Program Overview

Law Enforcement Studies (LESD) Diploma

Overview

The Law Enforcement Studies Diploma (LESD) is a two-year, full-time program that provides students with a comprehensive education in law enforcement. The program combines theoretical knowledge and applied skills to prepare students for a career in law enforcement.

Program Details

What You Need to Graduate

Students must complete all 60 credits (20 courses) of the program at a rate of five courses per semester.

Program Format

The program is a small, cohort-based program. Students move through the two-year program as a group. We offer classes in the fall and winter semesters.

Students follow an assigned schedule and attend five, three-hour classes per week.

Upcoming Intakes & Application Deadlines

Intakes

Two intakes per year: September and January

Application Deadlines

• January 2026 start: August 13, 2025
• September 2026 start: March 11, 2026

Complete applications must be received no later than the dates posted above.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition

Domestic Tuition is $554.91 per course (as of April 1, 2024).
(Total cost for the program is approximately $12,500).

International Student Tuition is approx. $18,052.42 per year.

Additional Fees

• Learner Services Fee $19.20 per course
• Non-refundable application fee $75
• Year 1: Applied Law Enforcement I driver training fee $235
• Textbooks and equipment approximately $300
• Applicable Student Union and health insurance fees can be found at jisu.ca.

Admission Requirements

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident status (or a valid Study Permit for international students)
• High school graduate or equivalent (Official Transcript required)
• Grade 12 English with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
• An essay of 250 words outlining the reasons why the applicant wishes to be a student in the Law Enforcement Studies Diploma program submitted with the application.
• Completion of a Criminal Record Check.
  • A vulnerable sector check and fingerprinting is not required.
  • Only an original hard copy document from a local RCMP or Municipal Police Department is accepted. Online verified, web-based Criminal Record Checks of any kind are not accepted.
  • A scanned copy may accompany the application documentation; however, the original document must be provided to the JIBC Admissions Office in-person, or by letter mail.

Required Documents

1. Proof of high school graduation with a minimum grade of a C in English 12 or equivalent. Applicants in Grade 12 can submit their interim transcript as part of their application until they receive their final high school transcript.
2. Applicants must submit any/all previous post-secondary transcripts. Official sealed transcripts are required.
3. Completion of a Criminal Record Check.
   • A vulnerable sector check and fingerprinting is not required.
   • Only an original hard copy document from a local RCMP or Municipal Police Department is accepted. Online verified, web-based Criminal Record Checks of any kind are not accepted.
   • A scanned copy may accompany the application documentation; however, the original document must be provided to the JIBC Admissions Office in-person, or by letter mail.
4. If English is not your first language or for International Applicants, English Requirements for International Students.
5. A 250-word essay outlining the reasons why the student wishes to be a student in the Law Enforcement Studies Diploma program.
6. Documentation confirming Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident status, or a valid Study Permit for international students.

Financial Aid and Awards

Candidates for this program may be eligible for JIBC awards and bursaries including the JIBC General Student Bursary. All students are encouraged to apply.

Courses in This Program

Year 1

• LAWS-1202 Introduction to the Canadian Criminal Justice System
• LAWS-1203 Introduction to Criminology
• LAWS-1204 Introduction to Canadian Criminal Law
• LAWS-1205 Law Enforcement Communication Skills
• LAWS-1206 Applied Law Enforcement I
• LAWS-1207 Law Enforcement in a Diverse Society
• ENGL-1100 Academic Writing
• ENGL-1110 Critical Reading and Writing Skills
• SOCI-1100 Reconciling Colonial Practices
• CRES-1853 Theoretical and Applied Perspectives on Conflict Resolution

Year 2

• LAWS-2200 Introduction to Administrative and Civil Law
• LAWS-2201 Introduction to Investigation Skills and Procedures
• LAWS-2202 Introduction to Computer-Based Investigations
• LAWS-2203 Applied Law Enforcement II
• LAWS-2204 Applied Ethics in Law Enforcement
• LAWS-2207 Young Offenders in Canada
• LAWS-2206 Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement
• CRES-1854 Applied Perspectives on Conflict and Negotiation
• PSYC-1100 Introduction to Psychology
• RESM-2100 Research Methods

FAQs

Q: Why is a criminal record check required for my application?

A: There are a few reasons for this. Some of the course content may be sensitive or privileged.

Keep in mind, students usually require a clear criminal record before employment in any law enforcement or regulatory discipline. Your local police agency can provide this for you.

Q: What are the employment opportunities for graduates?

A: Our graduates are prepared and qualified to seek employment in various law enforcement, regulatory, and compliance fields. Many are making a difference in various organizations, agencies, and departments.

Completion of the program does not guarantee entry into a law enforcement profession.

Border Services officers, police officers, correctional officers, probation officers, deputy sheriffs, and security professionals must complete additional training.

Employers in other investigation, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies may have extra entry or qualification and training requirements. Even so, completing this program can become one of the preferred qualifications for such employment.