Police Foundations - A Practical Base

The best way to grasp concepts is to be emerged in a real-world environment. That’s why Centennial College’s Police Foundations offering sees students partake in intense training equivalent to that of a paramilitary environment, which helps you to develop discipline and deportment. Not only do students attend courses based on real-life experiences and partake in case studies that incorporate a fundamental perspective on life, but they also are required to dress in uniforms similar to those they will sport in the field. These aspects serve to fully prepare Police Foundations students with a solid base for handling a wide range of scenarios that come with jobs such as: police officers, customs officers, security officers and more. In fact, Police Foundations graduates are prepared to apply for positions with the Provincial Police Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Armed Forces and more.

As previously mentioned, courses are based on real world scenarios and include: Fitness, Principles of Psychology, Criminology for Policing, Youth in Conflict with the Law, Crime Scene Management, Community & Experiential Policing, Communication Skills, Current Criminal Justice, Criminal Code & Police Powers, and more. Once particularly beneficial Police Foundations course is the Police Prep component, which professor Philip Sampo describes as, “[it] assists you in actually getting through all of the testing that you will be required to do [to become a police officer].”

As a result of their Police Foundations training, students are equipped with the ability to: document, prepare and assist in the presentation of court cases in compliance with criminal and provincial law, rules of evidence and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; assess the use of police powers; initiate, promote and facilitate partnerships to meet community policing and security needs; cope with stress and optimize physical fitness and wellness; develop strategies to assist crime victims and much more.

Police Foundations hopefuls must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have compulsory English 12C or U credits or skills assessment or equivalent. English proficiency will also be considered and a program information session may be required. There is also a host of essentials to be met that are typical in policing: no criminal record, a security clearance as well as a background investigation including CPIC, credit and reference check; a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and valid first aid and/or CPR certification. Lastly, physical requirements for Police Foundations are as follows: vision checks, standard normal hearing, physical fitness and readiness for the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) test. It is worth noting that students are expected to assume the cost of their uniform. Applicants are also advised that some program experiences may require a criminal reference check. Certain criminal convictions may disallow participation in these experiences and program completion may not be possible.

Protect the Public with Training in Police Foundations

Police Foundations is a term that encompasses a wide range of career options within the realm of public safety — whether through policing, being a security guard or working as a customs officer. Centennial College’s two-year police foundations program works with students to prepare them for these careers (and more) via a paramilitary style of training.

With a clear focus on developing discipline and deportment, Centennial’s Police Foundations program is well respected. Students are thoroughly trained through the paramilitary environment as well as courses that are based on real-life experiences and case studies that incorporate a fundamental perspective on the field. Some of the various courses students take during the Police Foundations program include: Canadian Criminal Justice System, Principals of Ethical and Moral Reasoning, Issues and Diversity, Criminology for Policing, Conflict Management and Use of Force. These and other well-rounded courses prepare graduates for entry into security and related occupations or to pursue the additional training that is specific to careers in various police and military environments. A highlight of the program is the Police Prep component that prepares students for all the required testing to become part of Canada’s police force.

So what knowledge do students boasts upon finishing the police foundations training?
They are well prepared to document, organize, and assist in the presentation of court cases in compliance with criminal and provincial law, rules of evidence and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They also are well versed in initiating, promoting and facilitating partnerships to meet community policing and security needs and making sound decisions based on evaluation. Students also gain a fundamental knowledge of concepts in political science, law and legislative policy-making and public administration to the provision of police services. With this sound training and the experiences of real-life simulations, graduates of the Police Foundations program can apply for positions as police officers or customs officers and security guards. This program will definitely launch their careers as problem solvers who have the ability to help people in their communities.

Police Foundations training is taken very seriously. Therefore, requirements for admission into the program are extensive and specific. Not only do applicants have to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older, but they must also have compulsory English 12C or U credits or skills assessment or equivalent. English proficiency will also be considered and a program information session may be required. Applicants should also know that some program experiences might require a criminal reference check.

There are also standard policing requirements that students must meet for a career in this field. Students must have no criminal record, as good moral character and habits are essential. Applicants for police services careers in Ontario must be able to pass a security clearance, background investigation and credit and reference checks. A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is also required. First aid and or CPR certification is necessary as well. Physically, the applicant must have his or her vision checked (requirements vary between agencies), possess standard normal hearing, be physically fit and ready for the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) test.

These prerequisites are set in place to ensure that only the most dedicated applicants are put through to the Police Foundations program and embark on a the very important career of ensuring the safety of the community in which they work. For full details, please check out Centennial College’s Police Foundations Admission Requirements.

Police Foundations Program