Police Foundations PFT

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

NOTE: After the completion of year one of the Police Foundations program, students have the option of remaining in the Police Foundations program or electing to transfer into the Protection, Security & Investigation program). Oxford County students may also transfer, but the accelerated format may cause a delay of 1 – 2 semesters before level 3 of PSI begins.

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 website for details.

Arts & Literacy Students will be required to write essays, and do public speaking and presentations. High School Courses in Challenge and Change in Society, Understanding Canadian Law, Canadian and International Law, Families in Canada, and/or Healthy Active Living Education would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, Internet, checking student web portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Willingness to do volunteer work, involvement in community is integral to 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 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

Useful background experience for this program would be

Volunteering and commitment to community.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Canadian Border Services Officer; Corrections officer – community  and institutional; By-Law enforcement Officer; Military Police; Crowd management; Airport Security Officer; Personal protection; Hospital Security; Court Services Officer.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Municipal police force, provincial police force, private security firm, military, airports, or prisons.

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 work week 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

Police Officer

• 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

Corrections

• Evaluate, classify and assess offenders
• Develop case plans and provide group and individual counselling
• Orient newly admitted offenders
• Prepare offenders for release into the community
• Assist in policy development
• Write reports and perform administrative tasks

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

Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program

• Police Association of Ontario (PAO)
• Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA)
• 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.

Opportunities for further development

• Graduates may wish to purse the Fanshawe College graduate certificate in Advanced Police Studies.
• Graduates may transfer some credit earned in this program towards a university degree. Multiple articulation agreements are available.

Last Modified: June 5, 2024