Police Foundations
- Credential:
- Ontario College Diploma
- College Code:
- CONS
- School:
- Community Services
- Program Code:
- 0973
- Accelerated Delivery:
- No
- Campus:
- DO
- Academic Year:
- 2020 / 2021
About the Program
Conestoga's Police Foundations (PF) and Protection, Security and Investigation (PSI) programs offer a two-year integrated learning experience to help you develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of a preferred candidate in your chosen field. The first year of the Police Foundations program is shared with the Protection, Security and Investigation program. This common first year focuses on justice foundations and has been designed to provide an overall base for a variety of careers in criminal justice and community safety. In this first year, you will be exposed to courses that give you an understanding of how society and its institutions work. In second year, you will be given the opportunity to concentrate your studies in Police Foundations. This second year provides both academic study and job-focused practical training to prepare students for careers in the private and public sectors.The second year Police Foundations program courses are directed towards the acquisition of basic knowledge and skills relevant to entry-level positions in law enforcement.
Note: All first-year applicants must apply to program #0002, Protection, Security and Investigation.
Program Information
Length: Two-year Ontario College Diploma programLocation: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 210
Note:
- Applicants who wish to enter Police Foundations must first apply to, and successfully complete, the first year of the Protection, Security and Investigation program, or its equivalent.
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of year one of the Protection, Security, and Investigation program, or its equivalent
- Please note: Where the number of applications to Police Foundations exceeds available space, students may be admitted based on overall academic performance.
Admission Procedures
- Submit proof of admission requirements.
- Final acceptance is based on a review of the admission requirements.
Program Requirements
- Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) health and safety requirements must be completed by students. Students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:
- A Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability of the student to be competitive for careers in policing. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
- Applicants should be aware that some employment opportunities require that certain physical, legal driving age, and health standards, including vision standards, must be met.
- Applicants should be aware that a high level of physical fitness is required.
- Standard First Aid and CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)/AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Level C may be required by employers.
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.
Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for Police Foundations - Program # 0973
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 |
| 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 |
| 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 | $2182.33 | $1799.33 |
| Year Total | $3981.66 |
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Administration Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $74.83 | $74.83 |
| CSI Association Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $0.00 | $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 | $2122.33 | $1799.33 |
| Year Total | $3921.66 |
International Fees
Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for
Police Foundations - Program # 0973
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6250.00 | $6250.00 |
| 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 |
| 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 | $7959.33 | $7076.33 |
| Year Total | $15035.66 |
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6250.00 | $6250.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Administration Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $74.83 | $74.83 |
| CSI Association Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $0.00 | $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 |
| 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 | $7899.33 | $7076.33 |
| Year Total | $14975.66 |
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
Graduates find employment in the following areas: public and private policing; industrial and retail security; Canadian Border Services; corrections; private and insurance investigations; and process serving.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 Code | Course Title and Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | |
| COMM1085 | College Reading & Writing Skills
Description: This course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse, summarize, and discuss a variety of readings and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising in response to written prompts. This course prepares students for post-secondary writing tasks, research, and documentation. |
| 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. |
| FIT1200 | Vocational Fitness Standards I for Police Foundations and Protection, Security and Investigation
Description: This course will introduce students to relevant bona fide vocational physical performance standards, assess their physical abilities against the identified test criteria and provide test-specific coaching. |
| LAW1020 | Introduction to Law
Description: The student will receive an introduction to Canadian law and the legal system by becoming familiar with the language of the law and terminology used throughout the administration of justice as well as exploring the practical application of common offence related statutes. Recognition of how "law" is established through judicial and legislative authority will be gained and the concepts and principles which form the structure of both civil and criminal law will be learned. The foundation of all government authority will be examined through an introduction to the Constitution Act, 1982, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Completion of this course will serve as the framework for further applications of law. |
| LAW1060 | Canadian Criminal Justice System
Description: This course provides an overview of the Canadian Criminal Justice System with a particular emphasis on the history, function, role and organization of Canadian law enforcement services. It will examine the major components of the criminal justice system from enforcement through the courts to correctional services. |
| LAW1210 | Criminology
Description: This course provides an examination of various theoretical explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour including the sociological, biological and psychological perspectives. Criminological theory is related to various types of criminal activity. The reality of crime in Canada including victimology is examined through crime statistics and correlates of criminal behaviour. The impact on theory on the development and effectiveness of the criminal justice system is discussed with an emphasis on future trends within the system. This course is part of the Law Enforcement and Investigation program. |
| LAW1550 | Introduction to Ethics and Values
Description: This course focuses on ethical issues faced by the individual as a person and more particularly as a professional with authority and responsibility for law enforcement. It will help the student clarify their values and establish a framework for ethical decision making. The course will focus the students' minds on the importance of moral philosophy as a component of the decision making process. |
| LAW1630 | Law Enforcement Careers
Description: This course is designed to broaden students' knowledge of the various law enforcement careers available to them. An in-depth look at the duties, responsibilities, salary, hiring requirements, employment standards, and legislation of specific fields is included. |
| SECU1090 | Security Guard Fundamentals
Description: This course will provide students with the basics required for security guard training. Students will be introduced to knowledge about the security industry and the legislation that governs it. Through interactive class discussions and activities, they will develop basic security procedure skills, effective communication and professional decision making as a security guard. |
| Level 2 | |
| LAW1140 | Powers, Authorities And Liabilities
Description: This course is designed for any investigator in the private sector, private security professionals, and police officers who are seeking a clear, concise and succinct explanation of the legal authorities they possess, the constraints they work under, and the liabilities they may face. The course will examine in detail the Private Security and Investigative Services Act as well as provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Criminal Code. The course will also explore other relevant legislation such as the Trespass to Property Act, the Liquor License Act, the Mental Health Act and others. The course begins with a review of legal issues that apply to private investigators, as well as a review of litigation issues of special significance to private investigators, including private prosecutions and the rules of evidence. The course concludes with a review of police powers, including powers of arrest, officer discretion, charging and releasing an offender as well as search and seizure authorities. |
| LAW1560 | Human Rights
Description: Human rights and diversity issues play an important role in Criminal Justice practice. This course will provide students with the opportunity to examine current issues and social problems relating to our current laws and multi-cultural society. It will provide an understanding of criminal law, investigations, and corrections in the context of today's diverse society. Students will also examine the issues surrounding race, gender, social class, crime, and their impact on the criminal justice system. |
| LAW2050 | Criminal Code
Description: In this course students will analyze specific elements of selected Criminal Code offences. These include offences against the person, against property and against public order. Students will research case law and assess its impact on criminal offences and use case law to argue or defend decisions. Students will also develop police report writing skills. |
| PLCE2080 | Conflict Management
Description: This course is designed to develop the ability of the participant to intervene in conflict and crisis situations with competence and confidence. The conflict situation will be examined from its inception through intervention by either police or other law enforcement agencies. Various problem-solving skills and non-violent intervention techniques are discussed along with intervention strategies directed toward specific incidents. Behaviour patterns that may lead to violent encounters are analyzed and the appropriate legal responses to these encounters are learned. These responses emphasize both officer and public/client safety through awareness and preparation. |
| SOC2010 | Youth Justice
Description: This course will follow the young offender through the criminal justice system. In addition, the student will be able to summarize and appraise disposition alternatives which may be employed with a view to aiding and rehabilitating a young offender while facilitating public safety, in the context of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other relevant legislation. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 3 | |
| ETR2200 | Career Preparation for Law Enforcement
Description: The Career Preparation course will introduce and prepare students for the application processes in the areas of security, corrections, policing, and Canadian Border Services Agency. |
| LAW2070 | Applied Communications in Law Enforcement
Description: Students will develop and enhance their reading, listening, and observational skill sets for policing, security and investigations, and will demonstrate effective presentation skills. They will be introduced to key reporting and communication practices. Additionally, they will demonstrate notebook entry writing and incident reports following guidelines used by law enforcement agencies. |
| LAW2350 | Civil Law
Description: Enabling students to analyze the elements of an offence, to classify offences and to identify possible defenses in criminal cases, this course also teaches students to analyze the rights and obligations of citizens in areas of civil law. The student will recognize the responsibilities and limitations of citizens in light of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. |
| PLCE1000 | Policing Fundamentals I: Interviewing And Investigation
Description: This course focuses on interviewing and investigation skills. Students develop the interviewing skills necessary to retrieve information from victims, witnesses and suspects. They also learn the basic steps of investigation including the practical application of these skills. |
| PLCE2045 | Traffic Management
Description: In this course, students will develop the knowledge, skills and ability to locate and apply sections of Provincial and Federal Traffic Laws. Students will practice locating topics in the Acts and Regulations, master the definitions required to interpret traffic laws and will apply the law concerning Police Authorities, driver's licenses, permits and rules of the road. Students develop and practice interpersonal strategies and procedures for dealing with motor vehicle stops and managing collision scenes. |
| PSYC2020 | Psychology and Mental Health in Public Safety
Description: This course will introduce students to the nature of and experiences of mental health issues and their impact on individuals with mental health issues in their interactions with public safety practitioners. It will also focus on measures at the individual and community levels for promoting mental health. Topics will include: mental illness and recovery; community mental health and mental health services; social support and coping. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 4 | |
| FIT1210 | Vocational Fitness Standards II for Protection, Security and Investigation and Police Foundations
Description: This course will provide students with further performance-specific coaching and end-of-program exit testing related to the bona fide vocational physical performance criteria relevant to their chosen career/program. |
| LAW2295 | Introduction to Cyber Security
Description: This course will introduce students to the field of cyber security including the prevention of cybercrime. Students will learn how the basic elements of computer systems, networks and related devices can be exploited for illegal and illicit purposes or strengthened to protect assets and systems. Students will also learn about cyber incident response and how cybercrimes are investigated. |
| LAW2400 | Applied Ethics
Description: This course focuses on ethical issues and the application of ethical principles by professionals with authority and responsibility for public safety. The course will focus on the importance of moral philosophy as a component of the decision making process. |
| PLCE2005 | Integration Exercise
Description: Through the integration of learning from across the program, this course provides Police Foundation students the opportunity to apply their knowledge through scenario based learning. Students will experience an active learning environment to help refresh and refine their knowledge, skills and abilities while re-affirming the importance of professional notebook usage. |
| PLCE2090 | Policing Fundamentals II: Investigation And Evidence
Description: In this course students will examine the requirements of a continuing investigation. Students learn the rules of evidence and develop the ability to apply said rules in the collection and presentation of evidence in a court of law. Forensic requirements, statute law and other related issues are emphasized. |
| PLCE2100 | Crime Prevention and Community Policing
Description: This course will introduce students to theories and models of crime prevention and of community policing. The focus will be on problem solving models and community development strategies as well as methods to maintain good relationships between the community, the victims of crime, and the police. |
| SOC1020 | Contemporary Social Issues
Description: This course identifies and examines the social construction, causes and consequences of various social problems in contemporary Canadian society. Using current social science paradigms and theories, students will analyse the problems and explore potential responses from a professional viewpoint. Topics will include: crime, violence, family problems, illness & healthcare, social stratification problems, ageism, race, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. |
Program Outcomes
- 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.
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
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.
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.
Program Recognitions
