Your first step in preparing for a career in law enforcement.

The two-year Police Foundations Ontario College Diploma program provides you with a foundational knowledge of the field of law enforcement. Curriculum includes both theory and applied lessons in law enforcement - helping you prepare for the workforce. This program offers instruction in:

• police powers and procedures
• community policing
• investigation processes
• diversity
• social sciences
• communications

While there is a strong theoretical aspect to this program, there are many opportunities for hands-on learning in both labs and scenario rooms. There are various activities outside the classroom, such as community volunteering opportunities and program-related initiatives.

The program prepares you to apply for and be tested for employment in the law enforcement industry. As fitness is an important part of a career in law enforcement, you use an on-site fitness facility to prepare for physical fitness tests required by law enforcement agencies. In addition to your work in our fitness facility, you establish and maintain your own exercise schedule.

There are numerous job opportunities for graduates of this program in areas such as:

• municipal, provincial or federal police services
• military police service
• bylaw services
• Canada Border Services Agency
• transit security
• private or public sector security
• Correctional Services Canada
• social services agencies
• Government of Canada
• Parlimentary Protective Services, or
• Commissionaires

To qualify for this diploma, you must complete the program within five years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess good communication skills (written, verbal, technological) and interpersonal abilities.
• Are committed to serving the broad and diverse needs of their community.
• Have analytical and observational skills.
• Enjoy working as a team member.
• Lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Careers

Graduates of this program may find employment in municipal, regional and provincial police services in Ontario and the rest of Canada, Military Police Service, social service agencies or bylaw services. Graduates are encouraged to verify entry requirements with their choice of law enforcement agencies, as the requirements vary between agencies. Multiple career opportunities are also available outside of Police services, such as through CBSA, corrections, By-law and more.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Complete all tasks in compliance with pertinent legislation, as well as policing standards, regulations and guidelines.
2. Analyze all relevant information and make effective and legally defensible decisions in accordance with ethical and professional standards.
3. Be accountable for one's actions when carrying out all tasks.
4. Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development.
5. Ensure the respect of human rights and freedoms in all interactions.
6. Work co-operatively in multidisciplinary teams to achieve mutual goals.
7. Collaborate in the development and implementation of community policing strategies.
8. Monitor, evaluate and document behaviours, situations and events accurately and discreetly in compliance with legal, professional, ethical and organizational requirements.
9. Mitigate risks and maintain order by applying effective strategies in crisis, conflict and emergency situations.
10. Take positive actions to help crime victims.
11. Conduct investigations by collecting, documenting, preserving and presenting admissible evidence.
12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

Read this before applying:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part-time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting “Register Online”.

Please note: Not all General Education Electives will be available every term. Please select from available options with clickable links.

Program Resources

International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.

This full-time and part-time online program is also offered full-time at the Ottawa and Pembroke Campuses. Although the learning outcomes at the campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of the local circumstances, which affect program delivery.

A valid and clear Police Records check may be required for students who intend to pursue select volunteer opportunities during their program. We encourage students to apply for the Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector prior to commencing their studies.

Students seeking exemptions for required courses are strongly advised to submit relevant documentation well in advance of the commencement of the academic year.

ARTICULATION AGREEMENT:
An Articulation Agreement between Algonquin College and other select post-secondary institutions may permit graduates with an Ontario College Diploma in Police Foundations from Algonquin College to apply for admission into various B.A. programs. Further information can be obtained with the following link: https://www.algonquincollege.com/degree-pathways.

ACADEMIC PROBATION:
Students who have two or more F grades a given term or whose term grade point average falls below 1.7 shall be on academic probation (Policy AA14 Grading System). This requires students to meet with their Program Support Officer to sign a learning contract which identifies the conditions which must be met to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the terms of their learning contract will be withdrawn from the program.

AC ONLINE ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Studies' on the left-hand toolbar.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements, when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed). For more information, please contact your Program Support Officer (https://www.algonquincollege.com/academic-success/ac-online/).

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.