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Police Foundations
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Program Overview
If you’re interested in a career as a police officer, this program offers excellent pre-employment academics and fitness preparation. This two-year diploma program will provide you with a strong base to compete for a spot in the Ontario Constable Selection System. Other career pathways may include Special Constable, or other related positions within the public safety field.
In this program, students examine the complexities of the criminal justice system, grasp the current challenges and engage in problem-solving methods related to community concerns. Although the program features a strong theoretical component, it offers numerous opportunities for practical learning through scenario-based training and our fitness program.
Program Details
Program Code
PFT1
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Canadian Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 September
London
Waitlisted
International Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
The program is designed to provide potential police candidates with a comprehensive education in human relations theory, along with essential academic knowledge of the law, police powers, community policing and investigation.
Delivered in the same context as other post-secondary education programs, the objective of this program is to equip students with a well-rounded education that prepares them to effectively and flexibly address the challenges of the communities they may serve. The program's physical training and career preparation components are designed to help students meet the demands of police recruitment processes.
Although police services do not require this program, it offers suitable candidates a competitive advantage over other applicants and enhances future internal organizational opportunities.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Police Foundations program are qualified to pursue a range of careers in the exciting field of public law enforcement, including:
- municipal, provincial and federal police services
- security guard
- loss prevention specialist
- border security
- private security
- correctional officer
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Police Foundations program:
RCMP Officer
Work to prevent crime, enforce laws, build relationships with communities and keep Canadians safe.
Correctional Officer
Exercise reasonable, safe and secure control while encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens.
Hospital Security Guard
Help keep the hospital secure by screening patients coming into the facility.
The Police Foundations and the Protection, Security, Investigations programs at Fanshawe College were truly a great introduction to policing and law enforcement. The course content was always up to date and the faculty were able to teach using their own experiences as law enforcement officers. My favourite part of the program was the professors. They always put your success first and made time to help you with anything you may have needed, from course support to assistance with job applications. Both programs really exceeded my expectations and helped me get into my initial career as a correctional officer for three years and now currently a cadet at RCMP Depot.
Natassha
Graduate
Learning Outcomes
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*.
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Shawn Rutkauskas
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with the following courses:
- Grade 12 English (C) with a minimum final grade of 70%,
OR
- Grade 12 English (U) with a minimum final grade of 60%
Students who do not meet the admission requirements are recommended for academic upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of enrolment. Alternatively, applicants may choose to do the one-year Public Safety Fundamentals preparatory program. Graduates who have a minimum grade of B in WRIT-1089 and a minimum grade of C+ in the remaining courses will meet the admissions requirements for this program.
Note:
Both the Protection, Security & Investigation (PSI) and Police Foundations programs share a common first level of courses. After the first level of Police Foundations, students may transfer to the Protection, Security and Investigations program based on their desired career path.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:
- A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years. SDS Program Requirements.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 53, with test results within the last two years
- A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 169 with no language skill less than 162, with test results within the last two years
- Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
Grade 12 Challenge and Change in Society (U)
Grade 12 Canadian and International Law (U) OR Grade 11
Understanding Canadian Law (U/C)
Grade 12 Personal and Fitness Activities (O)
Recommended Personal Preparation
Recommended Personal Preparation
- Applicants should note that some employment opportunities
require that specific physical, legal driving age, and health
standards, including vision standards, be met.
- Applicants should note that a Police Record Check and
Vulnerable Sector Screening may be required by employers, such as
police services.
- Students are required to take mandatory physical fitness
courses throughout this program. It is recommended that
students maintain a high level of physical activity and be familiar
with the requirements of the Physical Readiness Evaluation for
Police (PREP) and the Ontario Police Fitness Award (OPFA) PIN
Program. Applicants should be aware that a high level of
physical fitness is required to be successful in this course.
- Students should possess strong personal responsibility and
organizational and leadership traits by participating in school,
volunteer, and social organizations.
- Students should possess strong writing and speaking
skills.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Note:
- *Admission to the Fanshawe College Public Safety Fundamentals program does not guarantee admission in a subsequent year to the Police Foundations program. Successful completion of the Fanshawe College Public Safety Fundamentals program, however, does enable the student to be given additional consideration when applying to the Police Foundations program. The Public Safety Fundamentals program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Police Foundations program.
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
- Attend Program Orientation Session
- Possession of a Standard First Aid course certificate (either St. John Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross or equivalent) and a Basic Rescuer course certificate (Level 'C' CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| PSFY-1000 | Public Safety Principles in Ca | 3 | ||
This course examines the organizations that comprise Canada's public safety network, as well as their roles in protecting Canadians and their communities. Students will develop an understanding of career opportunities and hiring requirements within these organizations, as well as the interoperability of private security and public safety agencies. | ||||
| LAWS-1103 | Criminal Justice in Canada | 3 | ||
The Canadian Criminal Justice System encompasses law enforcement, the courts, and the correctional system. This course will enable the student to understand Canada's central justice agencies' history, roles, and organization and how federal, provincial, and municipal laws are made and enforced. The Criminal Code of Canada is introduced regarding its purpose, structure, format, and use. Students collaborate in teams to enhance their interpretation and knowledge of Canadian law through case-based learning. | ||||
| LAWS-1104 | Provincial Statutes & Regulations 1 | 3 | ||
This course introduces students to provincial legislation specific to many public safety professions. Topics covered include the Provincial Offences Act, Mental Health Act, Residential Tenancies Act, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Coroners Act, Blind Persons' Rights Act, Cannabis Control Act and Safe Streets Act. Through case-based learning, students apply apprehension, arrest, and search and seizure authorities. They also complete court documents enforcing common offences. | ||||
| HLTH-1312 | Mental Health & Social Welfare | 2 | ||
This course will provide a perspective on mental health principles, disorders and behaviour management, the mental health system, community agencies and personal support systems. Students will learn legislation and policies to work with people affected by mental health and addiction issues respectfully and effectively. Through dynamic simulations and self-assessment, students will examine the stigma associated with mental health and how mental health is addressed in the criminal justice system. | ||||
| PHRE-1047 | Fitness, Health, and Wellness 1 | 2.5 | ||
Public safety agencies recognize the importance of fitness, health, and wellness for public safety personnel. This course introduces students to occupational fitness tests, professionalism, stress management, wellness, and appropriate strategies for developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students develop a personal fitness plan and perform elements of occupational fitness tests used by public safety agencies. | ||||
| PSFY-1001 | Professional Practice-Teamwork | 1.5 | ||
This course introduces students to the concept of teamwork and the importance of utilizing various forms of communication in public safety professions. The topics include situational awareness and officer safety, basic interviewing and observations skills, notebook entries and incident report writing. Through scenario-based learning, students develop the ability to work in teams and investigate minor occurrences while following policies and procedures used by public safety agencies. | ||||
| SOCI-1001 | Sociology & Canadian Society | 3 | ||
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the sociological perspective and the analysis of social events. Topics of study will include research methodology, culture, socialization, deviance and crime, social inequality, social change, and collective behaviour. The student will also analyze how law enforcement personnel, law enforcement services, and society have benefited from the social sciences. | ||||
| WRIT-1089 | Reason & Writing 1 for Public Safety | 3 | ||
This course will introduce public safety students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.