Police Foundations - Sir Sandford Fleming CollegePolice Education in CanadaCrime and Fire Programs -- Community College Programs
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Police Foundations - Sir Sandford Fleming College Sir Sandford Fleming College's 2-year Police Foundations diploma is a career-oriented program designed for individuals who aspire to a career in policing or related areas, like private investigation or private security. Candidates will be trained in the academic, practical, and physical abilities to challenge the various entrance assessments, examinations, and/or programs that police departments may require as part of their hiring process, such as those of police departments in Ontario. The first semester of the Program shares its curriculum with the other diploma programs at the College's School of Law and Justice, and will provide participants with 'a solid knowledge base and an overview of the career opportunities available.' Students will also be able to explore various options and 'make an informed' decisions regarding their respective programs and careers. Students who successfully complete the first semester can pursue another of the School's diploma options or advance with the Police Foundations program. From the second semester onwards, students in the Police Foundations program will begin to specialize in police studies. Candidates will 'develop the skills necessary to deal with the clearly defined and grey situations police officers deal within the course of every day work. Learners will be provided with a 'well-rounded education and background in not just law enforcement, but critical interpersonal and team-building skills' through courses in such areas as 'communications, issues in diversity, psychology, ethics, and sociology.' Students will also have the opportunity to apply and practice what they have learned in the classroom via a work experience placement 'with police services' with which the College is has an existing association and/or partnership. To qualify for consideration for a Placement, however, the student 'must have successfully completed all semester one and two courses by the time' he/she enters 'the third semester of the program. In order to keep one's eligibility for a Placement, the students must have 'continued success in the third and fourth semesters.' The student may have to undergo a police criminal record check before being placed; a student with a criminal record might not be able to be placed. A unique aspect of the Diploma program is that it affords 'students the option' of pursuing police studies through 'courses designed from an aboriginal perspective with the learning environment based on Native culture, traditions, languages and spirituality.' This emphasis on Aboriginal issues will allow students to 'acquire knowledge and greater awareness of the historical and contemporary issues facing Aboriginal societies, broadening their employment opportunities and contributing to personal growth and development.' Graduates of the Program may pursue careers, career advancement, and/or educational opportunities in policing, corrections, security, and other related areas of the criminal justice system. Students should be aware, however, 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. Moreover, some careers may require further training or requirements beyond the diploma, as determined by individual employers. Most police departments, for example, require candidates to write assessment examinations, meet certain physical and psychological pre-requisites, have valid CPR, First Aid, and driver's license, and undergo recruit training. In Ontario, in accordance with the regulations established by Police Services, the recruitment process for police constables utilizes Criminal Record Check and Pardon Process, Physical Readiness Evaluations for Police (PREP), which measures a candidate's physical, including hearing and vision, and fitness capabilities via profession-relevant exercises, and Written Communication Tests (WCT). 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. Graduates have assumed positions such as canine unit officers, criminal investigators, drug enforcers, forensic investigators, military police, police officers, public/media relations officer, supervisors, tactical team member, traffic collision investigators, and youth bureau officers. Graduates can 'expect to start off earning a salary in the $30,000.00 to $35,000 range.' Employment opportunities in policing, security, and other areas of the criminal justice system are growing. For instance, 'Federal Corrections anticipates a need for 3,000 additional staff over the next five years. Customs, Immigration, and other specialized federal enforcement bodies continue to hire as demand warrants.' Graduates of the Program may also pursue further educational opportunities, such as at the bachelor's level, in policing, related criminal justice fields, or other disciplines at various universities, colleges, and institutes across Canada and internationally, often with advanced standing. The College has existing transfer agreements with Athabasca University, Griffith University, Ryerson University, Trent University, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and University of Windsor. To be eligible for the Program, applicants must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 'with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including two English credits in the College (C) stream.' Individuals 'who do not possess an OSSD, but who will be 19 years of age before the commencement of classes, and 'can demonstrate potential for success in college studies' may apply via "mature student status." The latter, however, 'will be required to write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test.' Prospective students who have graduated university are eligible for 'direct entry into second semester of this program,' and can this 'graduate in as little as 12 months.'
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