Georgian College's (Georgian) policing programs have a unique approach to learning and extensive community partnerships, which allows students to receive a well-rounded education and ample opportunities to gain practical experience.
In both the two-year Police Foundations diploma and the four-year Honours Bachelor of Police Studies degree, the curriculum covers a variety of topics, preparing students for their careers in law enforcement. Students learn a critical mix of professionalism, technical and legal expertise, and analytical skills, as well as gain field experience and network with potential employers through co-op opportunities. All of this combined makes them competitive candidates in the eyes of police agencies.
Starting September 2023, Georgian will offer a GC Flex delivery option for the third year of the Honours Bachelor of Police Studies degree. With this delivery option, professors deliver lectures and labs in the classroom and simultaneously online, and students can participate on campus or online during class or review course materials online later.
Melanie Marchand, Program Coordinator for the Honours Bachelor of Police Studies program, says, “This flexibility allows them to choose how and when they learn, without having to relocate. The program's purpose-designed learning spaces and technology-enabled approach ensures that students receive the same quality education, whether they are on-campus or online. The GC Flex delivery option is a game-changer for students who are looking for flexibility in their education.”
Hands-on learning experiences and working with local agencies is a key component of the two programs. This includes field trips, auxiliary and community service opportunities, simulation training, and mock courtroom exercises.
Marchand says, “Georgian has amazing partnerships with many police services in the region, including the OPP, Barrie, South Simcoe, Halton, and York Regional Police. These partnerships offer students opportunities to engage in auxiliary roles, in-service training, co-op placements, volunteer positions, networking, and more.”
Simon Bradford, Police Foundations Program Coordinator, adds that volunteer work also provides critical learning.
“Students are encouraged to give back to the community and volunteer in various positions. Community service is highly valued in competitive candidates for employment, and Georgian prepares students for that expectation.”
Examples of volunteer activities include community involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, women and children’s shelters, senior retirement homes, coaching local sports teams and more.
There are also several opportunities to volunteer in capacities directly related to community safety. Policing students often provide security at public functions including those for charities. They also assist police services when they run Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) courses. Students take part in breath tests and other non-intrusive tests for the purpose of training police officers to recognize and investigate persons impaired by alcohol and other drugs.
With regards to program learning outcomes, Bradford says, “Students learn to be accountable for their actions when carrying out all tasks and work cooperatively in multidisciplinary teams to achieve mutual goals. They apply entrepreneurial skills, attitudes and approaches to active engagement and service within the community.”
The program also partners with organizations like the Good Food Box, where students can volunteer their time to assist with unloading delivery trucks and promoting environmental sustainability. The Good Food Box is a non-profit charitable initiative run entirely by volunteers and brings the community together to buy a variety of nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you have a life-long goal to be a police officer, Georgian’s policing programs can prepare you to be a competitive candidate.
Ready to explore a career in law enforcement? Visit GeorgianCollege.ca or attend a Get to Know Georgian event, which occurs monthly.
National Police Week is May 15 to 21. Georgian College recognizes its policing students, alumni and staff who serve or have served in this honourable profession.