Justice Studies: Police Foundations

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MiramichiSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
Saint JohnSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International

Program Overview

Criminal Justice professionals train their minds and bodies to promote community wellbeing and help combat crime. You'll learn about human behaviour, criminology, communication, sociology, community policing, the criminal justice system, criminal law, policing interventions, restraint techniques, and emergency response. Meaningful opportunities to "serve and protect" are awaiting you.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies


    Career Possibilities

    As a graduate of the Criminal Justice: Police Foundations program, you may find employment with municipal, provincial, military and federal police services, as well as related enforcement roles in a variety of environments, including government departments, industry and private agencies. The program prepares you for employment opportunities and career success at all levels of policing and related criminal justice professions. The Criminal Justice: Police Foundations program was designed in collaboration with the Atlantic Police Academy and provides you with a foundational knowledge in policing. To pursue a career in policing you must apply and be accepted to a recognized Police Training facility.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.



    Specific Considerations

    Host agencies require students to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for an applied workplace experience. Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned are prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she is eligible to participate.

    Candidates should also be aware that they will be required to participate in strenuous physical fitness classes and are encouraged to consult with their family physician.

    Students wishing to enroll in the Criminal Justice: Police Foundations program should have an excellent command of both written and spoken English.

    Prior to the beginning of the applied workplace experience, host facilities may require the completion of an Immunization and Medical Form (pdf), proof of valid CPR Level C Lifesaver certification and a driver's license. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she has met these requirements.

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Principles and Foundations of Sociology, Psychology and Criminology
    • Verbal, Written and Interpersonal Communication
    • Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS
    • Technology in Criminal Justice
    • Fitness - cardiovascular system, muscular strength and endurance
    • Law Enforcement and Community Policing
    • Canadian Criminal Justice System and the Criminal Code
    • Investigative Interviews and Evidence
    • Defensive Tactics and Use of Force
    • Documentation in the Criminal Justice Field
    • Community Outreach and Engagement
    • Critical Thinking and Professional Practice
    • Applied Workplace Experience: Police Foundations


    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    Participants use a variety of sources to conduct research and use the results of research to produce short informal reports, discussion papers, and proposals.

    Prerequisites:

    • COMM1155

    This course teaches students how to create documents that are organized, unified, and coherent.

    In this course, students write notebook, logbook, entries and reports following guidelines used by the related agencies. They will complete exercises that familiarize them with professional communication practices. The students will be required in work in groups to show the importance of the team concept in the field. This will be a very interactive course closely mirroring the writing and reporting responsibilities in the daily workplace routine.

    In this course students are introduced to concepts and practices of static and dynamic security and the principles underlying the delivery of security in an institutional setting.

    The purpose of this course is to prepare students for their Applied Workplace Experience (AWE).  They implement job readiness skills in preparing resumes, cover letters and a learning portfolio as well as participate in simulated interviews.  Students also research possible AWE opportunities related to their field of study.
     

    This course provides the learner with a clear understanding of the role of counselling in helping others to develop coping and problem solving skills. Students participate in counselling role play and exercises designed to develop their listening and empathy skills.

    The Criminal Justice System consists of three agencies of social control: the police, the courts and the correctional system. Students in this course become familiar with the roles and functions of these three agencies, how they relate to each other, and how Criminal Law impacts all three. Throughout the course, they have an opportunity to critically analyze the various components of the justice system, as well as examine the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the system. They also explore contemporary issues, including public/private relationships in the law enforcement context, public involvement in criminal justice processes, restorative justice, victims of crime, youth justice and programs designed to reduce crime and rehabilitate offenders.
     

    This course will give the students a better understanding of what constitutes crime and the theories used to explain crime. Further, the course will introduce the student to the discipline of criminology, its basic concepts, theories and how they apply to the various types of criminal behaviour.

    This course examines the general principles of liability in Canadian criminal law as applied in the criminal trial process. Students will learn the legal elements of a crime and will use the Criminal Code to consider the elements of specific offences. Students will be provided with an introduction to common law and statutory defences as well as an overview of the process by which these various elements are proved in court. Special topics will provide an opportunity to critically evaluate various aspects of the criminal justice system and to develop problem-solving skills.

    In this course, the evolution of youth justice legislation is examined in historical context and contemporary perspective, with emphasis placed on the Youth Criminal Justice Act.  Students will grasp the special circumstances required to arrest, investigate and interview young people in conflict with the law, and well as understand the application of meaningful consequences.
     
     

    This course will provide students with a broad understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada.  "The Criminal Code is the law that codifies most criminal offences and procedure in Canada.   Important Canadian criminal laws not forming part of the code include the Firearms Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Canada Evidence Act, the Food and Drugs Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Contraventions Act".  (WIKI) Students become familiar with legislation by parliament, and develop a working knowledge to navigate the Criminal Code as it applies to criminal activity.  They will apply the process necessary to utilize the Criminal Code in conjunction with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and current Case Law.
     

    This course provides the learner with information and the opportunity to explore support measures for those with mental health issues.

    This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities. 

    The purpose of this course is to prepare students for success in their chosen field. Students learn what is expected of them as professionals by relating various skills and interventions learned in class to the workplace. Self-awareness will be addressed in preparing for the challenging and rewarding applied workplace experiences. They problem-solve case scenarios specific to the field incorporating professional and ethical decision-making abilities.
     

    This course provides an overview of law enforcement’s mandate legislatively and legally; it reviews ethical requirements for officers’ behaviours, and the application of proper procedures in the major job functions of arrest, warrants and searches. Additionally, the philosophical approach of community policing and the many initiatives which involve the police in making communities healthier and safer places to live is reviewed.

    The purpose of the first field placement is to provide an orientation to the career and expose the student to practical experience in a police or enforcement setting.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • CSSC1044C

    This course introduces the student to a set of skills required by police officers in the modern community oriented police service. These skills are alternative dispute resolution, mediation and interested-based negotiation techniques

    Prerequisites:

    • POLI1011E

    This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the fundamentals of police work. This is outside of the realm of operations from a procedural/legal frame of reference; it entails the actual techniques employed in working the streets, documenting information, responding to emergencies, interviewing witness, engaging in surveillance, etc. Upon completion of this course students will have a basic exposure to the day-today activities that constitute police work.

    This course will introduce learners to the basics of the police interview and the interaction of officers with clients during an investigation. Participants will learn how to proceed in investigations and the collection of evidence in manners that are lawful, and maintain the integrity of a case to aid in successful prosecutions of those who are guilty and exclusion from the proceeding those who are innocent.

    Students are exposed to enforcement setting.  Under supervision, students will have an opportunity to apply classroom learning and skills in the workplace while receiving practical experience within the field.

    Prerequisites:

    • POLI1013F

    The course is designed to address contemporary topics of interest to students, faculty or employers in the field of policing. Topics are selected for the semester from recent developments and trends in the profession or as a result of sector specific skill development needs. The course may introduce new or emerging aspects in the field or showcase research. The course is designed to build in-depth knowledge and enhance practical understanding on the part of the student. The student is challenged to demonstrate substantive knowledge of relevant subject matter; grading emphasis is placed on assignments typical to actual practice.

    Social Psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on people as social beings. Social psychologists study how people think about, are influenced by, and interact with others. Policing is a field that requires an understanding of how people interact, how community is formed and the process of control; all of which can be explained by social psychology.  The content in this course addresses what social psychology can tell us about topics like: attitudes, influence and attitude change, stereotypes and prejudice, conformity and obedience, altruism, aggression, attraction, group processes, relationships between groups, social protest and social change.  All content will be applied to the field of policing.
     

    Prerequisites:

    • PSYC1072B

    This course is designed to enhance the student’s analytical and evaluative skills in the field of contemporary Canadian policing.  Utilizing police decision making models, and challenging underlying assumptions and fallacies by thinking critically, the students will be better equipped to make decisions, and to logically form assertions and positions in policing.
     

    This course provides students with an understanding of the effects of grief on an individual. Students assess their personal grief experiences in order to prepare them to develop strategies to effectively intervene with individuals who are grieving.

    This course provides the student with the knowledge base for critical thinking about abnormal psychology as it relates to the study of human behavioural disorders.  The students gain appreciation of contemporary issues in the field of abnormal psychology through examining empirical research that explores classification, etiology and treatment of behavioural disorders.

    Prerequisites:

    • PSYC1072B

    Students are introduced to the major concepts and theoretical perspectives of the field of psychology. They explore such topics as history, research methods, sensation, perception, consciousness, memory, and intelligence using critical thinking and skeptical inquiry.
     

    The purpose of this course is to examine the underlying concepts and principles that influence the ways people behave and communicate with each other. With an increased awareness of these factors that affect interpersonal relationships, the student will critically assess how these concepts can be applied in practice both personally and professionally.

    This course  provides students with the basic computer skills and knowledge required to work effectively in today’s technological-based workplace.  Students learn the appropriate and secure use of email and file management while developing internet research, word processing and presentation software skills commonly used within the field.
     

    In this course, the students learn to appreciate the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to meet required fitness levels in the profession. The students learn basic self-defence skills and tactics which require physical wellness and conditioning.

    Students maintain and build on the fitness skills acquired in SECU 1182. They work toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing advanced self-defence techniques, and exhibiting leadership skills.

    Prerequisites:

    • SECU1182D

    Students maintain a bona fide level of physical fitness through practicing regular exercise, adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking proactive steps to manage stress. They apply these practices in the context of advanced self-defence techniques and taking advantage of opportunities to exhibit leadership skills.

    Prerequisites:

    • SECU1183

    A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

    Students expand their awareness of the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively interact with and/or serve diverse populations as they explore attitudes and competencies that are important in effective professional relationships. 

    This course uses a sociological approach to identifying issues arising from deviant phenomena in modern society. Students examine criminal deviance, sexual deviance, and other deviant behaviours.

    Students study victims of crime and the factors connected to victims. The course encompasses a historical perspective outlining theories, legislation, agencies and various services provided to crime victims associated with the criminal justice system. An examination of different types of victims throughout this course will provide students with information necessary to engage appropriately when working with victims as a professional in the human services field.

    Students are introduced to the major concepts and theoretical perspectives of the field of sociology. They explore such topics as sociological imagination, research, culture, and socialization. 
     


    NOC Codes

    4311 - Police officers (except commissioned)
    4421 - Sheriffs and bailiffs
    6541 - Security guards and related security service occupations


    Articulation Agreements

    Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
    Articulation Period:
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
    NBCC graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.


     


    Institution: Athabasca University
    Articulation Period:
    Information: Graduates from the two year Criminal Justice:  Police Foundations program may receive 60 credits towards the following Athabasca Programs:
    Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services (BPA-HSRV)
    Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management (BPA-GLM)
    Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communications Studies (BPA-CMNS)
    Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal Justice (BPA-CRJS)
    Institution: Holland College (Atlantic Police Academy)
    Articulation Period: Ongoing
    Information: Fifteen (15) seats are reserved for the NBCC Criminal Justice: Police Foundation's graduates into the Atlantic Police Academy (APA) Police Science (Cadet) Program, provided they meet admission requirements.
    Institution: Humber College
    Articulation Period:
    Information: Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice
    Students with appropriate pre-requisites and grades (min. 65%) may be eligible for admission into advance semesters.
    Institution: Griffith University
    Articulation Period: No End Date
    Information: Griffith University will grant up to one and a half (1.5) years of advanced standing (i.e., entry into the fourth semester) of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice degree to graduates of the Criminal Justice Programs.  
    Institution: Cape Breton University
    Articulation Period:
    Information: Bachelor of Arts Community Studies Degree (BACS).
    NBCC graduates with a minimum grade of 65% can receive up to a maximum of 45 credit hours of transfer towards the 90 credits required for CBU's 3 year BACS degree and a maximum of 51 credit hours of transfer towards the 120 credits required for CBU's 4 year BACS degree.
    Institution: St. Thomas University
    Articulation Period:
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Arts in Criminal Justice.
    NBCC graduates with a minimum cumulative GPA of 70% can receive 2 years credit.

    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.


    Ask us

    Career Coach