Aboriginal Policing Preparation

Program Overview

Demand is growing for police officers trained with an Indigenous perspective. Policing is a career that will challenge and reward you. The pay and benefits are great, but you need to be committed—to community, to making a difference, to working with people from all walks of life.

Sask Polytech's Aboriginal Policing Preparation program will train you for a career that goes beyond standard policing skills to include cultural awareness and personal growth. When you graduate, you’ll be able to apply for federal, provincial, municipal and community policing positions.

The program is available to everyone regardless of their cultural background. You can take the 30-week program through continuing education or on campus in Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon. Off campus options through Indigenous bands and Regional Colleges are available

Our curriculum has a unique Aboriginal focus, while covering the major requirements of law enforcement training. Your instructors are experienced in policing, so you’re learning from people who’ve been on the front lines of community law enforcement. Your studies will focus on:

basic investigative techniques;
criminal justice system and criminal law;
dealing with addictions, family violence, suicide intervention;
developing strong communication skills; and
historic and contemporary Aboriginal issues.

Real World Focus

This program prepares you for a job in policing. You’ll build job search skills by writing practice exams and participating in mock interviews. You’ll learn how to handle police service assessment processes. Best of all, you’ll participate in a work experience that gives you a chance to apply what you’ve learned in class in a community policing setting—and also to make connections with potential employers.

Climb the Education Ladder

Many of your courses are transferable to our Correctional Studies program, giving you a head start on earning a diploma. You can also transfer credits to University of Regina degree programs in Justice or Police Studies.

9 out of 10 Grads Give Program Thumbs Up

In recent surveys, 9 out of 10 Aboriginal Policing Preparation grads say they are satisfied with the quality of their training, and 9 out of 10 say it effectively prepared them for employment in the policing field.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

When you graduate, you’ll be able to apply for federal, provincial and municipal policing positions. Look for jobs with the RCMP, Armed Forces, city police services, First Nations communities, border services, corrections, airport security, mine security and private security companies.

For more information, contact Student Employment Services at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus nearest you.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Police Officer	Police Officers (Except Commissioned) (4311)	$47,900 - $109,000
Sheriff	Sheriffs and Bailiffs (4421)	$42,800 - $95,300
Security Guard	Security Guards and Related Security Service Occupations (6541)	$26,600 - $53,700

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

For more information about delivery of this program, contact Tim Settee at 306-765-1782 or timothy.settee@saskpolytech.ca

Length: 30 weeks

Locations

Prince Albert
Regina
Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12
English Language Requirement

Note

Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check for access to police agencies for tours and prior to entering the work experience component of the program. At the discretion of the community agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility. Program applicants should be aware that, for the purpose of the Criminal Record Check, they must request this from the police service in their home community, whether it is from a municipal/city police service or from the RCMP detachment that services their home area.
- If you have a criminal record for which a record suspension (pardon) has not been granted, or a matter that is currently before the courts, you may be unable to complete the program.
Accepted applicants will be asked to complete a security clearance form prior to the start of the program. At the discretion of the police agency, you may be denied access to a tour or work placement based on the results of the completed security clearance check. Students who do not have an acceptable security clearance may be unable to complete the following courses: LEGL 142 (Ethics in Policing Careers), LEGL 143 (Preparation for Police Assessments), LEGL 144 (Criminal Investigation), and WORK 154 (Work Experience). You must complete these courses to graduate from the program.
For employment purposes, graduates may be required to take CPR and first aid training, and to meet specific health standards to perform the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) and the Police Officers Physical Abilities Test (POPAT). Standard First Aid and CPR can be taken when offered by a community agency. Preparation for the physical abilities tests are delivered in the Aboriginal Policing Preparation program courses; PERS 101 (Personal Wellness 1), and PERS 102 (Personal Wellness 2).

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

240 Reading
238 Sentence

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

$10,600

Courses

Expand All +

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLTR 120

Diversity

You will examine the elements of cultural diversity in the workplace. You will examine perspectives of personal, historical and cultural backgrounds of yourself and others. You will also examine racism and issues of power.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 170
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

COMM 119

Writing Skills

You will practice a variety of written communication styles. You will receive information on basic grammar and the mechanics of writing. You will do research and create a research essay. Additionally you will develop a professional portfolio.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 295
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

COMM 224

Presentation Skills

You will learn the basics of effective presentation skills and have the opportunity to deliver a presentation.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

COMM 227

Interviewing

You will review and apply the skills necessary to conduct effective interviews in law enforcement settings.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 227CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

CORR 100

Managing Clients in Law Enforcement Settings

You will develop specific skills for interacting with diverse groups of individuals in various law enforcement situations and settings. Content will include strategies for dealing with clients in high stress situations and strategies to defuse hostile situations.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

CORR 167

Criminal Justice System

You will examine the components of the criminal justice system. You will examine how the components work together to respond to crime and crime control.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): CORR 167CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

COUN 160

Crisis Intervention

You will learn the principles of crisis intervention and negotiation as they apply to policing. You will demonstrate basic strategies for dealing with individuals who are in a state of crisis.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 16.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

LAW 162

Criminal Law

You will examine the Criminal Code and its relationship to selected criminal offenses and cases. You will also examine elements of a crime, pre-trial criminal procedures and the significance of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as it impacts on criminal law.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): LAW 162CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

LAW 163

Law Enforcement Reporting Procedures

You will develop observational skills to collect information to write a variety of law enforcement reports. Based on these acquired skills, you will use a notebook to record detailed information which will then be utilized to write police reports. You will also link information in these reports to the delivery of testimony in court.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): LAW 163CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

LEGL 141

Policing in Canada

You will examine the origins and philosophical development of policing in Canada from its inception to current policing practices. You will learn about the structure of police organizations, policing models, and strategies associated with current policing methods.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

LEGL 142

Ethics in Policing Careers

You will study the process of developing values and how they relate to the development of morals. You will examine the concepts embodied in values clarification and moral dilemmas, as they apply to the field of policing.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Equivalent Course(s): LEGL 142CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

LEGL 143

Preparation for Police Assessments

Your studies will provide you with an opportunity to develop practical strategies to improve cognitive and academic skill testing to enter the police field. You will practice writing simulated exams and participate in mock interviews in order to develop skills in this area. You will also develop a resume and a portfolio specific for entry into the field of policing.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

LEGL 144

Criminal Investigation

You will learn about the processes involved in conducting a criminal investigation. You will have an opportunity to develop skills such as note taking, investigative photography, incident scene drawing, and search techniques.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

NAST 120

Aboriginal Studies

You will explore elements of First Nations culture with a view to understanding both historical elements and contemporary issues in Canada. You will also examine information on the residential school system, the struggle of the Metis for legal and cultural recognition and Aboriginal cultural practices.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): NAST 120CE, YCW 189
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

PERS 101

Personal Wellness 1

You will examine various aspects of personal wellness with an emphasis on and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You will follow a fitness routine to meet the physical demands to work in a law enforcement environment.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): PERS 101CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

PERS 102

Personal Wellness 2

You will examine various aspects of personal wellness with an emphasis on nutrition and stress management. You will follow a fitness routine to meet the physical demands to work in a law enforcement environment.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

SPSY 119

Interpersonal Violence Strategies

You will study interpersonal violence in both family and community situations. You will apply this knowledge to understanding the perpetrator and the victim when planning interventions. You will examine the role of community resources available to support families in urban centres and First Nations communities.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 119CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

SPSY 140

Addictions and Mental Health

You will examine the theoretical perspectives of addictive behaviors with a focus on substance abuse and problematic gambling. You will examine the link between mental health issues and addictions. You will also apply intervention skills for dealing with individuals exhibiting problematic behaviors.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): YCW 284
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

WORK 154

Work Experience

You will participate in a work experience in a community setting in order to integrate theory and practice in a setting where you perform identified agency tasks.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): WORK 154CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Prior Learning, Work Experience - Group, Work Experience -Individual

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:

course transfers to Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Correctional Studies diploma program and Youth Care Worker certificate and diploma programs

Lethbridge College

Graduates of this program may be granted academic acceptance into the Criminal Justice – Policing Diploma, providing other prerequisite qualifications are met. They may receive up to 33 credit units on a course by course basis, as outlined in the agreement.

University of Regina

Graduates of this program, with a minimum average of 68% and no grade below 60%, may be eligible to receive 21 credit hours of block transfer to the Bachelor of Human Justice or Bachelor of Arts, Police Studies.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships