Advanced Law Enforcement, Investigations And Security

Fanshawe’s one-year Advanced Law Enforcement graduate certificate program prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of law enforcement and security professions from private investigator and special constable to police investigator and border services officer.

Fanshawe is a leading law enforcement college in Ontario.

This intensive program is completed in two 15-week semesters, each concluding with a five-week field placement that will immerse you in experiential learning opportunities with law enforcement, investigative and security agencies.

You’ll broaden your knowledge and skill set to meet employer needs.

The curriculum has been developed with input from experts in law enforcement, corrections, investigations and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to address the current needs of the industry.

The program ensures graduates meet physical fitness standards and use of defensive tactics, mental health awareness and care, crisis intervention and conflict management, record keeping and inter-professional communications and testifying in court. 

• Sector-specific content includes regulatory enforcement, security for specialized environments and customs and border protection. 
• You’ll also receive instruction in investigative techniques including foot and vehicle surveillance and the use of surveillance technologies.
• The primary pathway to Advanced Law Enforcement, Investigations and Security is from the two-year Protection, Security and Investigation diploma program. 
• Secondary pathways exist from the two-year Police Foundations diploma program and related programs (e.g., criminology degree from a university).

Career Information

Graduates of Fanshawe’s Advanced Law Enforcement, Investigations and Security program develop the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities for a variety of law enforcement and security fields, including:

• Municipal bylaw enforcement (bylaw enforcement officer);
• Provincial enforcement (peace officer, environment officer, conservation officer, forestry officer, alcohol and gaming inspector);
• Private investigation (private investigator);
• Site security (e.g., security guard, security officer, special constable in hospitals, courthouses, transportation and logistics, post-secondary institutions, airports or special events);
• Retail security (e.g., loss prevention officer);
• Cash services (e.g., armoured security);
• Canadian Border Services Agency (e.g., border services officer);
• National security and intelligence (e.g., intelligence officer, surveillance); and
• Corrections (e.g., correctional officer).

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? Here’s a selection of employment opportunities graduates of Fanshawe’s Advanced Law Enforcement, Investigations & Security program:

Municipal Law Enforcement Officer

Investigate infractions and confirm compliance of municipal by-laws in accordance with council policy.

Hospital Security

Ensure the safety and security of patients, visitors, staff and building facilities.

Border Services Officer

Keep Canadians safe by stopping weapons, drugs and inadmissible people from entering the country.

Correctional Officer 

Enhancing public safety by encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens.

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct enforcement, investigative and security activities in accordance with legislative requirements as well as professional, ethical and organizational standards.
• Maintain a personal fitness level necessary to meet or exceed occupational fitness standards.
• Use defensive tactics within a legal framework to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
• Prepare documents, including notes, logs, and reports, to clearly and accurately record observations, actions and findings.
• Participate in court proceedings by preparing crown briefs, providing testimony, and presenting evidence.
• Conduct complex investigations and surveillance activities using advanced techniques, including vehicle surveillance.
• Collect, preserve and record evidence, including digital evidence, in accordance with legislative requirements and recognized protocols.
• Assess situations to anticipate, mitigate and manage security issues.
• Administer and enforce laws, bylaws and regulations by investigating and resolving complaints, promoting compliance, and issuing infraction notices.
• Use appropriate problem-solving skills, non-violent intervention techniques, and other intervention strategies to effectively manage and resolve conflict and crisis situations.
• Employ appropriate intervention strategies to manage mental health situations to ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders.