Policing and Community Safety
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Program Overview
If you’re interested in a career in policing or community safety, this program offers excellent pre-employment academics and fitness preparation. This two-year diploma program will give you a strong foundation to compete for a spot in the Ontario Constable Selection System, pursue a career as a Special Constable, or other related positions within the community 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
PFT2
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2027 September
London
Open
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2027 September
London
Open
Your Learning Experience
The program is designed to provide 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 you with a well-rounded education that prepares you to effectively and flexibly address the challenges of the communities you may serve. The program's physical training and career preparation components are designed to help you 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 Policing and Community Safety 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:
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.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1. Adhere to legislation, regulations, policies, ethical and industry best practices within the scope of community safety and police law enforcement operations.
2. Develop and apply strategies to enhance physical and mental resilience for effective performance in public and private safety roles.
3. Promote equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in community safety policies and practices to foster inclusive environments.
4. Communicate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop strategies that enhance public trust.
5. Identify and collaborate with community organizations and partners to create proactive safety strategies that promote community safeguarding and well-being.
6. Assess and document incidents to support legal processes, operational efficiency, accountability and continuous improvement.
7. Use crisis and emergency response strategies to manage situations lawfully and effectively.
8. Connect individuals with necessary resources and support services to contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.
9. Conduct interviews and collect evidence to ensure admissibility in legal proceedings.
10. Examine the diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, histories, and perspectives in Canada, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, to foster inclusive relationships with the community and inform law enforcement practices.
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. 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
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (2026) | Overall score of 4.5 with no score less than 4 in any band |
| TOEFL i8BT (Prior to 2026) | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | Minimum score of 53 with no score less than 45 in any of the four bands |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
| LanguageCert Academic | Overall score of 65 with no score less than 60 in any of the four skills |
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
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)
Tuition Summary
London
[1] Total program costs are approximate and subject to change. They do not include additional fees such as the health and dental plan, bus pass, or general expenses. Learn more about ancillary and additional fees.