Start Date: August
Location: Atlantic Police Academy
Length: 24 Weeks
Credential: Certificate, Sheriff and Public Safety Officer
Program Availability: Fall 2023 Term
Canadian Applicants
Open
International Applicants
N/A
Please note: You must be a Canadian citizen or have Canadian permanent resident status to apply for this program.
Start your career in law enforcement or security as a Sheriff or Public Safety Officer with this 24-week Certificate program at the Atlantic Police Academy. Learn to communicate effectively & manage high-stress situations while executing court orders or working to maintain public safety.
Develop the skills required to be successful in many different careers related to public safety, law enforcement, and security such as sheriff services, private security, by-law or highway enforcement and more.
Cadets will receive the following training: driving and vehicle operations, including highway radar (moving and stationary); certified firearms training provided to the same standard as many police agencies; the National Use of Force Framework and hands-on defensive control tactics; physical fitness training that emphasizes lifelong fitness habits; and communications and mental health training to prepare cadets to interact with people and to build their own mental resilience in these challenging fields of work.
As part of the Sheriff and Public Safety Officer program, all cadets participate in on-the-job training at various sheriff offices, courthouses, and secure facilities throughout Atlantic Canada. Depending on their placement, they may also perform commercial vehicle traffic enforcement. This real-life experience provides cadets with the opportunity to use their skills and knowledge and develop the fundamentals needed to pursue a variety of careers, including sheriff, provincial and municipal public safety officer, security officer, armoured vehicle officer and correctional officer.
Sheriff and Public Safety Officer cadets are required to live in residence for the duration of their training, except during on-the-job training.
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Alabama, U.S.A. | Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration | Graduates receive 27 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree. |
NOTES:
Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars.
| Tuition & Fees | $18,448 |
| Other Costs | See Cost Breakdown |
Tuition & Fees |
|
|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,525 |
| Student Union | $172 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $420 |
| Books | $350 |
| Lab Fee | $300 |
| Uniform | $1,550 |
| Body Armour (Lease) | $610 |
| Dry Cleaning | $110 |
| CPKN Courses | $400 |
| Meals and accommodations | $5,911 |
| Graduation Fee | $100 |
| Total | $18,448 |
| 1st installment due August 22 | $14,918 |
| 2nd installment due November 15 | $3,530 |
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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/EXPENSES |
|
| 1 pair black polishable shoes – Military or Police Style | varies |
| 2 long sleeve plain white dress shirts suitable for wearing a black tie. (no button-down collars) | varies |
| 1 pair of black dress pants | varies |
| 1 pair of quality running shoes | varies |
| 3 pairs of black socks | varies |
| 1 black tie – plain, single color/no patterns (clip-on preferred) | varies |
| Towels and personal toiletry articles | varies |
| 1 alarm clock or clock radio | $20 |
| 1 mouth guard | varies |
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Values:0
Course Code:COMM-1040
This course is designed to enhance written and verbal communication skills that are used in workplace communications by correctional officers. Students learn the proper use of notebooks and logbooks to document relevant observations and information from investigations including obtaining admissible witness statements. Emphasis is placed on effective report writing, as well as how to testify in court. Students also develop skills for securing employment including resume preparation and preparation for employment interviews.
Hours:2
Course Code:CRES-1000
Participants learn to use the Crisis Intervention and De-escalation (CID) Model and apply techniques to effectively de-escalate crisis situations, specifically those incidents involving intervention in a mental health crisis. This blended course consists of online learning activities through the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN), classroom training, as well as scenario based training.
Hours:1
Course Code:PROF-1050
The purpose of this course is to examine and practice ethical and professional behaviors to prepare students for making ethical choices during their time at the academy and in their professional public safety careers. Students are required to produce and follow a personal code of ethics, work as a team, and to exhibit behaviors and values that are consistent with the expectations of the profession and the public.
Hours:1
Course Code:PSYC-1200
This course introduces the discipline of social psychology with an emphasis on practical issues in law enforcement. Students learn about social interactions, causes of human behavior, including abnormal behaviors, and how they impact society. Culture, strategies for dealing with stress, recognition of abuse, and attending to the needs of victims are central themes.
Hours:6
Course Code:SHER-14350
This course provides the student with enhanced driving skills to assist them in their work and everyday driving. Students complete the driving course which covers defensive driving skills, controlled responses, skid control techniques, emergency stopping techniques. Students are also shown how to operate speed measurement devices (Radar), as well as the prescribed method for directing traffic (vehicle and pedestrian), and performing vehicle stops. Students practice these skills on the driving track to industry standards.
Hours:4
Course Code:SHER-14360
This course is designed to prepare students for the Sheriff and Public Safety Officer professions and the various physical tests that are required. Students learn and are challenged to lead a healthy lifestyle by improving their fitness level and nutrition.
Hours:2
Course Code:SHER-14370
Students develop skills and knowledge in defensive and control tactics, which prepares them to evaluate and react in situations requiring use of force, using the National Use of Force Framework (NUFF). Students receive training in tactics and the use of devices, including batons, Oleoresin Capsicum Spray (pepper spray) and Conducted Energy Weapons (TASER) to ensure officer safety. Safe approaches for risk and high-risk vehicle stops, as well as safe approaches to buildings and dwellings utilized during eviction and repossession activities as sheriffs are also covered.
Hours:5
Course Code:SHER-14375
This course is designed to increase officer safety as well as the ability of an officer to respond appropriately to specific threats, including lethal force. This course helps to develop decision making skills along with the ability to effectively respond to threats, including those that are likely to cause bodily harm or death to those involved.
Hours:1
Course Code:SHER-14600
This course provides students with many of the skills that are required of Sheriffs and Public Safety Officers as they pertain to courthouse operations. Students are familiarized with court decorum and the various courthouse security related duties of Sheriffs. Laws and regulations surrounding searches, methods of conducting searches of courtroom, the courthouse and persons. As well, they learn how to properly search, shackle and transport prisoners from one facility to another, and to eventually get them into a courtroom. Preservation of evidence, and protection of crime scenes are also covered. Topics related to evictions and property seizures are also discussed in the training. These topics are designed to provide a foundation for those looking to serve as a Sheriff.
Hours:3
Course Code:SHER-14620
This course examines the Canadian Criminal Justice System and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, their impact on Canadian society and their relationship to the role of the Security Enforcement Officer. Students are prepared to effectively use the Criminal Code in the execution of their duties. Students also examine a citizen's power of arrest and a peace officer's power of arrest, search and seizure authorities, documentation required, and preparation for presentation in a court of law.
Hours:4
Course Code:SHER-14631
This course incorporates firearms safety, marksmanship, and tactical training. Following the entry-level safety training, students proceed to skills development and tactical development. Students must successfully complete each stage before proceeding as they qualify to the APA firearms standard. Standard issue firearms are utilized in the live-fire training portion of this course.
Hours:4
Course Code:SHER-14700
Students are introduced to concepts and techniques related to performing security operations for a variety of roles. Topics include observation techniques, professionalism, public relations, and communication protocols. Students also learn methods of protecting a crime scene, as well as techniques used when searching for explosive devices. Airport security and screening procedures are also covered.
Hours:2
Course Code:SHER-16105
On-the-Job Training provides the student with an opportunity to put into practice and enhance the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program. In addition, students may gain new skills and knowledge. Students are expected to complete the duties assigned to them by the On-the-Job placement site.
Hours:6
