PPI520 - Private Investigation

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-05-29 00:06:47.711
Last review date 2023-07-31 00:15:01.247

Subject Title
Private Investigation

Subject Description
The Ontario Private Investigator License Course is a required course in the Advanced Investigations and Enforcement (AIE) Program. This specialized online course meets and exceeds the syllabus requirements of the MCSCS (Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services). The curriculum also covers the practical tools and training you need to be successful. Consisting of eight modules, the course will teach key lessons that all students should be familiar with in order to carry out their duties as a private investigator in accordance with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). Upon completion of the Private Investigator License Course, students will be fully prepared to sit and pass the mandatory Ontario PI License Exam and obtain their PI License.

This subject teaches skills and procedures essential to a career in Private Investigations and is supported by the practical experience offered in PPI 530, Photography and Surveillance Techniques. With a focus on civil and criminal cases, students will receive exposure to the skill-sets and experiential requirements necessary to a good field investigator.

Credit Status
This is a credit subject in the Advanced Investigations and Enforcement program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.           Recognize the career opportunities that exist for private investigators, including the characteristics and skills necessary to succeed in the field and explain the operational limitations imposed on Private Investigators as set out under the PI and Security Guards Act.
2.           Differentiate between criminal law and civil law, and outline how tort law and civil law affect private investigations in Canada
3.           Outline the role of observations and descriptions in investigations, and develop a systematic method of observing and describing persons, places, and things that will help make an investigation successful
4.           Describe various methods of reporting investigative findings to clients, including the best reporting format for each type of case and best practices for preparing reports
5.           Recognize available information sources, and explain how to access various records and information sources that can assist in an investigation. Demonstrate a legal understanding of the collection and use evidence as well as all legislation pertinent to evidence contained in the Charter.
6.           Describe the elements of effective communication and its role in private investigation practice
7.           Understand the required elements of the new Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and its role in the performance of an investigation.
8.           Identify different types of cases that require surveillance, and recognize the different types, methods, and techniques of surveillance to use. Name equipment used by private investigators, including operational, surveillance, evidence collection, and safety equipment
9.           Recognize the proper methods for obtaining, recording, preserving, and analyzing evidence; explain the role of expert witnesses
10.         Explain the various surveillance practices and be aware of the challenges presented by the application within an investigation of such elements as Intimidation, Pretexts, Mischief and Criminal Harassment.
11.         Specify the role of the investigator in a variety of Canadian investigations, and list the many types of investigations, the way in which evidence is gathered, and the proper procedures and techniques used to gather evidence

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.