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Public Safety

Overview Admissions Careers & Connections Tools & Supplies Courses & Costs

Overview

Level up your prior post-secondary education with our Public Safety advanced diploma. Challenge yourself both physically and mentally, and craft the skills you need to work in today’s justice system.

This intensive advanced diploma program is the first of its kind in Manitoba and is offered in partnership with the Brandon Police Service. Assiniboine is the only post-secondary institution in Manitoba to offer a Public Safety program administered by the department of education and training and authorized by Manitoba Justice. Gain knowledge from instructors who continue to work in industry. 

Learn how to embrace the lifestyle that comes with being in the field of public safety. Stress management, mental health first aid and cross-cultural teachings are integrated so you gain the skills needed to thrive in this high-impact industry. This program will build on your life experience and prior postsecondary credential, giving you an edge upon graduation. 

Tackle problems through group work that helps you develop communication skills, emotional intelligence and critical thinking. Your realistic scenario training will include investigating crime scenes, identifying and seizing evidence, and conducting both interviews and interrogations. Get out of the classroom with morning physical training, scenario training and community volunteer activities.

Graduates may find employment with municipal, regional, provincial or Indigenous police services in Manitoba, or with other police services across Canada. Opportunities also exist with Canada Border Services Agency, Sheriff’s department, corrections, security firms, risk management and loss prevention.

If you are an international student, please refer to our Public Safety Advanced (International) for more information.
 

Admissions

  • Two-year diploma or university degree
  • Proof of current certification in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Level C
  • Current criminal record check
  • Current child abuse registry check
  • Current adult abuse registry check
  • Valid driver’s license abstract
  • Hearing test
  • Vision test
  • Medical release

As an applicant, you will take part in a pre-entry interview, administered to determine your general suitability for the program. Applicants are ranked by the interview panel based on objective criteria, and the highest ranking applicants will be accepted. Interviews may be done using video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom).

This is a competitive entry program. A checklist noting further details to the above stated admission requirements is available on our competitive entry webpage. Early application is strongly recommended. 

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine.  All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information. 

Many agencies where students are placed for practicum experience require students to disclose convictions for any offences. In some instances, applicants with a criminal record or listed on the Child Abuse Registry and/or Adult Abuse Registry may not be admitted to the program. If you fall into one of these categories, please contact the School of Health & Human Services prior to applying.

Note: International students interested in this program should refer to the Public Safety (Advanced Diploma) webpage specifically for international applicants.

Careers & Connections

Careers

Graduates may find employment with municipal, regional, provincial or Indigenous police services in Manitoba, or with other police services across Canada. Note: Police departments have minimum hiring standards regarding sight, hearing and physical ability. Applicants are encouraged to explore these standards prior to entering this program. Other opportunities exist with Canada Border Services Agency, Sheriff’s department, corrections, security firms, risk management and loss prevention.

Assiniboine will hire some graduates of the Public Safety program for paid two-year roles to join our campus security team. Security personnel continue to receive additional training and education while on the job.

Connections

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to date information on agreements, visit assiniboine.net/registrar or the program page.

Tools & Supplies

Textbooks, supplies and uniforms for all of our programs and courses may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Assiniboine Bookstore’s website to learn more.

Our classrooms, labs and shops are equipped with the necessary equipment that you need to make the most of your experience. However, there are some tools and supplies that you will need to purchase for personal use to help you with your studies. Tool and supply lists are available from the school office 30 days prior to the start date of the program.

Program Checklist:

Supplies:

Booklist: 

  • To come

At-Home Computing

Programs at Assiniboine have certain technology requirements. Students require access to computer devices at home and may be required to bring these on campus when instructed.

For this program, you are expected to have access to a computer at home. It should have a webcam, microphone and internet access to enable remote learning for the theory portions of your programs.

AT-HOME COMPUTING INFORMATION

Courses & Costs

To graduate with a Public Safety advanced diploma, students must successfully complete 60 academic credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline.

Estimated Program Costs

Tuition, fees and Students’ Association fees total approximately $3,960. Estimated cost for books and supplies is $1,680. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs (International, 2021-22)

International students interested in this program should review the Public Safety - International (advanced diploma) program webpage.

Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Comms Design/Articulation (COMM-0403)

In this course students explore and analyze the influences that shape culturally diverse communities. Students are exposed to various diverse and Indigenous cultures with a focus on Indigenous history from pre-contact to present day, including the relationship between Indigenous people and the Canadian justice system. Students learn to apply respectful intercultural communication theories in their daily and occupational lives.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Community Based Policing (LAWG-0073)

A police service and its officers must have a strong understanding of how they may best serve the communities in which they work. Students examine and apply community-based problem-solving models that utilize proactive approaches to reduce crime and promote community policing.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Criminal Code (LAWG-0074)

Corequisite: LAWG-0076 Investigational Techniques
A complete understanding of criminal law is basic to law enforcement. This course forms the cornerstone of a student's ability to enter the policing profession. Students become knowledgeable in all criminal laws ranging from common assault to murder.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Criminal Justice Enforcement (LAWG-0095)

As part of the Criminal Justice system, it is imperative that officers understand how court procedures affect their decisions in the performance of their duties. These procedures vary from issuing a provincial offence notice to compelling an accused to court and trial procedures and outcomes. Students employ the Criminal Code of Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and case law to obtain a full understanding of these procedures. Students then explore many of the consolidated statutes of Manitoba. They learn to recognize the elements of an offence, enforcement requirements, court procedures, and an officer’s legal
authorities.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Documentation and Forensics (LAWG-0096)

Students learn the foundational building blocks of written communication required for writing clear and concise industry standard reports. Students learn the process required for evidence collection and forensic assessment and how to apply it to
various situations and investigations. Students perform some of the skills employed by forensic identification officers and demonstrate the skills in scenario based situations.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Investigational Techniques (LAWG-0076)

Corequisite: LAWG-0074 Criminal Code
The ability to investigate a crime is basic to the police profession. This course provides students with the understanding of how to conduct an investigation. Students learn the principles of investigational procedures, investigational interviewing, informants, intelligence, and how to prepare for court.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Managing the Police Function (LAWG-0078)

Prerequisites: LAWG-0074 Criminal Code, LAWG-0075 Criminal Justice System
Corequisite: LAWG-0079 Practical Training
Many duties of a police officer are non-criminal in nature, yet because they involve direct contact with the general public or involve a threat to personal and public safety, they require very specialized skills. Police officers must understand these situations and know how to deal with them. This course examines many of these situations and exposes students to procedures.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Operational Technology (COMP-0625)

In this course, student move through three units containing 12 modules learning how to optimize time spent on their computers using current word processing and spreadsheet management software. They gain many technological skills, including radio procedures, messaging, researching, record management, word processing, data basing and global positioning. The theories covered in this course are common to most systems used by public safety organizations across Canada.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Physical Training/Deportment (HLTH-0292)

Working in the field of Public Safety, officers are often placed into combative and stressful situations that require an exceptional level of physical and self-discipline. Health, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle choices greatly affect a public safety officer’s success in these situations. Students obtain and maintain a required fitness level through aerobic and weight training. They also learn the importance of self-discipline, teamwork and professionalism through precision drill instruction. They learn how to care for and maintain their equipment and be properly dressed at all times while in uniform. Learners explore the impact of stress and lifestyle choices on physical and mental health. They learn how to manage these factors in order to realize a commitment to healthy living and maintain a high level of job performance.

 6 credit(s) No No No
Practical Training (LAWG-0079)

Prerequisites: LAWG-0074 Criminal Code, LAWG-0076 Investigational Techniques, LAWG-0080 Provincial Statutes, COMP-0403 Communications Systems, COMM-0203 Business Communications
Corequisite: LAWG-0077 Major Crimes
This course is the critical step in moving from the theory of policing into the world of being a police officer. It integrates the knowledge and skills necessary to manage real police situations in a manner consistent with the directions and priorities of a police service. Students utilize their knowledge of the criminal code, the criminal justice system and investigational techniques to conduct investigations. This course also prepares students for their role as a police officer in making arrests, documenting their actions and presenting evidence in court.

 6 credit(s) No No No

Fast Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the recruitment process take?

For information regarding the recruitment process, please see the Public Safety checklist on our Competitive Entry webpage.

Can I apply if I have a previous conviction?

Minor convictions may be acceptable, however, every application is judged on its own merits. If you have any questions regarding previous convictions, guidance can be sought from the Chair of Public Safety. This applies to both the Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry requirements.

What characteristics should an applicant have for the Public Safety program?

As a student, you must be willing and able to commit to academic study and physical training. Like police officers, students must be able to work effectively in a team environment yet able to exercise initiative, give and respond to instructions. If you want to work in the public safety field, you need to be an effective communicator, able to relate to others and show sympathy and tact as necessary.

You must be disciplined, prepared for shift work, honest, mature and socially aware. Those who work in public safety fields must be able to take control of critical situations by weighing out the process and deciding on an appropriate course of action. They must be prepared for becoming involved in physical danger that may be life-threatening.

What is the process for getting accepted into the program?

Details on the admissions process are available under the 'Admissions' tab of this program webpage. A checklist is available on our Competitive Entry webpage and will help you to ensure you have everything needed for a complete application.

Applicants for this program must undergo a selection interview that is based on situational and behavioural experiences. Only top candidates in the interview process are accepted into the program.

Do I require any special clothing or equipment for Public Safety?

Public Safety students require a special uniform with drill shoes, gym/workout clothing and jacket. A complete clothing list will be provided once you are accepted into the program.

Am I required to have any specific immunizations for the Public Safety program?

No.

What other things will I need to have to be successful in the Public Safety program?

You will need to be able to complete intense physical training for this program, manage the academic requirements and participate in teamwork activities. This program is tough and challenging, so discipline is essential to ensure that you meet the requirements of program completion.

When is the next program information session?

Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.

To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.