View programs
Gain the strategic communication skills, practical law enforcement knowledge and technical skills modern policing demands through this fast-track program that lets Protection, Security and Investigation graduates earn a two-year Police Foundations diploma in only one additional year of study. Students will build these skills sets, along with training on crisis intervention strategies and police interview preparation, while also gaining vital community outreach experience through a unique opportunity to work with youth from at-risk schools. Training will also focus on mental health strategies in policing related to community members and officers; students will earn their Mental Health First Aid certificate in their course of study.
To be considered for the fast-track (credit transfer) pathway a specific educational background is required as follows.
View full costs
View all courses
To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
View all recommendations
View all career options
905.721.3000
This program will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue an entry-level policing position. Emphasis will be put on helping students prepare for testing and interviews, including from both physical fitness and professional development perspectives.
As a graduate, you will be eligible for a career in public policing with organizations such as:
You will be subject to all requirements of the Ontario constable selection process and local police requirements when applying for a position as a constable in Ontario. Please be aware that specific, minimum criteria such as vision and hearing standards will apply as will a clear Criminal Background Check (CBC). For more information, please see the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) website, https://www.oacp.ca/en/index.aspx
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 and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
Your learning experience will be complemented with the opportunity to work with youth from a high need school in the community under the guidance of a supervised professional.
Students will also complete a capstone course in their second semester that will challenge them to apply all of the knowledge and skills acquired through their studies to explore and/or solve a chosen real-world problem or project.
In order to maintain confidentiality and security, the program utilizes an independent provider, Verified by Synergy Gateway for field placement documentation collection and validation. This process is the Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC). There is a cost associated with this external agency. Please refer to the Police Foundations ESPC Information Package for details.
For more information contact Treina Kennington, Student Advisor/Field Placement Officer.
Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College’s Advanced Law Enforcement; Mediation – Alternative Dispute Resolution; Youth Justice and Interventions; Victimology; Court Support Services; 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.
To help students have the best remote 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.
App Store
Google Play