POLICE FOUNDATIONS
Program Outline
Major: PFPR
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Orillia and Owen Sound
Start: Fall + Winter
Description
The Police Foundations (PFP) program provides students with the knowledge and skills required of contemporary police officers. By sharing a common first year with the Community and Justice Services, and Protection, Security and Investigation programs, students are provided with an overall understanding of criminal justice and law enforcement in Canada. The common first year of the program also allows students the opportunity to transfer between programs after the first year of study.
Second year students in the PFP program are provided with both academic and practical courses which develop the knowledge and skills demanded by today's Canadian police services. Areas of study include forensic crime scene examination, interview skills, use of force theory and application, police powers, and crisis intervention techniques. The physical training and career preparation components of the program are designed to prepare students to meet the specific demands of police recruitment processes.
Career Opportunities
Diverse opportunities within the field of policing are available to graduates. Students may consider employment with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which stations officers across Canada and in many other countries around the world; Provincial police services such as the Ontario Provincial Police; and municipal/regional police organizations which protect and serve local communities ranging from small towns to large urban centres. Career opportunities also exist with organizations which provide private policing services, the Canadian Forces which employs a sizable contingent of military police officers and with various other justice agencies involved in law enforcement and public safety.
Potential students with a criminal record will need to discuss their personal situation with college counsellors before enrolling in the program. In some cases an official criminal record may make it more difficult for students to find related employment after graduation.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- complete all tasks in compliance with pertinent legislation, as well as policing standards, regulations and guidelines;
- analyze all relevant information and make effective and legally defensible decisions in accordance with ethical and professional standards;
- be accountable for one's actions when carrying out all tasks;
- develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development;
- ensure the respect of human rights and freedoms in all interactions;
- work co-operatively in multidisciplinary teams to achieve mutual goals;
- collaborate in the development and implementation of community policing strategies;
- monitor, evaluate and document behaviours, situations and events accurately and discreetly in compliance with legal, professional, ethical and organizational requirements;
- mitigate risks and maintain order by applying effective strategies in crisis, conflict and emergency situations;
- take positive actions to help crime victims;
- conduct investigations by collecting, documenting, preserving and presenting admissible evidence;
- employ environmentally sustainable practices within the profession;
- identify and connect program specific curriculum and learning outcomes with active engagement and service in the community.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. Applicants following the OSS curriculum must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG 4C, ENG2U).
Keyboarding ability, basic computer literacy and word processing skills are also recommended.
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Students are required to sign a waiver indicating they are physically and medically able to participate in strenuous physical activity.
Applicants must have a valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C or HCP certificate before participating in volunteer opportunities. It is recommended that First Aid and CPR training is completed prior to program entry.
Graduation Requirements
25 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory:
CJSR2000 Crisis Intervention
CJSR2003 Use of Force Applications
FITN1003 Physical Training 1
FITN1004 Healthy Living 1
FITN1005 Physical Training 2
FITN1006 Healthy Living 2
FITN2006 Physical Training for Policing 1
FITN2007 Physical Training for Policing 2
GNED 2016 Social Psychology
GOVT1002 Government in Canadian Society
LAWS1010 Contemporary Legal Studies
PFPR 1001 Criminal Justice in Canada
PFPR 1003 Issues in Diversity
PFPR 1010 Criminology
PFPR1022 Introduction to Policing
PFPR 2004 Youth in Conflict with the Law
PFPR 2008 Provincial Offences and Court Preparation
PFPR2030 Police Powers 1
PFPR2031 Traffic Law and Collision Investigation
PFPR2032 Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
PFPR2033 Career Entry Preparation
PFPR2034 Police Powers 2
PFPR2035 Investigation and Case Preparation
PFPR2036 Community Policing
PSYL1004 Mental Health Issues
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CJSR2000 Crisis Intervention 42 Hours
This course is designed to develop the first responder's ability to intervene safely and effectively in situations involving interpersonal conflict and/or individuals in crisis. Students will learn to recognize behaviours which indicate distress and may convey an individual's intention to act violently. Intervention techniques will be stressed and students will have the opportunity to practice effective communication skills that are essential to safely manage anxious, disruptive and violent behaviour.
CJSR2003 Use of Force Applications 56.0 Hours
In this course students will explore the legislation and principles which govern the use of force by law enforcement personnel. An understanding of the law enforcement officer's legal and ethical responsibilities in assessing risk and selecting the appropriate response will be developed. Students will have the opportunity to practice a variety of defensive skills and use of force applications, including empty hand techniques and the use of restraints, in a controlled environment.
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
FITN1003 Physical Training 1 28.0 Hours
This course introduces students to the practical application of health-related physical training which includes cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance training, flexibility and balance training. Students will participate in various activities including running, high impact exercises, weight training, flexibility, balance activities, interval and circuit training. Assessment of physical fitness levels will be completed through health-related fitness component testing including timed runs, shuttle runs, push-ups, curl ups, flexion and chin ups.
FITN1004 Healthy Living 1 28.0 Hours
This course introduces students to the concepts of fitness, basic health, dimensions of wellness and provides practical strategies for developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students will explore overall wellness, goal setting, time and stress management, general nutrition, emotional health, and physical fitness theory, including cardiovascular, muscle conditioning, flexibility and balance fitness. Students will also examine principles of training.
FITN1005 Physical Training 2 28.0 Hours
Building on the skills of Physical Training 1, students will continue to participate in activities to improve cardiovascular abilities, muscle strength and endurance, and increase flexibility and balance. Assessment of physical fitness levels will be completed through health-related fitness component testing including timed runs, shuttle runs, push-ups, curl ups, flexion and chin ups. Law Enforcement testing will be introduced through completion of the Prep Test, PARE Test, and Ontario Police College Fitness Component Standards.
FITN1006 Healthy Living 2 28.0 Hours
Building on the theory and knowledge from Healthy Living 1, students will be introduced to program creation strategies and will develop and design an effective personalized fitness, nutrition and wellness plan. Through lectures, research, and self-assessment, students will explore healthy relationships including parenting and sex education, hypo kinetic diseases, back health, shift work and common work injuries.
FITN2006 Physical Training for Policing 1 42.0 Hours
In this course students will continue their participation in activities designed to improve various aspects of physical fitness. Assessment of personal fitness levels will be completed and students will develop and follow a personalized training program to improve individual fitness levels. Various physical tests employed by Canadian police services in the recruitment process will be practiced in order for students to gain confidence in their abilities to meet required standards.
FITN2007 Physical Training for Policing 2 42.0 Hours
In this course students will continue to develop individual levels of fitness to prepare for the physical demands of employment in the field of policing. The various physical tests used by policing organizations to assess fitness in new recruits will be practiced and students' performance will be measured in order to evaluate individual preparedness for the recruitment process. Students must meet minimum fitness standards established by Canadian police services in order to pass this course.
GNED 2016 Social Psychology 42.0 Hours
This course provides students with a working knowledge of the central theories and everyday applications of social psychology. Students explore the ways in which others affect our personal and professional lives by focusing on both classic and contemporary studies in social perception, cognition, influence, interpersonal attraction, race relations, and aggression. As a result, social psychology provides students with sound insights to help them understand and manage their interpersonal relationships in both work and social life.
GOVT1002 Government in Canadian Society 42.0 Hours
This course provides an introduction to government in Canada. It includes related historical background, an overview of the structure and administration of various levels of government and the organizational principles underlying their operation, with an emphasis on justice and law enforcement. Students will examine the electoral and legislative processes and interactions between various stakeholders and each government level, within the larger context of the Constitution Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
LAWS1010 Contemporary Legal Studies 42.0 Hours
This course will examine the specific elements of selected Criminal Code offences, including offences against the person, property and public, in order to classify offences and to identify possible defences in criminal cases. Students will recognize the responsibilities and limitations of citizens and law enforcement professionals, as required by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The course will also enable students to analyze the rights and obligations of citizens involving areas of civil law.
PFPR 1001 Criminal Justice in Canada 42.0 Hours
This course will provide students with an overview of the Canadian Criminal Justice System with an emphasis on the history, function, and organization of various Canadian justice services. Students will also examine the institutional foundation of the justice system, including public/private police, corrections and the court system. Further, students will critically examine the current state of the Canadian justice system and identify the contemporary issues confronting the system.
PFPR 1003 Issues in Diversity 42.0 Hours
In this course students will identify and examine issues in diversity including, but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Students will also increase their knowledge and awareness of important issues in the Aboriginal cultures. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students will develop an understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies for community empowerment. Students will explore community resources and social services that support diverse populations.
PFPR1022 Introduction to Policing 42.0 Hours
Students will be introduced to the core values and ethical expectations demanded of police officers. Professional standards and behaviours as outlined in the Police Services Act will be explored. Police roles and responsibilities will be examined to develop a broader understanding of the profession. Students will be introduced to the expectations of the police recruitment process. Communication skills and protocols will be examined in order to assist in community volunteer activities.
PFPR 2004 Youth in Conflict with the Law 42.0 Hours
In this course students will examine factors that bring young people into conflict with the law and the ongoing efforts to provide a more responsive youth justice system. Students will explore the evolution of youth justice legislation in Canada and examine the impact of current legislation on the roles and responsibilities of various justice services including policing agencies. Students will also examine youth court procedures and explore sentencing alternatives specifically designed to address youth crime.
PFPR2008 Provincial Offences and Court Preparation 42.0 Hours
Students will examine provincial statutes commonly enforced by police officers, such as the Liquor Licence Act. Roles of intervention and referral will be studied in other statutes such as the Mental Health Act and the Residential Tenancies Act. As members of a team, students will analyze and apply the correct legislation and authorities to case-based scenarios. The teams will present their findings as testimony in a court room environment.
PFPR1010 Criminology 42.0 Hours
This course explores crime as a complex social issue that is of significant concern to governments, law enforcement agencies and community members. Students will analyze various methods of calculating the amount of crime in society, assess variance in crime rates over time and explore emerging trends which are challenging law makers and justice officials responsible for community safety. Historical and contemporary explanations of the origin of criminal behaviour will also be investigated and evaluated.
PFPR2030 Police Powers 1 42.0 Hours
This course will examine the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its impact on police procedure. Students will explore police powers of arrest and issues related to the use of police discretion, including use of force. Through practical scenarios, students will demonstrate lawful arrests, and make use of proper techniques of handcuffing and searching a prisoner.
PFPR2031 Traffic and Collision Investigation 42.0 Hours
In this course students will develop the skills and knowledge required to investigate traffic violations and collisions based on the Highway Traffic Act and Regulations. Through scenario training, students will integrate police authorities and interpersonal strategies and procedures, when dealing with motor vehicle stops. Students will also have the opportunity to investigate and report on a recreated collision scene.
PFPR2032 Forensic Crime Scene Investigation 42.0 Hours
Students will examine, collect and preserve forensic evidence from a scenario crime scene in a manner suitable for court presentation. Based on the Rules of Evidence, forensic requirements and Statute Law, students will learn the essential steps in conducting an investigation including observation of the crime scene, investigation skills, digital photography, retrieval of latent prints, collection of evidence, and recording of critical information.
PFPR2033 Career Entry Preparation 28.0 Hours
This course is designed to prepare students for pursuing employment in the field of policing. Through research, students will increase their knowledge of various Canadian police services and their corresponding recruitment processes. Students will develop and practice skills in preparation for the PATI (Police Analytical Thinking Inventory) and the WCT (Written Communication Test) mandatory tests. Students will also develop an application portfolio, and practice employment interview techniques incorporating professional deportment and presentation.
PFPR2034 Police Powers 2 42.0 Hours
Building on prior knowledge from Police Powers 1, students will examine police authorities regarding search, seizure and detention. Students will discuss police powers pertaining to the release or detention of arrested persons. The responsibilities of the arresting officer in preserving individual rights and maintaining community safety will be examined. Students will explore specific authorities for search and seizure regarding weapons and drugs, under the Criminal Code and related Federal Statutes.
PFPR2035 Investigation and Case Preparation 42.0 Hours
The student will adapt and apply skills employed in the interview and interrogation of various subjects from suspect to witness. This application will be conducted while observing the Charter of Rights and established judicial procedure, and incorporating best practices. As members of a team, students will produce a court brief presenting all relevant evidence and required documentation for the court process.
PFPR2036 Community Policing 42.0 Hours
Students will integrate the theories, models and practices of contemporary community policing through analysis of various police case studies. Problem solving models and crime prevention strategies will be researched, developed and applied. Through practical exercises, students will analyze community issues related to crime and disorder, design and implement strategies to resolve the issues, and develop an analysis in order to evaluate success.
PSYL1004 Mental Health Issues 42.0 Hours
This interdisciplinary course explores human interaction with an emphasis on sensitivity to mental health issues and complex abnormal behaviour. Students will be introduced to a biological, psychological and social framework as it relates to abnormal pathology and best practice interventions. Students will also explore the legal and ethical issues that are involved in their work with persons that exhibit complex mental health issues.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.