Frequently Asked Questions

Learn the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions for the Police Foundations program.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have had to make changes to how we deliver our programs in order to maintain a high quality learning experience while ensuring the safety of our students and staff.

This program is planned to be delivered with a combination of remote and on-campus instruction for the Fall 2022 term. This means that some learning activities will require you to come on-campus. All courses will be adapted for this new delivery model, to ensure you have an engaging and personalized experience. On-campus classes and activities will be planned in accordance with Public Health guidelines, with appropriate physical distancing and other protocols in place.

We have also transitioned our services to virtual delivery and we have developed many new resources to support your success, such as our new Student Learning Kit. You may also wish to participate in one of our upcoming virtual events for prospective students to learn more about what’s in-store for you this Fall.

Do I need a Vulnerable Police Check?

As our program offers many volunteer opportunities with social service agencies, it is recommended (though not mandatory) that you maintain a current Vulnerable Records Check with your local police agency prior to attending our program.

If I enroll in the Police Foundations program, will I have to go to college during the summer months?

Yes. The program is equivalent to a two-year diploma program, but its curriculum has been compressed into a 42-week program. This means students begin their studies in September and complete the program in late August the following year. This is advantageous for students who are eager to get into the workplace more quickly.

I will be funding my studies in part with OSAP. How does the payment schedule work with this compressed program format?

You will receive your OSAP funding in two installments:

  • 1st installment: When you begin your studies (e.g., September)
  • 2nd installment: During your second semester (e.g., January)

What you need to remember is that the Police Foundations compressed program runs for three semesters, back-to-back-to-back. As part of your financial planning, it is important to consider setting aside some of your 1st and 2nd installment of OSAP funding to ensure that you have funds available to pay your third and final semester’s tuition payment. Alternatively, you can put down additional funds on your Algonquin College student account at the time that you receive each OSAP installment to ensure that your third-semester tuition is paid for as of January. Your OSAP funding calculation is based on the fact that you will be in school for 45-weeks which means that each of your OSAP installments should have a great amount of funding based on your study duration.

Is there an opportunity to earn industry certifications in this program?

Yes. Every student in the Police Foundations program has the opportunity to complete the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services approved Security Guard course at no extra cost! The basic training course aims to ensure all security guards in the province have the knowledge and skills to carry out their work professionally, effectively, safely and lawfully. Students also complete a Positive Space course. Positive Spaces provides training, education, leadership, and resource-sharing to support LGBTQ, newcomers, staff, volunteers and community members to fully participate in communities. Below is a list of certifications that students can choose to complete and their approximate cost:

  • First Aid CPR – $115
  • Security – $99
  • Firearms Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) – Non-Restricted – $100
  • Firearms Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) – Restricted – $100

How “hands-on” is this program?

Our Pembroke Waterfront Campus places a strong emphasis on providing students with real-life work experiences to better prepare them for their careers. As part of their training, students practice their investigative skills by participating in mock scenarios that simulate traffic accidents, domestic disputes, and narcotics investigations. Each student plays a role in these scenarios, while actual police officers help teach the students the dos and don’ts of investigative work. Once they have completed the scenarios, students act out the ensuing court procedures, providing them with more relevant learning that will prepare them for their future in law and security careers.

Do I have to be in good physical condition to apply to this program?

Students don’t necessarily have to be in good physical condition upon application, but physical fitness is a focus of the program with wellness and a healthy lifestyle component each semester. Students are introduced to the concept of wellness and provided with 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 and practised regularly.

Are there degree pathways for graduates of the Police Foundations program?

Yes. Articulation agreements or degree pathways are agreements between Algonquin College and other post-secondary institutions that facilitate recognition of prior post-secondary study and transfer credit or admission to upper levels of study. As a result, it may take you less time to complete your degree or, result in a reduced course load. This means that you may enter the job market sooner and potentially save time and money.

Graduates have a number of opportunities to leverage their Police Foundations studies and gain advanced standing in other post-secondary programs including the following:

  • Royal Roads University (Canada): Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies; Graduates of the Police Foundations Ontario College Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.33 (B) and who meet all other admissions criteria will be admitted to the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies degree program at Royal Roads University. Students can expect to complete their degree in an additional 2 years of full-time study. Students can complete their degree either in an on-campus or blended (mainly online with short on-campus residencies) delivery model.
  • Saint Paul University (Canada):
    • Honours Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Studies; Graduates with a minimum average of 70% (GPA 2.7/4, B-) will be granted 60/120 total credits towards either an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Studies. Students can expect to complete their degree in 2 years of full-time study. This degree is also available part-time.
    • Honours Bachelor of Arts in Ethics, Social Justice and Public Service; Graduates with a minimum average of 70% (GPA 2.7/4, B-) will be granted 60/120 total credits towards an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Ethics. Students can expect to complete their degree in 2 years of full-time study. This degree is also available part-time.
    • Honours Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and Spirituality; Graduates with a minimum average of 70% (GPA 2.7/4, B-) will be granted 60/120 total credits towards either an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and Spirituality. Students can expect to complete their degree in 2 years of full-time study. This degree is also available part-time.
  • University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) (Canada):
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Forensic Psychology; Algonquin College graduates with the best qualifications who complete 5 bridging courses will receive 15/40 credits towards their bachelor’s degree. Students can expect to complete their bachelor’s degree in an additional three years of study after graduating from Algonquin College.
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science; Algonquin College graduates with the best qualifications who complete 4 bridging courses will receive 16/40 credits towards their bachelor’s degree. Students can expect to complete their bachelor’s degree in an additional three years of study after graduating from Algonquin College.

* Best efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of this information. Please visit the full list of Articulation Agreements.

I noticed that Police Foundations students wear uniforms. Where do I buy these uniform pieces and how much are they?

Our on-campus Bookstore offers a variety of Police Foundations uniform pieces that you can choose from. Below is the list of items and prices. *Please note: these prices are subject to change annually.

  • Long-Sleeved T-shirt: $23.95
  • Oversized Long Sleeved T-shirt: $27.95
  • Long-Sleeved Polo (Grey or Blue): $31.95
  • Oversized Hoodie (Grey or Blue): $53.99
  • Regular sized Hoodie (Grey or Blue): $45.95
  • Oversized polo Shirt: $36.95
  • Short-sleeved red T-Shirt: $18.95
  • Oversized Short Sleeved Red T-Shirt: $22.95
  • Performance Long Sleeved Red T-shirt: $24.95
  • Regular Polo Grey or Blue) Shirt: $34.95