Advanced Police Studies

Notice:

Applicants must attend a mandatory information session.

About the Program

This two-semester graduate certificate program is designed to provide students with highly relevant applied skills, integrative learning experiences, and professional network development for careers in policing. Students will refine their abilities to analyze and make appropriate decisions in complex situations. Through small classes, simulations and applied projects, students will gain experience in dealing with social and organizational issues related to police services and community safety within increasingly diverse communities. Attention will be paid to mental health issues including the role of trauma as a risk factor for mental health and addictions. Students will also focus on personal wellness and fitness as key elements of operational readiness and resilience. A five-week block work-integrated learning (WIL) experience each semester with a local police service and/or a university police service provides opportunities to integrate knowledge and skills within an immersive environment.

Program Information

Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program
Delivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2020 - Fall | Winter
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 22

Admission Requirements

A two- or three-year diploma or a degree in criminal justice or a related discipline from an accredited college or university OR a two- or three-year diploma or a degree in an unrelated discipline from an accredited college or university with two years of experience in a related field
Related experience may include work in a law enforcement or community justice agency (e.g., youth worker, security officer, or similar work) and/or volunteer work with a justice-related community agency, a police organization, or research work in the justice field.

Note re: Admission Requirements

Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum test score on one of the following language proficiency tests or equivalent scores from another internationally recognized English language test:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
- TOEFL iBT 88
- CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60
- PTE Academic 58
- Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6
We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. An applicant will be eligible for admission to the graduate certificate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.
Sound leadership qualities are important for success in this program and are considered during the admission process.

Admission Procedures

Applicants meeting the admission requirements will be invited to begin the selection process, which requires them to:
- Attend a mandatory information session, where they will be required to complete a program questionnaire. The questionnaire is intended to evaluate the applicant's understanding of the police profession and commitment to civic involvement, as measured by volunteer and leadership experience. Applicants must also respond to questions about aspects of their personal backgrounds that may limit their ability to be selected by a police service, including driving record, illicit drug use, and criminal associations. An applicant profile must also be completed.
Final acceptance is based on a formula combining academic strength with questionnaire score.

Program Requirements

Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL)health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for WIL experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:
- Standard First Aid and CPR -level C
- A Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. Some agencies may request students to provide personal information or further security clearance checks. An unclear finding may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
Prior to commencing the first WIL experience in week 10, students must present documentation of standard first aid and CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)/AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Level C certification.
Applicants are advised that they must provide proof on admission that they have met police fitness standards. This may include:
- completion of Fitness for Police Foundations III or Vocational Fitness Standards II (with proof of attaining a minimum of 5.5 shuttle run) at Conestoga College or a course with similar demands at the post-secondary level, or
- a PREP certificate or certification of ability to meet the PREP bona fide vocational fitness standard.
Applicants are advised that, in addition to fitness standards, police services have a number of other physical requirements including, but not limited to, vision and hearing. It is strongly recommended that applicants contact various police services to determine these requirements.
Applicants are advised that an individual's driving history, illicit drug use, criminal associations and other personal behaviours may disqualify an individual from completing a placement and consideration as a police officer.
It is recommended that applicants have a foundation in provincial and federal offences and procedures.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition fee details for the 2019-2020 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.

Domestic Fees

Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for Advanced Police Studies - Program # 1212

Doon - Fall 2019 Level 1 & 2 (Program Start: 2019-09-03)
Description	Fall 2019	Winter 2020
Recreation/Athletics Fee	$70.50	$70.50
Technology Enhancement Fee	$135.00	$135.00
Capital Development Fee	$74.83	$74.83
Program Tuition Fee (ACR)	$2700.00	$2700.00
CSI Health Plan Fee	$295.00	$0.00
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee	$60.00	$0.00
ONE Card Fee	$7.00	$7.00
CSI Legal Protection	$28.00	$0.00
CSI Advocacy Fee	$12.50	$12.50
CSI Event Fee	$40.00	$40.00
CSI Student Clubs	$3.50	$3.50
Locker Fee	$5.00	$5.00
Alumni Services	$5.00	$5.00
Student Spaces	$10.00	$10.00
Graduation fee	$15.00	$15.00
Academic Support Fee	$18.00	$18.00
CSI Academic Support Fee	$5.00	$5.00
Health and Wellness Fee	$20.00	$20.00
CSI Health and Wellness Fee	$10.00	$10.00
Career Services Fee	$10.00	$10.00
CSI Career Services Fee	$10.00	$10.00
Session Total	$3534.33	$3151.33
Year Total		$6685.66

International Fees

Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for
Advanced Police Studies - Program # 1212

Doon - Fall 2019 Level 1 & 2 (Program Start: 2019-09-03)
Description	Fall 2019	Winter 2020
International Program Tuition	$0.00	$0.00
Recreation/Athletics Fee	$70.50	$70.50
Technology Enhancement Fee	$135.00	$135.00
Capital Development Fee	$74.83	$74.83
CSI Health Plan Fee	$295.00	$0.00
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee	$60.00	$0.00
ISR	$375.00	$375.00
ONE Card Fee	$7.00	$7.00
CSI Legal Protection	$28.00	$0.00
CSI International Health Fee	$500.00	$0.00
Grad. Cert. Program Tuition	$6500.00	$6500.00
CSI Advocacy Fee	$12.50	$12.50
CSI Event Fee	$40.00	$40.00
CSI Student Clubs	$3.50	$3.50
Locker Fee	$5.00	$5.00
Alumni Services	$5.00	$5.00
Student Spaces	$10.00	$10.00
Graduation fee	$15.00	$15.00
Academic Support Fee	$18.00	$18.00
CSI Academic Support Fee	$5.00	$5.00
Health and Wellness Fee	$20.00	$20.00
CSI Health and Wellness Fee	$10.00	$10.00
Career Services Fee	$10.00	$10.00
CSI Career Services Fee	$10.00	$10.00
Session Total	$8209.33	$7326.33
Year Total		$15535.66

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.

Graduate Opportunities

Students graduating from this program will have first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a police service.

On average, 100% of graduates from the last three years (2015 to 2017) found employment within six months of graduation.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Pathways & Credit Transfer

Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.

Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.

Learn more about PLAR.

Program Courses

Course Details (1212)
Course Code	Course Title and Description
Level 1
COMM8020	Advanced Professional Communication Description: This Post Grad course is designed to enable students to analyze and evaluate learned language communication skills, and to advance their occupational language competency. Students will critique reading, listening, memory recall, and observation skills, and will enrich and polish their presentation skills. They will complete exercises to enhance their professional communication practices including various techniques and decorum used to interact with police supervisory personnel, judiciary and other community partners. Students will prepare memos, emails, components of Crown Briefs and other descriptive writing exercises to provide insight into areas of successful written communication. Each student will be required to offer court testimony, supporting a charge before the court. Hours: 36 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
CON0101	Conestoga 101 Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities. Hours: 1 Credits: Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
FIT8000	Lifestyle and Fitness Management for Police Officers I Description: This course will focus on assisting the student to improve /maintain their ability to perform the practical application of the PIN and ATS testing which includes the PREP test and the 20 m Shuttle Run which are required fitness test for policing in the Province of Ontario. This course will further provide the student an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the concept of Wellness through practical applications in developing a healthy lifestyle with the emphasis on fitness Hours: 27 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
FPLT8200	Field Practicum (Advanced Police Studies) I Description: The five week block placement at a local police service and/or university police service exposes the student to all aspects of routine police/peace officer life and duties. Students will be expected to work shifts, weekends and holidays if required. During the practicum, students will be required to participate in on-line guided discussions related to their practicum experience, problems they encounter and to describe to fellow students how they are applying the capabilities developed in the program. Hours: 196 Credits: 7 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
LAW8010	Situation Management and Effective Decision Making Description: Students will evaluate the impact that procedures, legislation and social issues have upon decisions that need to be made under pressure. Alternative methods of managing a situation including conflict management and diffusion of hostility will be practised. The impact that decisions can have on an individual and the community will be examined. Through the use of small group exercises, problem-based learning and simulations, students will explore a variety of situations that they can be expected to experience and will examine alternative methods and appropriate responses. Hours: 36 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
LAW8050	Investigative Case Management Description: This course is taught entirely in a computer lab. Students will learn advanced techniques for managing complex investigations through the use of a software Case Management system. Topics include investigator/investigation management, evidence cataloguing (document, audio, video), entity tracking (people, cars, boats, planes, bank accounts), investigation timeline and charting, and preparing the case for the crown or legal counsel. Hours: 36 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
OHS1320	Safety in the Workplace Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers. Hours: 14 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Level 2
FIT8010	Lifestyle and Fitness Management for Police Officers II Description: This course will continue to focus on the practical ability to perform the PIN and ATS testing for Policing in the Province of Ontario, building on the levels achieved in the prerequisite ( Fit 8000 ) and the lifestyle goals of the student. As well students will continue to track their progress through further developing their personal Fitness plan and logs Hours: 27 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: FIT8000 CoRequisites:
FPLT8210	Field Placement (Advanced Police Studies) II Description: In addition to Advanced Police Studies Practicum I students will again experience a five week block placement with a police service/university police service. As with the earlier practicum, students will be required to take part in on-line guided discussions relating to their practicum experience, problems they encounter and to describe to fellow students how they are applying the capabilities developed in the program. Hours: 196 Credits: 7 Pre-Requisites: FPLT8200 CoRequisites:
LAW8020	Advanced Situation Management and Effective Decision Making Description: Students will build upon their skills and experience(s) from LAW8010. Students will continue to evaluate the impact that procedures, legislation and social issues have upon decisions that need to be made while under pressure. Students will also be introduced to incident planning and response and understanding basic emergency response to a variety of situations. Students will also be introduced to group based conflict. Drawing from LAW8010 and the material from LAW8020 students understand alternative methods of managing a situation including conflict management of individuals and groups. The impact that decisions can have on an individual and the community will be examined. Through the use of small group exercises, problem-based learning and scenario based training, students will explore a variety of situations that they can be expected to experience and will examine alternative methods and appropriate responses. Hours: 36 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: LAW8010 CoRequisites:
PLCE8010	Police Service Applied Research Project Description: Utilizing an informational or practical need identified and approved during Advanced Police Studies Practicum I, the student will be required to complete a collaborative applied research project which will be of benefit to the police service where the practicum is taking place. A written submission, as well as a presentation to an executive level panel, is required for successful completion. Hours: 36 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: FPLT8200 or PLCE8000 CoRequisites:
PSYC8000	Trauma, Mental Health and Addictions Description: This course will focus on the most common social and personal issues individuals working in law enforcement may confront. It is designed to enable critical discussion of the causes, consequences and inter-related dimensions of trauma, mental health and addictions. Individual and societal response to these problems will be analyzed. Hours: 36 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:

Program Outcomes

Analyze situations and synthesize the various policies, procedures, legislation, social issues and community resources applicable to make appropriate decisions.
Integrate legislative, professional, organizational and ethical standards to develop a personal code of conduct.
Communicate professionally and effectively in all aspects of investigation, enforcement and community involvement.
Utilize technology effectively in the execution of policing duties in both routine and complex situations.
Utilize effective critical thinking, problem-solving decision making and multi-tasking in complex situations.
Integrate physical activity, fitness and wellness standards into the development of a personal lifestyle.
Integrate effective team/leadership/relationships building capabilities to promote effective and harmonious workplaces and community relations within a diverse society.
Apply specialized investigative methods in securing, searching, recording, collecting, preserving and evaluating of evidence for enforcement and prosecution of offences including generating appropriate, accurate and comprehensive reports and legal documentation.
Illustrate a commitment to self-development and life long learning in the field of policing.
Utilize appropriate conflict and crisis management techniques during dispute resolution and in potentially dangerous situations.

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs. For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.

Program Handbook

Handbook

Apply Now

Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3

Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.

International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.

For additional program information, call the Information Centre at 519-748-5220 ext 3656.

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.