Police Foundations

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Courses - September 2023

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

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: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Vocational Fitness Standards I for Police Foundations
FIT1160

Description: This course will introduce students to relevant vocational physical performance standards related to law enforcement. Students will access their physical abilities against the identified police test criteria and develop a plan to increase physical standards. In addition students practice physical activities informed by coaching and mentoring
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Canadian Criminal Justice System
LAW1060

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Powers, Authorities and Liabilities
LAW1140

Description: This course is designed for police officers who are seeking a clear, concise and succinct explanation of the legal authorities they possess, the constraints under which they work, and the liabilities they may face. The course will examine in detail the Police Services Act as well as provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Criminal Code. The course will also explore such police powers as powers of arrest, officer discretion, charging and releasing an offender as well as search and seizure authorities
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Criminology
LAW1210

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
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Introduction to Modern Policing
PLCE1030

Description: This course introduces the students to the roles and responsibilities of the modern day police officers. The students will broaden their knowledge of the career by examining current issues and industry trends facing the professional Police officers. Special attention will be focused on the rules and regulations that governs Police officers in Ontario.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Security Guard Fundamentals
SECU1090

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Working with Complex Populations
COMM1775

Description: This course will introduce students to understanding diversity within Canadian society. Specifically, students will examine the diverse populations that make up community, the struggles they face and the opportunities presented to them. Working within a framework of law, security, investigations and law enforcement, students will consider how the criminal justice system influences and impacts the diverse members of Canadian society, with a focus on marginalized populations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Ethics
ETHS1000

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Vocational Fitness for Police Foundations
FIT1215

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.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Criminal Code
LAW2050

Description: In this course, students will consider the basis of criminal law, along with examining the principles and purposes of the Charter. A review of Charter breaches and consideration of the role of law enforcement agencies in protecting rights under the Charter while balancing the responsibility to protect communities and individuals from criminal activity. Students will consider the key elements of criminal law in Canada and the purpose, structure and use of the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Interviewing And Investigation in Policing
PLCE1000

Description: This course introduces the students to the strategies and techniques of interviewing in an investigation. Students will examine the different types of interviews and consider options to retrieve information from victims, witnesses and suspects. Students will review relevant legislation governing interviews and the court requirements.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conflict Management
PLCE2080

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Applied Communications in Law Enforcement
LAW2070

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Cyber Security
LAW2295

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Emergency Management
PLCE1080

Description: This course will introduce students to the concepts of emergency management, the models, systems and processes. Students will analyze various situations, consider barriers and limitions in order create a plan to effectively respond to various emergency situations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Investigation And Evidence in Policing
PLCE2090

Description: In this course, students will explore the complexities of evidence collection in a criminal investigations. Students will analyze how evidence collection, documentation and preparation of court documents impact investigations. Student will review and apply the rules of evidence, statue law and other forensic requirements to criminal investigations
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Provincial Offences and By-law Enforcement
PLCE2110

Description: In this course students will examine specific Provincial statutes that impact the day to day work of police offers. Student will examine each statute through a lens of situation relevance as well as powers and responsibilities of law enforcement officers. In addition, they will analyze the consequences of implementing each statute as it relates to the collection and presentation of evidence required for a conviction. This course will also provide students with an understanding of municipal bylaw enforcement. Topics will include typical bylaws and the effective enforcement of municipal legislation.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
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Youth Justice
SOC2010

Description:

In this course, the student will learn about the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed approaches when working with youth who are in conflict with the law. Diversion and other intervention and rehabilitation strategies will be discussed in the context of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other relevant legislation.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: LAW1060
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Wellness and the Professional
HEAL1375

Description: This course will develop an understanding of the professional elements that contribute to the health and wellness of law enforcement professionals. Students will explore the consequences of individual choices related to health and wellness and the stress of the workplace. Students will also identify and learn about the various strategies that will help them manage their wellness in their chosen career.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Integration Management
PLCE2005

Description: This course provides students the opportunity to examine and develop skills in criminal investigation management. Students will analyze how statement taking, record management, evidence collection, and preparation of court documents contribute to a successful investigation. Informed by relevant legislation, they will assess and analyze evidence and statements in order to produce Crown briefs.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Traffic Management
PLCE2045

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Crime Prevention and Community Policing
PLCE2100

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.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Cyber Investigations
PLCE2130

Description: This course provides students the opportunity to examine strategies and techniques in cyber investigation. Students will analyze data recovery, cyber records, evidence collection, in order to prepare case documents that contribute to a successful investigation. Students will review relevant legislation and best practices as it relates to cybercrime
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
PLCE2140

Description: In this course, students will explore the complexities of equity, diversity and inclusion within the Criminal Justice System. Students will review the historical, cultural and economic threads of Canadian society and their impact on equity, diversity and inclusion, and will examine how personal, professional and systemic barriers give rise to prejudice, discrimination and oppression. With a focus on policing, students will analyze and address how law enforcement can contribute or mitigate individual and systemic equity, diversity, and inclusion issues. Special attention will be focused on developing a strong awareness of self as it relates to equity, diversity, and inclusion issues.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  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