Program Overview

Police Foundations

Program Overview

This unique two-year diploma program prepares students both academically and physically, for rewarding careers in the field of public policing. By mirroring similar training and fitness requirements as expected from municipal police services, the Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Forces. Graduates from this program gain essential life skills that employers are looking for.

Intakes and Availability

• September 2025: Open (Domestic and International)
• January 2026: Open (Domestic), Closed (International)

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
• Grade 12 English (ENG/EAE) (C or U) (minimum 65 per cent)

Post-Admission Requirements:

• Proof of Criminal Record Check (CRC) or Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), may be required for Field Placement in Year 2 of studies.

Program Details

• Ministry-approved title: Police Foundations
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• Location: Oshawa
• OCAS Code: POFD
• Faculty: Faculty of Social and Community Services (SCS)
• Length: Four semesters
• Laptop: Learn more about laptop requirements
• Delivery: In person

Program Learning Outcomes

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.

Courses

Semester 1

• Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
• Principle Of Ethical Reasoning (ETHC 1103)
• Introduction to Health and Wellness (HLTH 1115)
• Canadian Criminal Justice System (LAWW 1108)
• Introduction to The Criminal Code Of Canada (LAWW 1109)
• Interviewing and Investigations (LAWW 1111)
• Psychology (PSYC 1108)

Semester 2

• Professional Development - POFD (COMM 1224)
• Tactical Preparation Lab 1 (HLTH 1205)
• Indigenous Elective (INDG 0000)
• Victims In Crime (LAWW 1212)
• Introduction to Cybercrime (LAWW 1213)
• Provincial Offences (LAWW 1214)
• Conflict Management (PSYC 1206)

Semester 3

• Law Enforcement Communications 2 (COMM 2111)
• General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
• Tactical Preparation Lab 2 (HLTH 2107)
• Youth In Conflict With The Law (LAWW 2114)
• Criminal Code and Federal Statutes (LAWW 2115)
• Community Policing (LAWW 2116)
• Traffic Management (LAWW 2117)
• Field Placement (POFD 2100)
• Valuing Diversity (SOCI 2101)

Semester 4

• General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
• Politics and Public Administration (HIST 2200)
• Tactical Preparation Lab 3 (HLTH 2205)
• Police Powers (LAWW 2212)
• Evidence and Investigation (LAWW 2213)

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

Career Options

• Police officer
• Border services
• Community service officer
• Federal or provincial correctional officer
• Provincial offences officer
• By-law officer
• Youth services officer
• Loss prevention officer
• Security guard
• Special constables
• Parliamentary Protective Services Officer
• Private security

Experiential Learning

• Completing certifications, such as the Mental Health First Aid Certificate from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
• Presenting a problem-based learning business plan to a panel of local police professionals.
• Completing 40 hours of Field Placement supporting vulnerable populations.
• Collaborating with law enforcement members and recruiters, helping you build valuable connections in the field.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College’s Advanced Law Enforcement; Conflict Resolution and Mediation; Victim Justice and Interventions; and Paralegal; programs.

Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:

• Bachelor of Arts with a major in Legal Studies – Ontario Tech
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and Justice – Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science – Ontario Tech
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Forensic Psychology – Ontario Tech
• Bachelor of Psychology, Sociology, Geography or Political Science – Brock University
• Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice - Griffith University
• Bachelor of Human Services – Police Studies – Georgian College
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies - Guelph University
• Bachelor of Arts and Science (Hons) - Criminology Major – Lakehead University
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies - Trent University
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Policing and Community Well-Being - Trent University
• Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies – Royal Roads University

Tech Requirements

• Processor: i3
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
• Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
• Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
• Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
• Internet connection

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.