent, is required) and must 'read sign and return the Information Sheet, which will be sent to' applicants 'upon receipt of' their respective applications. Prospective students who 'have been convicted of a criminal offence' are strongly advised to consult with an Academic Advisor (Coordinator) before applying as having a criminal record may hinder chances for employment in policing and other criminal justice fields.
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