Protection, Security and Investigation PSI

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 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

Private Security Officer; Canadian Border Services; Corrections officer – community  and institutional; By-Law enforcement; Airport security; Armoured Car Security; Personal protection; Hospital Security; Loss Prevention Officer; Court Services Officer; Ministry of Transport Enforcement Officer; Wildlife/Conservation Officer; or Ministry of Environment Enforcement Officer.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Private security agencies, airports, courts 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

Security Guard

• Patrol an assigned area
• Check doors, windows, locks and building interiors for signs of damage or theft
• Provide information, guide traffic or respond to complaints and maintain order
• Watch for intruders sometimes through the use of electronic surveillance systems
• Observe and keep records of security related activities

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

Border Services Officer

• Wxamine documents and interview travelers and importers
• Detain people who may pose a threat to Canada
• Remove people who are inadmissible to Canada (for example, those involved in terrorism, organized crime, war crimes or crimes against humanity)
• Examine personal and commercial shipments, monitor the movement of goods and intercept illegal goods entering or leaving the country
• Use established rules to determine taxable value and applicable duty and sales tax rates, and ensure correct duties and taxes are collected on imported goods
• Protect food safety and the environment by stopping prohibited or hazardous products arriving at air, land or sea ports
• Conduct investigations and enforce customs regulations
• Explain the laws they enforce to members of the public
• Add information to a computerized information database

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

Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program

• Graduates may apply for a government Security Guard or Private Investigator License
• Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
• 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 transfer some credit earned in this program towards a university degree. Multiple articulation agreements are available.

Last Modified: January 22, 2024