Advanced Police Studies APS

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.

General requirements

• This is a graduate certificate program meaning applicants need to be graduates of a Police Foundations Ontario College Diploma.
• Also acceptable is a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline upon completion of a Fanshawe College bridging program.
• All applicants will need to pass an aptitude test.
• Applicants are advised that an individual's driving history, illicit drug use, criminal convictions, criminal associations, and other personal behaviours may result in an applicant being ineligible for placement and therefore will not be eligible to graduate from the Advanced Police Studies program.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Willingness to do volunteer work, involvement in the community is integral to a career
• Cope with, acknowledge and comply with authority
• Cope with emergencies and high-risk situations
• Strong ethical standards
• Non-judgmental, empathetic
• Interest in vulnerable populations
• Maturity and good judgment
• Ability to accept & comply with industry standards & expectations – i.e. wear a uniform, follow rules of conduct, maintain honesty & integrity
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills (listening, fostering relationships, explaining, facilitating, mediating)
• Interest in working with diverse populations
• Possess time management and personal life organizational skills
• Able to take charge and give up control to others as necessary
• Able to manage personal stress and identify triggers

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become

A police officer or special constable.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Municipal police service, provincial police service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a private security firm, military, airports, provincial or federal corrections.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Must meet fitness standards i.e. 2.4 km run
• Dealing with hostility and the unknown
• 356 days a year, 24/7 commitment
• May work a regular five-day, 40-hour week or a compressed workweek with 10 or 12-hour shifts. Weekend, holiday, and night shifts usually are required
• Work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather
• May be required to stand or walk for hours at a time or ride in a vehicle for a complete shift
• At times, may use force or be required to lift items that weigh over 20 kilograms
• Often work in stressful, emotional situations and sometimes work in dangerous situations

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Crime prevention
• Assisting victims of crime
• Working with community groups to identify and solve policing problems of mutual concern (community-based policing)
• Writing reports
• Court appearances
• Apprehending suspects
• Investigation of crimes
• Interview suspects, witnesses, and victims

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services – Constable
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024