Course Descriptions
Course index
Advanced Police Leadership
For those who have acquired all of the competencies associated with the Dalhousie Certificate in Police Leadership Program, the Advanced Police Leadership course provides an opportunity to integrate the concepts learned into their organizational setting. Only those who have successfully completed the equivalent of one concentration certificate and one course from each of the remaining three concentrations (for a total of six courses) are eligible to enroll in this program. Students also need to have maintained an average of 78% in previous course work in order to enroll. Equivalencies and prior learning assessments will be considered for admission to this course.
Please call the Program Manager for a special application form. Please register 10 to 12 weeks before you wish to begin this course. Start dates are flexible.
Graduates of the Advanced Police Leadership course can receive advanced standing in our National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration program.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Define and explain the importance of five leadership skill sets: Personal Mastery, Interpersonal Communications, Counselling and Problem Management, Team and Organizational Development, and Versatility in Style, Role and Skill Shifting.
- Identify personal leadership strengths and challenges.
- Develop a personal leadership skills enhancement program to improve areas of perceived challenge.
- Explain the difference between counselling, coaching, and consulting and give examples of when to use each.
- Determine areas for improvement in the organization and areas of strength.
- Develop a plan to improve the organization taking advantages of personal and organizational strengths and enhancing areas of weakness.
- Critically evaluate and comment on the use of leadership techniques and practices from various examples.
- Compare leadership practices from business to those used in policing.
- Use a problem solving approach to solve an identified concern in and/or for the community.
- Integrate the various knowledge components of the Certificate in Police Leadership in a comprehensive problem solving exercise.
- Discuss changes that have occurred in Canadian Policing and their impact on the future.
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
Ted Herbert, Terry Coleman, Paul McKenna
Testimonials
"At the start of it [Advanced Police Leadership], the course causes the student to look inward and identify their personal leadership abilities, identifies and classifies leadership styles that may have been non-existent, and continues to enhance their leadership techniques in order to enrich their personal leadership style. The materials, lessons and instructor, improve the student's capability and then continues to motivate the student to take a strong leadership role within their own organization by identifying a problem, taking ownership, and taking action in a pro-active capacity. This course should be made mandatory for senior police members as it causes the leader to distinguish when and how to act as a 'leader' and when to act as a 'manager'. Excellent course!"
MCpl. Richard Draper, CFB North Bay, ON
Advanced Police Leadership was "an excellent course which I recommend to anyone choosing to progress through managerial ranks. The material and content was very well organized by the instructor and the knowledge obtained was extremely practical. This course was individually based on the student which was very relevant to my current and future roles and responsibilities."
S/Sgt. Paul Brown, District Commander, RCMP District 6 Miramichi
Legal Issues in Policing
This course has its genesis in the idea that many benefits can result from greater legal education of police officers. One particular benefit is an appreciation of the significantly increased scrutiny of the police in the last decade by courts of law and other tribunals, and the correspondingly greater need to prevent legal difficulties before they arise.
While police officers in most jurisdictions are required to undergo some form of regular training to maintain proficiency in use of force and in other areas, police services direct relatively little attention to regular and rigorous training in legal developments as they affect the police. When such training does occur, much of it is directed to the criminal law. Assessing the impact or potential impact of legal decisions on the police department’s ability to perform it’s role is an increasingly valuable ability for police leaders who can use an advanced knowledge of the law to assist in the maintenance of community order.
This course provides a thorough overview of the legal accountability of the police. After a brief examination of police duties and powers, the course material examines the various police legal accountability mechanisms. Several modes of accountability will be examined in detail: governance of chief constables by municipal police boards or Ministers of the Crown; police civil liability; and the internal discipline process. There will also be some discussion of criminal law, trends in police legal accountability and preventive practice. Students should have access to the internet as some readings/research may be done online.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- articulate the various statutory and common law duties of a police officer.
- explain the relationship between police duties and powers.
- explain the various forms of police accountability.
- outline the process of supervision of chief constables by public authorities.
- describe the concept of police independence and how it developed.
- explain the difference between policy decisions and operational decisions for police organizations.
- articulate the difference between criminal law and civil law.
- explain the significance of tort law to police accountability.
- define criminal and civil liability.
- fully discuss recent trends in police civil liability and provide examples of those trends.
- discuss methods of preventive practice.
- explain the restrictions on use of force by police officers in Canada.
- discuss legal decisions concerning police use of force.
- demonstrate an understanding of the internal discipline process in police organizations.
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
Paul Ceyssens, Bob Purcell, Chris Harmes
Testimonials
"Awesome course. Great instructor and feedback. I really enjoyed same."
Cpl. Stephen Conohan, RCMP, Holyrood, NL
"I found the knowledge gained as a result of exploring case law decisions, discussed in Legal Issues in Policing, were very beneficial to me, my staff and our organization."
Acting Staff/Sgt. Don Sweet, Ottawa Police Service, ON
"The course was excellent in revealing why risk management is so important for today's policing services...[The] topics or "best practices" for police services incrementally developed my knowledge and understanding of a complex field."
Sgt. Glen Zavitz, Ontario Provincial Police, GHQ Office, Orillia ON
"This is by far the most job related course I have taken. Be prepared-it's a lot of work but well worth the effort!"
A/Sgt. C.J. Kyle, Delta Police, Delta BC
"Legal Issues in Policing provided relevant and important topics about the duty of care owed to prisoners and the general public. If these topics were covered in depth during training, many of the issues facing police officers could be avoided."
Cst. Adam Palmer, RCMP, Cambridge Bay, NU
“Police officers are only trained in criminal law. This course shows that civil and case law affect the way in which they perform their duties, and it is unfortunate that more emphasis is not placed on this area of the law in police training.”
Cst. David Lepper, Amherst Police Dept., NS
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Policing and the Law of Human Rights
The law of human rights is an area of law which has expanded significantly in the last twenty years. Virtually all of the significant human rights case law relating to police has been decided in the last two decades, and most of it within the last ten years. Accordingly, many officers currently serving will not have been taught about human rights law during their training. Furthermore, ongoing police education generally does not address this area of law.
The law of human rights affects virtually every area of policing, from recruitment to employment to operational policing. Recruitment, accommodation during injury, illness, pregnancy, and for family reasons, maternity leave, parental leave, employment equity, religious considerations, firing, retirement, and interactions with the public all raise human rights issues. The costs of human rights proceedings are great, not merely in financial terms, which may amount to many thousands of dollars, but also in terms of time lost from work, legal fees, damage to departmental reputations, to careers, and to morale. Furthermore, since human rights law takes precedence over all other legislation except constitutional laws, its relevance in the police workplace should not be underestimated.
This course is a must for anyone working in personnel or recruiting as it covers, in great detail, issues of discrimination, accommodation, discipline and the rights of employees. It is also very important for policy makers and patrol supervisors as it addresses the interaction of police officers with the human rights of individuals in the community. Students should have access to the Internet as some readings/research may be done online.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- define discrimination according to human rights legislation.
- explain the concept of “protected areas of activity” as defined in human rights legislation.
- explain the concept of “prohibited grounds of discrimination” in Human Rights law.
- describe how human rights legislation is distinct from other forms of law.
- describe the role of human rights commissions and the process of adjudication of human rights cases.
- define a bona fide occupational requirement and how it affects the selection of police officers.
- develop strategies for preventing violations of human rights in the police recruitment process.
- recognize a human rights violation in the workplace and implement actions to remedy it.
- explain the role of human rights law in the delivery of police service to communities.
- develop strategies to prevent human rights violations from occurring.
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
Laurel Bauchman, Maureen Shebib, Tom Chapman
Testimonials
"Policing and the Law of Human Rights opened my eyes and identified potential problems when policing. An officer's conduct can result in irreversible damage to the relations between the police force and the community it serves."
MCpl. Richard Draper, Military Police, CFB Trenton, ON
"The course is challenging and interesting. It provides a background and foundation for front-line policing."
Cst. Susan R. Boyes, RCMP, Duncan, BC
"Excellent course. Coverage of human rights issues specific to provision of police services. Should be required training for all public complaints investigators and would definitely be an asset for all front-line officers."
Sgt. Marion Morrison, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Cambridge, ON
"This is the most important course that I have taken in a long time. It is very important to learn about policing-human rights case law on providing service to the community, employment and harassment in the workplace. I think that more police "diversity" training should be based on the case law discussed in this course."
Jane Mulkewich, Community Relations Co-ordinator, Hamilton Regional Police Service, Hamilton, ON
“The Policing and the Law of Human Rights course made me think about the assumptions directed at accommodated officers at my detachment and to evaluate my own attitudes toward those officers’ positions. This course is thought-provoking, relevant, and important to the efficient administration and effective operation of a police force.”
Cst. Brian Skehen, OPP, London , ON
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Ethics for Police Leaders
This course examines the subject of professional ethics within policing. Its goal is to provide an in-depth understanding and appreciation of how professional ethics applies both to the individual and the organization and why ethics is an essential dimension of true leadership. Craig MacMillan and Paul Tinsley, both experienced police officers and educators in the field of practical ethics, wrote and designed this course in four study units. Each unit provides a particular focus and progression that will assist in understanding the application of ethics to the policing profession. Students should have access to the Internet as some readings/research may be done online.
Learning Outcomes
- theoretical background in moral philosophy and professional ethics
- how ethical theory applies to professional practice
- the transition from the theoretical to the practical (ethical decision-making in the real world)
- the application of ethics to leadership
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
Craig S. MacMillan, Paul Tinsley
Testimonials
"The Ethics for Police Leaders course showed the importance of ethics in police leadership. This should be a mandatory course for all supervisors in the police/security field."
Sgt. Roger Hudson, Security Manager, Canadian Embassy, Ankara, Turkey
“A great opportunity to acquire useful knowledge at a pace respectful to full time employed shift workers. The texts and articles are very interesting and diverse.”
Dennis Rose, Supervisor of Security, Saskatoon Health Region
“Every police officer should take this course. The course illustrates the importance of ethical decision making.”
Cst. Anton Jelich, OPP, London, ON
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Communication Skills for Police Personnel
The police officer today faces a daunting task. While the workload has grown along with expanding urban populations and a more sophisticated approach to crime problems, the resources available to departments in terms of budget and human resources have not grown at the same rate. Agencies are forced to hold the line on costs, and seek alternative methods of meeting the growing workload. These solutions range from more efficient human resource management, in terms of getting the most from staff, to using community stakeholders on a volunteer basis. And this is occurring in the face of rapid change both in technology and the expectations held by the public with respect to policing. Excellent communication is, of course, a keystone for this process.
The course focuses sharply on the special problems police officers encounter as they endeavour to achieve the increasingly complex goals of a manager within a law enforcement agency. It does this by offering practical, “how-to” ways of improving oral and written communication skills; this includes participative listening, giving feedback, and clarifying and checking information received from others. Whether writing memos, talking to the members of the community or making a presentation to the Police Commission, effective communication makes the job easier and leaves a lasting impression with others.
Learning Outcomes
Following successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- improve questioning and feedback skills to enhance two-way communication.
- develop the skills for team communication, including setting (and selling) goals and objectives.
- understand the necessity for, and the ways and means of improving the writing skills of members.
- apply the elements of good writing to letters, memos and reports.
- apply a system of communication that prevents communication drop-outs and misunderstandings.
- develop strategies for preserving good media relations.
- effectively communicate one-to-one or with groups of people
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
Terry Barker, Donna Magee
Testimonials
"I have completed 3 degrees… in the area of teaching, and I have to tell you, that I thoroughly enjoyed your course."
Student from Nova Scotia
"This is an excellent course. I highly recommend it for all police employees-both uniform and civilian- especially those working in team environments. If we all improved our communication skills our organizations would function so much better, as a whole."
Tammy Fedoruk, Communication Supervisor, Thunder Bay Police, ON
"I really enjoyed the course including your feedback and comments. I know I will utilize a lot of the course material not only at work but in my own home. This is a must have course for all police officers."
Student from Ontario
The Communication Skills for Police Personnel course was "an incredible and challenging course that allowed me to improve my report-writing skills as well as my way of communicating with our clients. I would recommend this course to anyone with the objective of becoming a supervisor or in the process of being promoted."
Cst. Melanie Laroche, RCMP, Red Deer City, AB
"This course has given me the skills and confidence to become a better communicator. Everyone in a management position should be required to take this course. I enjoyed it immensely! Thanks."
Erika Wilton, Communications Operator, Orangeville Police Service, Orangeville ON
“Excellent! Applies to field level officers and supervisors. The course readings are an excellent resource, which I still periodically refer to.”
Cst. Joanne Matthews, OPP, Red Lake Detachment, ON
“Communication Skills for Police Personnel and the accompanying textbooks should be a prerequisite of all police departments.”
S/Sgt. Hank Zehr, St. Thomas City Police Service, ON
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Managing Police Performance: Coaching Skills for Police
Coaching is being recognized as an important addition to a police officer’s arsenal of skills. The ability to help others achieve their personal objectives and those of their organization is a critical competency in today’s police service. Problem-Oriented approaches to police work rely on officers helping others solve community problems. Coaching skills can be applied across the organization, at all levels, whenever goals are established and people need help to achieve them. The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) has been training and certifying coaches for sports for many years. Great coaches combine professional development with a personal commitment to excellence in providing leadership. This program offers police personnel an opportunity to become a CERTIFIED POLICE COACH. Incorporating concepts and practices from our Communication Skills and Strategic Human Resource Management for Police Organizations courses, this program allows direct exposure to the performance management principles.
The difference between the Managing Police Performance: Coaching Skills course and the other Certificate in Police Leadership courses is in delivery. One of the strengths of the certificate program is that it is learned by students from all over the world, by distance-learning methods that have been proven effective. The content of the courses is suited to distance learning and the instructors have designed the programs to be delivered in that way. The art and science of coaching is not well suited to distance learning. We believe that some of the skills needed by a good Coach can only be delivered face-to-face and can only be evaluated through personal contact. For that reason, the initial phase of the program is delivered in a three day workshop. The follow up phases are then distance delivered for the convenience of the Coaches and of the instructors.
Click here for more information.
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Budgeting and Financial Management for Police Services
Understanding a financial statement or preparing a budget may not help a police officer to apprehend a criminal or provide assistance to the victim of a violent crime. They are, however, essential elements in effectively managing a section or unit within a police organization. This course prepares people, who may not have a financial background, for some of the challenges of management.
All managers need to have a good understanding of how to prepare and administer budgets. They need to be able to prepare their budget in such a way that they can defend it before the next higher organizational level whether that is their immediate supervisor or the police commission. They need to be able to organize the financial aspects of their position to ensure that their allocated budget is not overspent and that funds are spent only for the purposes for which they were appropriated.
A knowledge of financial management also helps in making decisions. Examples: Whether to perform a major overhaul on a vehicle or scrap the vehicle and purchase a new one? Whether it is better to build a new office building or rent space in an existing one? A knowledge of financial management will give managers the confidence they need to make those decisions. This knowledge can also be applied to field decisions. Knowing the cost-benefit implications of a potential problem-solving initiative can be valuable in assessing the viability of solutions. Students should have access to the Internet as some readings/research may be done online.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- evaluate a budget using sound financial principles and practices.
- prepare a budget.
- compare and contrast budget processes used in federal, provincial and municipal governments.
- assess different styles of budgets with particular emphasis on their use in police organizations.
- track expenditures to prevent exceeding the annual appropriation.
- describe the advantages and disadvantages of user charges for police services.
- explain the role of the audit function and auditors in the financial administration process.
- complete a budget variance form.
- perform a cost - benefit analysis to compare different long - term investments.
- evaluate cost - benefit analyses provided by others.
- explain the importance of financial considerations in decision making.
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
David Siegel, Debra Crowell, Mark Mander
Testimonials
"Budgeting and Financial Management for Police Services effectively enhances my role as a detachment commander in evaluating the financial implications involving capital projects in the short term and long term. Additionally this course provides the learner with a better understanding of the process for allocating budgets specific for policing services."
Sgt. Grant MacDonald, Detachment Commander, RCMP, Masset, BC
"This course opened my eyes to how things run behind the scenes when managing a police service."
Cpl. Sean Kent, Canadian Forces Military Police, Petawawa, ON
"I have been managing finances for my section for some time. This course was an eye opener and made me think about ways that I can do business in ways that are effective and efficient. It has forced me to do cost-benefit analysis when making financial decisions. My question is- Are the City of Prince George tax payers getting the best bang for their buck?"
Sgt. Raj Sidhu, NCO i/c GIS Task Force, RCMP, Prince George, BC
"An easy to follow course that gives back 10 for every 5 you put into it. Lots to learn and very applicable to every day economic concerns at work."
Cpl. Ken Landry, RCMP, Prince George, BC
"This course provides an excellent base for reading and interpreting budgets, understanding the budget and audit processes, and learning how to create and defend your own budget. This will definitely have a positive impact on future administrative roles."
Sgt. Kevin Maloney, Ottawa Police Service, ON
"This course was useful as it provided an awareness into the financial aspect of policing. It gave me the tools to formulate a budget from the beginning to end. A great course for those that do not have a financial background."
Sgt. Geoff Gawlinski, Calgary Police Service, AB
Budgeting and Financial Management for Police Services is "essential for a well rounded understanding of financial management and its impact at all levels of policing."
Sgt. R.R.(Bob) Perry, RCMP, Kitimat, BC
“Provided great insight and knowledge in being able to prepare a proper budget for submission.”
Sgt. Larry Nobbs, Durham Regional Police Service, ON
“This course gave me an understanding of some of the very important financial issues with which middle and senior level officers in the police service must deal. It gives good information on how to prepare a budget and how to defend it. It also helps in making decisions dealing with finances.”
Cpl. Claude April, RCMP Ottawa, ON
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Strategic Human Resource Management for Police Organizations
People are frequently cited as an organization’s most valuable resource. This is only true if the organization manages that resource effectively. The principles of Human Resource Management (HRM) have been derived from work places across many different fields of endeavour. Many of the theories and practices that apply to business are applicable in police organizations. However, there are problems and issues that are specific to law enforcement and public safety organizations. This course will look at both the generic and the specific issues of HRM as they apply to police departments. Whether your service is large or small, you will have to deal with an increasingly complex set of issues. Civilian employees, overtime and court time, accommodation of workers with injury or disability and selection of personnel for special assignment, are a few of the areas that are specific to police departments. You won’t find those areas covered in a generic Human Resource Management program. Students who successfully complete this course will be better prepared to manage the performance of the personnel that they work with. Students should have access to the Interent as some readings/research may be done online.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Assert the benefits of continuous learning in the pursuit of personal and organizational excellence.
- Describe how the functions of Human Resource Management lead to the accomplishment of your organization’s mission.
- List the essential elements of a successful Human Resource Management system.
- Design a recruiting program that will allow your organization to meet its commitments, objectives and mission.
- List and articulate the functions and practices that make the management of human resources in police organizations unique from other forms of enterprise.
- List and describe the requirements, which make selection testing acceptable with respect to Human Rights legislation.
- Effectively evaluate a candidate’s suitability for hire.
- Discuss the merits of different methods of performance measurement.
- Define competency based performance measurement.
- Plan a career path for a member of your organization.
- Evaluate your department’s motivational strategies.
- Implement effective policies for improving employee motivation.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various shift lengths and schedules used by police organizations.
- Determine the viability of filling positions in your agency with civilian personnel, volunteers or sworn peace officers.
- Identify and discuss a current issue facing your organization’s Human Resource Management division.
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
Ted Herbert, Scott Blandford, Terry Coleman
Testimonials
"Being new to the Human Resources area, I was able to accelerate my learning curve through this course. All aspects of HR are covered with new trends, promotions, recruiting and some tools to assist career decisions facing law enforcement personnel."
Cpl. Francois Roussel, RCMP, Ottawa
"As rushed as I was to get this final assignment done I would like to thank both yourself [Terry Coleman, Instructor] and Dalhousie for putting on such an interesting course. I have truly learned a great deal about human resource management."
Sgt. Brian Smithson, Peel Regional Police Service, Brampton ON
"This is the first course that has made me realize that Human Resource Management is a 'system'; that the scope of HRM is much bigger than just hiring new people. This course has provided me tools to define organizational values and how to ensure that organizational values are being adhered to by the employees."
Cpl. Rajinder S. Sidhu, RCMP, Prince George, BC
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Policing the Modern Community
This course describes the development of the modern police service model and describes new pressures and police response strategies that are currently shaping modern Canadian community policing. Students will understand how modern Canadian policing has developed and evolved to respond to current policing conditions, as well as where policing is headed in the future. The course provides a solid community policing foundation for the next course, Strategic Policing. Course authors, Brian Whitelaw, an experienced police officer, and Paul McKenna are both well known authors who know the theory and practice of modern Canadian policing. Students should have access to the Internet as some readings/research may be done online.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- articulate the difference between traditional, professional policing models, community-based policing and the developing community-based Strategic policing model.
- explain the development of the community-based strategic policing model.
- explain how society has led police organizations to where they are today.
- describe the characteristics of a community-based strategic policing model and how it differs from the earlier community-based policing model.
- list the advantages and disadvantages of traditional, community-based policing and community-based strategic policing organizations.
- recognize a community-based strategic system based on a detailed investigation into its policies and practices.
- describe a process for implementing changes from a professional model of policing to one that is more community-based.
- develop a strategic plan for moving an organization toward a community-based approach.
- design measurement tools to assess an organization's effectiveness in community-based service delivery.
- list the factors that will influence the effective implementation of community-based programs in existing police organizations.
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
Brian Whitelaw, Richard Bruce, Paul McKenna
Testimonials
"I found the course of study interesting and insightful. It cleared up any misconceptions I may have had in terms of what Community Policing is and is not. As well, it provided me with the necessary tools to better understand the needs of the community, and how to best mobilize stakeholders and our organization. Thanks!"
S/Sgt. Frank M. Landry, Advisory NCO, RCMP, Yarmouth, NS
"Policing the Modern Community subject matter provides students with a strong foundation on Community Policing concepts, strategies and important elements to a successful implementation."
S/Sgt. Doug Lougheed, South Simcoe Police Service, ON
"Today's communities are incredibly complex resulting in police services having to explore new and innovative approaches to address crime and disorder. This course provides you with insight into exploring new strategies while learning to mobilize citizens to take an active role in the problem solving process."
Cst. Marc Brunette, Greater Sudbury Police Service, ON
"[Policing the Modern Community] was a great course. Finally a course which taught about Community Policing and what it really is- so much more than catch phrases and rhetoric."
S/Cst. Gordon Beagle, Grande Prairie Enforcement Services, AB
"I think that any practitioner of modern policing must understand the basic principles taught in this course. With limited budgets and our detachment resources being stretched thinner each year, we have to find new and innovative ways to continue providing a quality service. In today’s world the status quo is not an effective way to police. We must be as dynamic as the communities we serve. The ideas discussed within this course are a strong foundation towards being more efficient, having a greater impact and generally policing smarter. By involving the community in problem solving we should be able to redirect valuable resources to other pressing issues. Policing the Modern Community is a very informative and valuable course in our information arsenal."
Cpl. Jim Desautels, RCMP, High Prairie, AB
"The Modern Community is a very interesting subject from a military point of view. That is why I found Policing the Modern Community such an interesting course. I realized the Military Police are at a disadvantage when it comes to Community Policing and trying to establish strategies to improve our policing within our military and civilian communities through Canada. Excellent course! Thank you”
WO Roger Hudson, Mission Security Manager, Canadian Embassy, Ankara, Turkey
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Strategic Policing
Pre-requisite: Policing the Modern Community
Strategic Policing is a process of enhancing the effectiveness of conventional police service delivery, by using the latest information and analysis techniques to develop and target innovative, directed police response to community policing problems. Based on an understanding of modern community policing, this course develops detailed strategic approaches to delivering police services in the community. Using the latest research findings, case studies and international experience, former Calgary police officer and retired Chief of Moose Jaw Police Service, course author Terry Coleman provides students with state of the art thinking and experience on the innovative policing strategies that are at the leading edge of modern community policing. Students should have access to the Internet as some readings/research may be done online.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- understand police organizations as systems;
- understand what is meant by a strategic approach to policing;
- understand the value of crime and disorder information, analysis, and intelligence to effective policing;
- explain and apply intelligence-led policing as one strategic approach to achieving safe communities;
- explain and apply SARA as another, or complementary, strategic approach to solving community problems;
- explain and apply alternative strategies and tactics to the traditional methods of policing;
- understand the value of partnerships with agencies, groups, or individuals for the purpose of implementing and sustaining client/customer focused policing;
- understand the importance of measuring performance as an accountability and decision-making tool in the quest for continuous improvement; and
- better understand your role now and/or in the future as a leader and manager of your police organization.
Course Author(s) and Instructor(s)
Terry Coleman
Testimonials
"I would like to say thank you for having a course that I found challenging and innovative. I can see that this is the road where policing is headed…. I have a new found energy and drive for the work that I do."
Student from Ontario
"Strategic Policing is my first course [in the Police Leadership Program]. I found that it provided me with a broad understanding of current concepts in strategic management for police services. In particular it provided me with the fundamentals to be able to understand the purpose of the RCMP's Mission, Vision and Values and why the RCMP is implementing performance-management. In addition to anyone interested in understanding the role and importance of Intelligence and Analysis within policing, I strongly recommend this course to anyone seeking to understand or implement strategic management within his or her police service or who is concerned with principles of effective policing. This course positions Problem Oriented Policing and Intelligence Led Policing, along with Analysis, within a contemporary policing framework that makes sense for the delivery of front line policing."
Cst. Ken Smith, RCMP, Yarmouth Detachment, NS
"Everything I learned during this course was applied immediately to the pilot project [Crime Reduction Strategy] the detachment was involved in as it was ALL applicable…. I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and will highly recommend it as it is obviously the path we must take as police organizations. Excellent course!"
Sgt. Marc Landry, RCMP, Comox Valley, BC
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Police Leadership Management and Development
This course provides the basis for the Certificate in Police Leadership. It provides police personnel with an improved understanding of how police organizations function in our society. Methods of futures thinking are exercised with some emphasis on trend identification and analysis and on how policing issues emerge. Looking ahead and planning strategically are major thrusts.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- explain how police fit both in and out of the criminal justice system.
- describe alternate ways of doing the work.
- provide police service to groups in conflict.
- describe the economics of policing and how the trend toward more private policing affects democracy.
- identify and analyze both good and bad leadership in others.
- manage excessive force.
- exercise the fundamentals of ethics in policing.
- describe the five kinds of power at play in a police hierarchy.
- instill a sense of values and build trust within an organization.
- put systems thinking and systems building into practice.
- explain how to get an organization to learn.
- conduct a field study on motivation.
- prepare a plan for personal career development.
- prepare a plan for personnel career planning.
- use futures thinking, visioning and contingency planning to develop a strategic plan for a police organization.
- examine a spectrum of policing strategies and employ three methods for defining these strategies.
Course Author and Instructor
Dan Ogle
Testimonials
"It encourages leaders to have a vision."
Cst. Sandile Simelane, Swaziland Police
"Excellent material. The learning motivates me to raising my output at work."
Det/Sgt. Kevin Guest, Toronto Police Service, ON
"This course makes you think and map out your own direction. Best I have taken to date."
Chief Dan Rivett, Saugeen Shores Police Service, ON
"I think this was a great course because it allows you to see how the leaders of your service are performing as well as it enables you to be a better leader."
Cpl. Sean Kent, Canadian Forces Military Police, Petawawa, ON
"This course provides the necessary tools that new supervisors need to effectively perform their duties."
Sgt. Karl Hachey, Bathurst Police Service, NB
"A very challenging and rewarding course. A must for the individual in the strategic planning process and envisioning the future."
Sgt. Evan Scott, Rothesay Regional Police Force, NB
"This course is an excellent introduction into the different aspects of police leadership and management… The reading materials were all clear, the course was easy to follow, and it gave you experience in managing your time effectively."
Cst. David Baldwin, RCMP, Amherst, NS
"This course has allowed me and showed me how to further develop my leadership skills. I used to have doubts about myself. Now, I know I can do it, at least start the process. Thank you for the challenge!"
Cst. Louise Monette, OPP, Noelville, ON
“I was skeptical at first when I signed up for [Police Leadership and Management Development], however, with the first assignment I was surprised at how applicable the work was. This continued through all of the units and at times it seemed like the tasks were written specifically for me and my own work situation.”
Cpl. Blake MacLeod, RCMP, Whistler Detachment, BC
“The PLMD course was a great place to start. It caused me to examine the big picture. I look forward to additional courses to advance my personal learning and to help me in my policing career.”
Acting Inspector Joe Matthews, Niagara Regional Police Service, ON
“Anyone looking for an excellent developmental tool in the complexity of the police promotional process should take this course. It provided a great background for personal and strategic planning. Highly recommended.”
Cst. Scott Rome, OPP, Thunder Bay, ON
"The Police Leadership course provided valuable insight into management skills, personnel development and touched on strategic planning. These are all areas that should be a pre-requisite to being a supervisor or detachment commander ensuring that person has the tools and knowledge to do the job. The course involved hard work and discipline since it was by correspondence, and has you thinking of the future development, as well as, planning."
Sgt. Douglas Aird, Staffing and Personnel, "E" Division RCMP, Prince George, BC
"I highly recommend Police Leadership and Management Development to anyone who is serious about personal and professional development as a peace officer. Now more than ever, employees are becoming responsible for their own self-development. This course is an excellent first step in taking control of your development and career."
Cst. Cory Bushell, RCMP Pangnirtung Detachment, NU
"Motivational and inspirational in promoting positive changes."
Cst. Stephen Van Herk, Truro Police Service, NS
"A good system of providing education for law enforcement personnel."
Dean Nichol, Sheriff's Officer, Winnipeg, MB
"The course allowed me to gain some insight and understanding into the decision making and organizational process of Canadian Police Services. Having an understanding of management decision process makes working on the front lines easier."
Cst. Ian Michel, OPP
"Helped develop my skills and competencies needed to be an effective leader."
Cst. Mike Moyer, "E" Division Aboriginal Gang Unit
"Doesn't matter if you are interested in promotion or just improving your understanding of leadership and management in your current position, this PLMD course offers the opportunity to learn and develop new skills which you can put into practice immediately. Very well organized course and not overlay demanding of a busy person’s time."
Cst. Chris Fry, RCMP, Winnipeg, MB
"You cannot successfully complete these courses without learning something about leadership. It puts your exposure to various leadership styles into the appropriate perspective."
Cst. Tim Sowers, Fredericton Police Force, NB
"This was a great course. For a guy who did not excel in school, I found this program to be user friendly. The instructor was excellent and provided great feedback on assignments. I would recommend this course to all my colleagues."
Det. Dean Jacobs, Calgary Police Service, AB
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General Testimonials
"Excellent opportunities to continue your education in your field."
Sgt. John Berry, RCMP, Cumberland Detachment, NS
"The Police Leadership Program has indeed been the best investment in my police career… As a result of my educational journey with you, every time I communicate properly, respectfully and intently, manage efficiently, budget responsibly, police strategically, deliver police service effectively, and exercise leadership, it will be, in big part, because of you."
Sgt. Alain Gingras, RCMP, Immigration and Passport Section, Ottawa
"This program gave me the opportunity to plug away at a certificate from home."
A/Sgt. Brent Brussee, Blood Tribe Police Service, AB
"I have found all the courses thought-provoking and informative. The Police Leadership Program is a valuable asset to developing a well-rounded police professional."
S/Sgt. Doug Lougheed, South Simcoe Police Service, ON
“The Certificate in Police Leadership Program is a cutting edge program that analyzes policing issues and provides tremendous information to all officers of different ranks. It has provided me with practical and proven skills to effectively perform my duties in various roles.”
Sgt. Sean Sullivan, Peel Regional Police
“This program has added new challenges and ways of approaching police leadership and motivation. As a junior constable I have a new found appreciation of my police leaders, managers and what it takes for them to do their job more effectively and efficiently.”
Cst. Kathleen Thain, RCMP, Shawinigan Lake, BC
“This is an excellent opportunity for furthering my post-secondary education and having the ability to take quality and challenging courses while still balancing family responsibilities and shift work.… I am still able to meet my personal goals without inconveniencing my family and fellow officers.”
S/Sgt. David Wiedrick, Brantford Police Service, ON
“The Certificate in Police Leadership Program offers courses that are relevant and current to the needs of policing in Canada. The course selection has allowed me to develop my leadership skills in a variety of areas that have made me a more effective and productive front-line supervisor.”
Sgt. Marion Morrison, Waterloo Regional Police, ON
"I highly recommend your Police Leadership Program as it offers significant information that is directly applicable to the many aspects of our profession."
Cst. Natalie Hiltz, Peel Regional Police, ON
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