Prepare for a career in law enforcement or security

The Sheridan’s Police Foundations Program introduces you to the world of public safety.  The Internet, new laws and the threat of terrorism have changed modern police work. Through this Police Foundations college program you'll learn about:

  • The many and varied aspects of modern policing
  • Police powers and procedures
  • Community policing
  • Criminology
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Interviewing suspects and victims
  • Investigation procedures and techniques
  • Youth in conflict with the law

Police Foundations professors are all experienced in the area of public safety.  Many have worked in various aspects of public safety  including homicide, undercover, defensive tactics, youth bureau, sexual assault, by-law enforcement and others. Some professors are active police officers. All maintain strong connections within the public safety community that provide excellent networking and internship opportunities for you.

Your classes include:

  • Police fitness activities
  • Lessons in conflict management and defensive tactics
  • Lectures on police policy and changes in law enforcement
  • Opportunities to analyze a mock crime scene
  • Preparation to take the ATS written and physical tests required before you can apply for police positions in Ontario
  • Scenario based practical exercises where you are challenged to integrate and practice your communication (both verbal and written), officer safety, use of authorities and discretion
     

Get Real World Experience

If you wish, you'll have an opportunity to get field experience in the area of police and security work. This experience is highly valued by organizations considering you for employment. Some of our students have assisted the Iron John or Iron Joan programs that volunteer with at risk youth. A few of our top students often get to intern with the Peel Regional Police. These are just a sample of the many opportunities available to enhance your skills and résumé with practical experience.


The Sheridan Police Foundations Program is located at the Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario.

By the end of the program, graduates will have the ability to:

  • Distinguish federal, provincial, and municipal law and the associated powers of arrest and/or detention
  • Identify the various theories of crime and deviance
  • Employ professionalism and ethical behaviour
  • Demonstrate accountability and attention to detail in interviewing and investigative techniques including note-taking and evidence collection / preservation
  • Apply modern day policing methods and apply the essential competencies required for the profession

CODE TITLE CREDITS
 
TERM 1
COMM 19999 Essential Communication Skills 3
JUST 13344 Introduction to the Canadian Justice System 3
PSRV 16017 Federal Powers of Arrest & Detention 3
PSRV 16298 Public Administration 3
PSYC 15065G Psychology Core Concepts 3
GNED General Education Elective 3
 
Total: 18
 
TERM 2
CSRV 17545 Community and Social Services 3
PSRV 29014 Criminal Procedures and Evidence  3
JUST 20655  Canadian Criminal Code 3
PSRV 28081 Private Policing  3
JUST 10261 Introduction to Fitness and Police Preparation 3
SOCI 16039G Introduction to Sociology 3
 
Total: 18
 
TERM 3
SOCS 11009 Criminology :  A Canadian Approach 3
JUST 26172  Provincial Offences 3
JUST 22128 Youth in Conflict with the Law 3
PSRV 26111 Community Policing and Leadership 3
PSRV 16529 Fitness and Police Preparation 3
PSRV 10146 Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation 3
 
Total: 18
 
TERM 4
PSRV 16367 Conflict Resolution: Response and Intervention 3
JUST 20025 Diversity, Values and Ethics in Public Safety 3
JUST 19999 Criminal and Civil Law 3
PSRV 11111 Interviewing and Investigation  3
JUST 14857 Public Safety Integrative Program Seminar  3
GNED General Education Elective 3
 
Total: 18

Note: Courses subject to change.

Sheridan prepares you for career success. When you graduate from the Police Foundations college program, you'll be ready to find employment in the following locations:

  • Municipal, regional or provincial police services in Ontario
  • Police departments across Canada
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • Border security
  • Private security

Note: Police services have minimum hiring standards for vision, hearing and physical ability. We encourage applicants to explore these standards prior to entering the program.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

or

Mature student status. (See "Admission" section for details.)

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.

UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

Sheridan’s Police Foundations Program has a collaborative learning partnership with Peel Regional Police that offers unique learning opportunities for students with various units of the Peel Regional Police Service, including semester long internships and special projects and events.

PREPARATION FOR APPLICATION

Although not an admission requirement, Grade 12 mathematics or equivalent is recommended. Applicants should be aware of the physical demands of the program as physical fitness and defensive tactics training are integral to the curriculum.

Note: In some cases, a criminal record may make it more difficult for students to find program-related employment after graduation.

*Course duration for September starts is two academic years. Course duration for January starts is 16 months continuous.
 



Program Offerings

Program Details

Faculty:
Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies
Program Code:
PPOLF
Duration:
2 Year Regular or 16 months continuous* (PPOLF)
Designation:
Ontario College Diploma
Campus:
Davis Campus
Start:
September, January