Your first step in preparing for a career in law enforcement.

This accelerated two-year Police Foundations Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters), provides you with a foundational knowledge of the field of policing. Curriculum includes both theory and applied lessons in law enforcement - helping you prepare for the workforce. This program offers instruction in:

• police powers and procedures
• community law enforcement
• investigation processes
• diversity
• social sciences
• communications

While there is a strong theoretical aspect to this program, there are many opportunities for hands-on learning in both labs and scenario rooms. There are various activities outside the classroom, such as community volunteering opportunities, and program-related initiatives.

The program prepares you to apply for and be tested for employment in law enforcement. As fitness is an important part of a career in law enforcement, you use an on-site fitness facility to prepare for physical fitness tests required by law enforcement agencies. In addition to your work in our fitness facility, you establish and maintain your own exercise schedule.

There are a number of potential job opportunities for graduates of this program in areas such as:

• municipal, provincial or federal police services
• military police service
• bylaw services
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
• corrections
• security agencies

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess good communication (written, verbal, technological) 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.
• Lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Careers

The Police Foundations program can assist you in developing and enhancing your knowledge, skills and abilities for a career in policing and law enforcement. The Police Foundations program provides an excellent base for careers with policing services, Canada Border Services Agency, military police, Ministry of Transportation, private/corporate security and various correctional institutions.

It is highly recommended that applicants check the essential hiring requirements of the law enforcement agency to which they have an interest in applying. In addition, a vision and hearing test is strongly recommended. This information is provided to assist applicants in understanding the requirements of the agency.

In order to be considered for employment by a law enforcement agency, an individual who has been criminally convicted under a federal statue (other than the Youth Criminal Justice Act or the Young Offenders Act) must obtain a pardon prior to submitting an application. Agencies may charge a fee for this service.

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.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Complete all tasks in compliance with pertinent legislation, as well as policing standards, regulations and guidelines.
2. Analyze all relevant information and make effective and legally defensible decisions in accordance with ethical and professional standards.
3. Be accountable for one`s actions when carrying out all tasks.
4. Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development.
5. Ensure the respect of human rights and freedoms in all interactions.
6. Work co-operatively in multidisciplinary teams to achieve mutual goals.
7. Collaborate in the development and implementation of community policing strategies.
8. Monitor, evaluate and document behaviours, situations and events accurately and discreetly in compliance with legal, professional, ethical and organizational requirements.
9. Mitigate risks and maintain order by applying effective strategies in crisis, conflict and emergency situations.
10. Take positive actions to help crime victims.
11. Conduct investigations by collecting, documenting, preserving and presenting admissible evidence.
12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

POLICE FOUNDATIONS
Program Code 0444X04FPM

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 notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term 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 please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845 Fax: 613-735-4739
https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Program Resources

This full-time program is also offered at the Woodroffe Campus. 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.

Police Foundations program courses are also offered on a full-time and part-time basis through AC Online for students interested in pursuing studies online.

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.

A valid and clear Certificate of Police Records is required by all students who intend to pursue volunteer opportunities during their program. We strongly encourage students to apply for a police record check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector prior to commencing their studies.

Students seeking exemptions for required courses are strongly advised to submit relevant documentation well in advance of the commencement of the academic year.

An Articulation Agreement between Algonquin College and other select postsecondary institutions may permit graduates with an Ontario College Diploma in Police Foundations from Algonquin College to apply for admission into various B.A. programs. Further information can be obtained with the following link: https://www.algonquincollege.com/degree-pathways/.

For more information regarding this program, visit our website at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/programs/police-foundations.