Public Safety Advanced Diploma
Overview
Assiniboine’s eight-month Public Safety advanced diploma program offered in partnership with the Brandon Police Service builds upon previous post-secondary education and graduates to become a superior candidate in a highly competitive policing or other public safety recruiting process. This program is recognized as basic police recruit training for Manitoba police agencies.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Work in compliance with established standards and relevant legislation in the protection, security and investigation fields.
- Make decisions in a timely, effective and legally defensible manner relating to safety and security.
- Carry out delegated duties and responsibilities in compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Act equitably and justly with diverse populations
- Work effectively as a member of a team.
- Prevent and resolve crisis, conflict and emergency situations by applying effective techniques.
- Conduct and/or contribute to investigations by collecting, preserving and presenting admissible evidence.
- Observe, evaluate and accurately document behaviours, situations and events.
- Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development.
Examples of what jobs graduates from this program can do:
This program prepares graduates for policing roles within municipal and First Nation police services in Manitoba, or with other police services across Canada, as well as public safety roles with Canada Border Services Agency, Sheriff’s Department, Corrections or private security firms.
Success Factors
You might be a good fit for this program if you are or have:
- Wanting to build upon your previous post-secondary education
- Keenly interested in a career in policing or public safety
- A range of desirable personal and professional qualities for public safety, including integrity, empathy, strong communication skills, a high level of physical fitness, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, patience, and respect for diversity.
- Committed to public service and have a strong sense of responsibility to community.
- Interested in understanding the justice system and how it works.
The industry and program environment require individuals to:
- Be able to communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds, including those who may be in distress or under duress.
- Be able to think critically and solve problems quickly and effectively, often under high-pressure situations.
- Be willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect the public and uphold the law.
- Be honest, ethical, and trustworthy in all their actions and interactions.
- Be in good physical condition to perform their duties safely and effectively.
- Be patient and able to remain calm and composed in difficult situations.
- Be respectful of diversity and able to work effectively with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles and demonstrate compassion and empathy in their interactions with individuals.
- Pay close attention to detail to ensure that they are following proper procedures and gathering accurate information.
Full-Tuition Awards Available!
The Elevate Award is a full-tuition award that supports university or college graduates looking to enhance their professional skill sets by pursuing an advanced diploma program. Up to 20 full-tuition Elevate awards are granted annually to domestic students (Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents). Awards are limited; apply to the program today!
Admissions
- Two-year diploma or university degree or equivalent
- Proof of current certification in emergency first aid,
- cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Level C
- Current criminal record vulnerable sector check
- Current child abuse registry check
- Current adult abuse registry check
- Valid driver’s license abstract
- Medical release
Don't Have a Diploma or Degree? Start Here.
We understand that a fulfilling career in public safety is not only for those who already hold academic qualifications. If you're at the beginning of your journey and do not have a diploma or degree, consider enrolling in our Public Safety certificate program. It’s designed to provide you with a robust foundation in public safety, setting you on a clear path toward achieving your career aspirations.
International Applicants
- 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 the above-stated admission requirements is available:
Program Application Checklist (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.
Careers & Connections
Career Opportunities
- Municipal, regional, provincial or Indigenous police services
- Canada Border Services Agency
- Sheriff’s office
- Correctional facilities
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 the Articulation Agreements 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 and Textbooks/Supplies
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
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.
Estimated Program Costs (Domestic Students)
| Credits | Tuition | Course fees | Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) | Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Safety | 60 | $3,400 | $1,230 | $470 | $2,290 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International)
| Credits | Tuition | Course Fees | Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) | Required Health Insurance | Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Safety | 60 | $15,270
| $1,230 | $470 | $750 | $2,290 |
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
Courses
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applied Training (JSTC-0022)Prerequisites: JSTC-0024 Criminal Law, JSTC-0021 Evidence/Documentation, JSTC-0027 Law Enforcement/Justice, COMM-0403 Comms Design/Articulation |
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 |
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 |
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 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
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.