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Ministry-approved title: Police Foundations
Have you dreamed of becoming a police officer? The Police Foundations program at Durham College offers training designed to meet the evolving needs of modern law enforcement agencies across Canada. Our 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.
Students in this program will:
You may enter Year 1 of the Police Foundations program in September or January. If you begin classes in January, you will complete semesters 1 and 2 from January to August and start Year 2, Semester 3 in September.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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Please contact the international office.
The Police Foundations program is designed to be comprehensive, covering all aspects of modern law enforcement in Canada. Students will engage with current issues in policing while developing practical skills through theoretical and applied learning approaches.
This program will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue an entry-level policing position, including a broad education in human relations skills and the interpretation of social interaction, including the study of:
Throughout the Police Foundations course, students will participate in scenario-based training exercises that simulate real-world policing situations. The program emphasizes community-based approaches to law enforcement, preparing graduates to work with diverse populations. This includes specialized training in mental health response, crisis de-escalation, and cultural awareness. Students will also explore the technological aspects of modern policing, including digital evidence collection, cybercrime awareness, and the use of police information systems.
As a graduate, you will be eligible for a career in public policing with organizations such as:
The skills developed during this program are highly transferable across the broader public safety and justice sectors. Beyond traditional policing, graduates of the Police Foundations program may also pursue careers in private security, border services, corrections, bylaw enforcement, and loss prevention. Many graduates of police courses in Ontario go on to further specialized training, including advanced certifications in forensic investigation, tactical operations, or leadership development.
You will be subject to all requirements of the constable selection process and local police requirements when applying for a position as a constable. Please be aware that specific, minimum criteria such as vision and hearing standards will apply, as will a clear Criminal Background Check. For more information, please visit the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Certificate Testing online.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
The Police Foundations program at Durham College emphasizes practical training to prepare students for the realities of police work. There are several opportunities throughout the program to gain hands-on experience. Some examples include:
Whether you're set on becoming a police officer or exploring other options in the justice system, the comprehensive training and real-world experiences offered through our Police Foundations program in Ontario will help you build the foundation for a rewarding career in public safety and law enforcement.
Students will be required to complete mandatory certifications or documentation to be eligible to participate in Field Placement. Information and instructions will be made available in our Learning Management System in the Field Placement course upon student registration and the course start date. In some circumstances, students may require proof of a Vulnerable Sector Check pending Field Placement Host requirements.
For more information contact Treina Kennington, Student Advisor/Field Placement Officer.
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:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
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
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
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