Police Foundations

Program Description

Prepare for an exciting career in law enforcement and policing.

As a student of our four-semester Police Foundations program, you’ll gain a comprehensive police foundations education combining the best aspects of legal education with practical skill development. Complete the program and you’ll be equipped for a demanding and satisfying career in policing, public safety and law enforcement, and develop a strong desire for continued learning throughout your career.

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards for all Ontario College Credential programs as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the following:

• act in a manner consistent with all relevant law and legislation, and professional, organizational, and ethical standards.
• communicate accurately, persuasively, and credibly to develop effective working relationships with individuals, groups, and multidisciplinary teams in order to achieve goals.
• apply knowledge of fundamental concepts of psychology, sociology, and criminology when interacting with peers, supervisors, other professionals, victims, suspects/offenders, and the public.
• document, prepare, and assist in the presentation of court cases in compliance with criminal and provincial law, rules of evidence, and the Charter of Rights and Freedom.
• assess the use of police powers.
• initiate, promote, and facilitate partnerships to meet community policing and security needs.
• assess the relationship of policing services to other participants in the criminal justice system and other community service agencies.
• make sound decisions based on an evaluation of situations.
• cope with stress and optimize fitness and wellness.
• apply fundamental concepts of political science, law and legislative policy making, and public administration to the provision of police services.
• assess information-gathering skills used in basic investigative techniques.
• assess crisis intervention strategies.
• develop strategies to assist crime victims to meet their needs.

Essential Employability Skills

• Essential Employability Skills (link to information on Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website)

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)

Applicant Selection:

• Academic achievement (grade in the prerequisite English subject or its equivalent).

Desirable:

• Although not required for admission, basic computer knowledge, a moderate degree of physical fitness and completion of a secondary school law subject is recommended.
• Students are required to be highly literate and have good analytical skills to be successful in the Police Foundations program.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Your Career

Policing and law enforcement education are evolving rapidly. Developed in co-operation with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, this program prepares you to be a candidate for police services, as well as other rewarding law enforcement careers. Community policing programs, specialization and diversification within law enforcement now offer talented individuals more opportunities than ever before.

Affiliations and Associations

• Canadian Police Association
• Canadian Society for Industrial Security
• Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario
• International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors
• Law Society of Upper Canada
• Ontario College of Teachers
• Ontario Association of Family Mediators
• International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association

Constable Selection Process

Applicants are advised that following graduation from Police Foundations, the selection process for police services in Ontario includes:

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada;
• Written aptitude and communications tests;
• Criminal Records check;
• Physical fitness testing;
• Vision, hearing and medical tests.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students are required to complete First Aid - Standard Level and C.P.R. - Level C (St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross or equivalent). Certifications cannot expire during the calendar year of graduation. It is the responsibility of the student to provide proof of certifications prior to graduation.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

U.S.

International

Curriculum

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