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Public Safety

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 of this program are equipped to take on roles in the general field of public safety. Launch your career in areas such as security firms, risk management and loss prevention, or corrections. Depending on a variety of factors, including additional education and experience, other career opportunities may exist with municipal, regional, provincial or Indigenous police services in Manitoba, or with other police services across Canada.

Did you know?

Employment opportunities at Assiniboine Community College exist for graduates of this program! International graduates may find work on campus after their studies as part of the college's Security team, where they continue to receive additional training and education while on the job.


If you are not an international student, but are interested in our Public Safety Advanced Diploma program, please refer to this program page instead.

Admissions

  • Two-year diploma or university degree
  • Hearing test - either obtained in your home country or in Canada
  • Vision test - either obtained in your home country or in Canada
  • Medical release - either obtained in your home country or in Canada

If you have been living in Canada for more than 6 months at the time of your application, you will need to provide the following. If you are applying from outside of Canada, this is not required.

  • Current criminal record check 
  • Current child abuse registry check
  • Current adult abuse registry check

International students enrolled in this program will complete CPR and emergency first aid training during the first portion of their program. You must successfully complete this training as a prerequisite for later courses.

A valid driver’s license abstract is not required to be admitted into this program; however, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a valid drivers license once in Canada, since many occupations in this field may require you to hold one.

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. 

Program Application Checklist

A checklist noting further details and assistance to better understand to the above-stated admission requirements is available: Program Application Checklist - Public Safety Advanced (International)

Competitive Entry Requirements

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, so there may be additional pieces you need to complete in addition to the Admission requirements listed above. Early application is strongly recommended. Visit the competitive entry webpage

Criminal Record Check/Abuse Registry Checks

Many agencies where students are placed for practicum experience require students to disclose convictions for any offenses. 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.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Students prior to applying to this program. 

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are equipped to take on roles in the general field of public safety. Launch your career in areas such as security firms, risk management and loss prevention, or corrections.

Depending on a variety of factors, including additional education and experience, other career opportunities may exist with municipal, regional, provincial or Indigenous police services in Manitoba, or with other police services across Canada. Please note that in Canada, Police Services have minimum hiring standards regarding sight, hearing and physical ability. Applicants are encouraged to explore these standards prior to entering this program. 

Employment opportunities at Assiniboine Community College exist for graduates of this program! International graduates may find work on campus after their studies as part of the college's Security team, where they 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.

2022-23 Lists:

Program Checklist:

Supplies:

Booklist: 

Technology Requirements

Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

Costs

Estimated Program Costs (International)
  Credits Tuition Course Fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Required Health Insurance Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies
Public Safety 60

$15,200

 

$1,160 $450 $750 $2,190

All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

Courses

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. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
1st Aid - Emergency (HLTH-0030)

Basic First Aid & CPR techniques taught in an interactive environment for individuals and employees who want an overview of First Aid & CPR in the workplace or home. The course covers skills needed to recognize, prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergences for Adults, CPR and other topics such as choking, airway and breathing emergencies, and prevention of disease transmission. This course meets the minimum regulations for Workplace Health & Safety for Basic First Aid. Participants who meet the required standard receive a nationally recognized certification that is valid for three years. Textbook included in cost of tuition.

0 credit(s) No No No
Applied Training (JSTC-0022)

Prerequisites: JSTC-0024 Criminal Law, JSTC-0021 Evidence/Documentation, JSTC-0027 Law Enforcement/Justice, COMM-0403 Comms Design/Articulation
Corequisite: JSTC-0028 Policing Principles/Procedures
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
Cdn Intercultural Awareness (IAPP-0002)

This course is designed to assist international students to transition into, and succeed in, the diverse Canadian workplace. Cultural values and expectations in a professional environment are examined through a variety of methods. Students will explore the variety of cultures in Canada, including those of Indigeneous peoples. The possible effects of culture on the various roles and the scope of practice in their field of study are explored. Strategies to uccessfully begin a new job, to create effective working realtionships and to resolve conflict are discussed and practiced. Interpersonal and inter-professional communciation is reviewed. The importance of concepts such as non-verbal communicaton, personal and professional etiquette and working as
part of a team are emphasized. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program.

6 credit(s) No No No
Community Policing (JSTC-0023)

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 safety.

6 credit(s) No No No
Criminal Law (JSTC-0024)

Corequisite: JSTC-0026 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
Cultural Diversity Comms (COMM-0404)

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
Evidence/Documentation (JSTC-0021)

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
Fitness/Deportment (JSTC-0025)

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
Investigational Techniques (JSTC-0026)

Corequisite: JSTC-0024 Criminal Law
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
Law Enforcement/Justice (JSTC-0027)

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 provinical 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 a officer's legal authorities.

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
Policing Principles/Procedures (JSTC-0028)

Prerequisites: JSTC-0024 Criminal Law, JSTC-0027 Law Enforcement/Justice
Corequisite: JSTC-0022 Applied 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
Seminar (IAPP-0003)

This course offers students an opportunity to apply the knowledge that they have acquired in previous courses. Learners will demonstrate research skills and the ability to cite sources. They will participate in case scenarios, using industry terminology, that utilize numeracy skills and problem based learning techniques to foster deep understanding of good client/customer service. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program.

4.5 credit(s) No No No
Student Success (IAPP-0001)

This course integrates elements of student orientation including familiarization with college policies and improves the students’
ability to navigate the college experience and environment. This course also offers the learner an opportunity to learn and
practice the essential study skills needed to thrive in a Canadian post-secondary program of study. The course covers topics such
as success in online learning, time management strategies, communication skills, test taking strategies, academic integrity, and
information literacy, among others. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program.

6 credit(s) No No No
Workplace Communication (IAPP-0004)

This course is designed to provide international students with the communication skills required to transition successfully into the Canadian workplace. It will prepare learners to utilize effective communication skills both personally and professionally. Students will use a broad range of activities to develop proficiency in industry terminology, explore scenarios from the field, develop critical thinking skills, and develop effective strategies to enhance their skills in writing and oral communication. Students must pass this introductory course to progress in the program.

6 credit(s) No No No

Fast Facts

Length
9 months
Program Start
August
Credential
Advanced Diploma
Credits
66
Course Load
Full-time
Program Details
On Campus
Open to International Students
School of Health & Human Services
204.725.8730
1.800.862.6307 ext 6228 (toll free)

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.