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Justice Studies: Police Foundations

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MiramichiSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International
Saint JohnSeptember 2025 (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.



    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 , 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
    ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë 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.

    This course is designed to help students strengthen their fundamental skills in writing clear, effective sentences and paragraphs, and enable them to create organized, unified and coherent documents. The writing process is introduced. Students will recognize the importance of writing for the intended purpose and audience.

    In this course, learners write notebook, logbook, entries and reports following guidelines used by the related agencies. Learners complete exercises that familiarize them with professional communication practices. Learners are required to work in groups to show the importance of teams within the field. This interactive course closely mirrors the writing and reporting responsibilities in the daily workplace routine.

    This course aims to equip learners with an understanding of the mental health issues they may encounter during their duties. Learners develop the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, respond to, and manage mental health challenges. They learn to identify signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders, examine the impact of trauma and stress on mental health, intervene effectively, and access appropriate resources for mental health support for themselves and others.

    This course aims to instruct learners on the crucial role of first responders during significant incidents and emergencies involving fire, hazardous materials, and urgent medical care, among others. It provides learners with insight into the responsibilities of first responders who may face potential threats to diverse sites, workplaces, or individuals. Learners will learn to initiate an emergency response sequence, including stabilizing the situation and alerting the relevant authorities. This educational framework equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills to serve as awareness-level first responders, guaranteeing prompt and effective action in emergency situations.

    The Canadian Criminal Justice System is comprised of three major components: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Learners become familiar with the roles and functions of these components, 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 foundational course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of security principles, policies, and practices essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of justice systems. There is an emphasis on the critical role of security in various justice-related environments, such as law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities, and related institutions.

    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.

    This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of defensive driving and patrol procedures. These skills are critical for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and other professionals who routinely operate vehicles and conduct patrols as part of their duties. Learners will apply the principles of defensive driving, including the significance of situational awareness, vehicle control, hazard identification, emergency response, and defensive techniques. The course also examines patrol procedures, considering factors such as the specific site or location, required security level, type of industry, and facility size.

    This course introduces learners to the basics of the police interview and the interaction of officers with clients during an investigation. They 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. Learners also explore how to accurately identify various substances as well as their side effects as use or misuse may impact the reliability and/or admissibility of statements.

    This course equips learners with the knowledge, strategies, and skills needed to effectively manage conflicts, defuse volatile situations, and promote peaceful resolutions. It also introduces learners to alternative dispute resolution, mediation, and interest-based negotiation techniques. Theoretical concepts, case studies, scenario-based training, and role-playing exercises aid in the development of practical skills and techniques applicable to justice-related environments. Skills acquired in this course can be applied to multiple types of conflict situations, such as disputes, complaints, and personal conflicts.

    This course is designed to provide learners with a direct, supervised practical experience. Such an experience enables learners to apply the knowledge acquired during their training directly to their field of study. The course exposes the learners to the work environment and participants are expected to become members of the team in the industry site to which they are attached. Learners are expected to follow the work schedule of their field placement host.

    Industry Capstone: Justice Studies provides an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their accumulated knowledge and skills through practical application with a community/ industry partner. Under supervision, learners work collaboratively building skills in communication, problem-solving and project management, while adhering to industry practices and procedures.

    Learners 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.



    Prerequisites:

    • PSYC1084B



    Prerequisites:

    • PSYC1084B

    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.

    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.

    This course introduces learners to the Criminal Code of Canada, focusing on Section 494 and its practical application in the justice field. Learners will explore how the Criminal Code serves as the foundation for criminal offences and procedure in Canada, while adhering to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and current case law. The course also emphasizes the importance of appropriate intervention strategies, including the Use of Force model. Additionally, learners will examine the role of physical fitness in the justice and enforcement fields and receive an introduction to basic self-defense skills and tactics.

    This course provides learners with a basic understanding of the defense and control skills required in the justice profession. Utilizing a team-based approach, learners will begin to develop these skills and gain a preliminary understanding of their application, while also initiating their physical fitness journey. The course introduces appropriate intervention strategies, teaching learners to operate within legal authority and adhere to necessary legislation and standards. Simulated scenarios offer learners their first experiences of handling situations within legal confines, involving individuals displaying inappropriate or illegal behaviors.

    This course is designed to explore areas and issues of local, regional, and national importance to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Learners are introduced to Indigenous history and culture, including the past and present consequences of colonialism. This includes matters related to identity, land, governance, and community. This course will focus on building allyship through understanding, critical thinking, reflection, and reconciliation.

    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

    42100 - Police officers (except commissioned)
    43200 - Sheriffs and bailiffs
    64410 - Security guards and related security service occupations


    Articulation Agreements

    Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
    ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë 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
    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: Humber College
    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
    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
    Information: Bachelor of Arts Community Studies Degree (BACS).
    ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë 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
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Arts in Criminal Justice.
    ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë 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.