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Award-winning Police Foundations grad extending her stay at DC

Graduate Spotlight: Maya Austin

Maya Austin has a bright future in policing.

The native of Ajax will cross the stage at Convocation this June as a graduate of Police Foundations. After a summer working full-time as a Student Cadet with York Regional Police, she’ll return to Durham College (DC) this fall to further her education in the Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations graduate certificate program.

In recognition of her hard work and commitment, she was recently honoured with the Joe Moylan Award of Excellence, given each year to a remarkable Police Foundations graduate from an Ontario college.

With one chapter closing and another soon to begin, Maya sat down with us to discuss her DC experience, serving her community and more.

Have you always wanted to pursue a career in policing?

I always had the idea in the back of my head that that’s what I wanted to do. My dad is a paramedic in Toronto, and he has worked really hard for everything that he has. A lot of his close friends are police officers. Obviously, paramedics and police aren’t the same, but they are in the sense that you get to help people and give back to your community. That was always something that stood out to me.

Why did you decide to study Police Foundations at DC?

I got a call from the rugby coach at Durham College and he asked me to play on his team. I started looking into the different programs at DC and I saw that they had a Police Foundations program. I got a rugby scholarship and ever since I started in that program, I knew that’s where I was meant to be.

Have you enjoyed your DC program?

Honestly, it has exceeded my expectations. It’s been great meeting students with the same goals who are just as driven as I am. It’s been a great environment to be a part of, and I’ve been presented with such great opportunities. Through my placement for my Community Policing class, I’ve been able to volunteer at Back Door Mission in Oshawa, which is a homeless shelter. I’ve been hired on with York Regional Police as a Student Cadet, and I got that opportunity through the program as well.

How has the program prepared you for your career?

Most of my professors have backgrounds in policing, and I think that’s really important because they have the experience to back up the material. They have all those very unique stories that they tell that bring a completely different side to the learning. In terms of preparing me for this Cadet position, I passed the interview with flying colors because of my professors and how well that they prepare each and every single one of their students.

Why did you decide to come back this fall for the Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations program?

I’ve learned a lot at DC. I have such great memories made through my placement and program, and I wanted another year of having that education, especially the hands-on learning.

What advice do you have for future students in the Police Foundations program?

Give everything your all. Two years ago, I would never have guessed that I’d be where I am today. Every opportunity that my professors provided me with, I just took it and I ran with it. I allowed myself to be a sponge and absorb everything that the teachers were saying. So just completely invest yourself into every aspect of the course.

How do you feel about graduating?

I’m very excited. I’m starting a new chapter, working full-time this summer and also balancing rugby and then school in the fall. It’s going to be challenging, but it’s a challenge that I’m ready for. The last two years have really solidified that this is what I want to do.

What does the Joe Moylan Award of Excellence mean to you?

I was humbled to have been nominated in the first place, so to have actually won the award, I was very happy. Just knowing that all the hard work that I put in over those two years has been recognized is an amazing feeling.

Do you want to serve your community? These programs from DC’s Faculty of Social and Community Services will show you the way.

Policing a dream career for Shavine Johnson

Graduate Spotlight – Shavine Johnson

Shavine Johnson has always wanted to serve her community.

From a young age, she believed that a career in policing would be the best way to do that. While she was unable to pursue it in her native Jamaica, relocating to Canada in 2017 gave her another chance to follow her passion.

“I gave up on a dream back then. But when I came here, I realized I could actually act upon my dream.”

That realization brought her to Durham College, where she entered the Police Foundations program in January 2022. Four semesters later, she is ready to cross the stage at convocation and find the job she’s been dreaming about since childhood.

The learning and skills acquired through the diploma program are invaluable stepping stones for anyone considering a career in the field, according to program co-coordinator Mark Armstrong.

“It is an excellent foundation and students gain the life skills that are measured during the hiring process,” he said. “Students get realistic insight into policing through faculty experience, which gives realism to the program and a recipe for success.”

The program emphasizes the importance of physical fitness to prepare students for the demanding career ahead of them. It includes valuable certifications like Mental Health First Aid and Situational Awareness Specialist.

By constantly evolving and responding to community needs, DC has earned a stellar reputation among police organizations, according to Yvonne Armstrong, coordinator of the Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations program and a professor in Police Foundations.

“Recruiters come to us now with job openings asking for our graduates. Our team has worked hard to improve and raise the bar so that we truly do lead the way,” she said.

It’s no secret that policing is a high-profile (and highly scrutinized) job. In the media as well as pop culture, the dangerous elements get most of the attention. But there’s a lot more to the life of a police officer than danger.

“You have the crime aspect; that’s a big part of it. But you also get to help others. A lot of people neglect the part where you serve the community,” said Johnson. “The reality is a lot of people see police in a bad light, but I wanted to look at the bright side of just serving my community and serving others.”

Though police officers must always strive for a peaceful resolution, they will inevitably deal with people who endanger themselves and others. But even enforcing the law can ultimately be of service to the person breaking it.

“The ticket you give someone for not wearing a seatbelt may someday save their life or someone close to them. The individual you arrest for domestic violence may change their course and provide safety for future generations,” said Mark Armstrong. “You must realize that you make a difference that is important.”

While the dangers of policing can’t be denied, Johnson is determined not to let fear stand in her way. There are no safety guarantees in life, so rather than worrying about what might happen, she is already venturing into her community to make a difference. Volunteering at a local food bank allows her to meet the very people she hopes to one day serve and protect.

“We’re all human beings. We’re all capable of love and we all deserve it, and so I treat people with respect and I’m kind to them at all times,” she said.

That compassion, combined with everything she’s learned at DC, will make her the kind of police officer we’d all hope to meet when we’re in need.