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The only 2-year program of its kind in Ontario

The Sheridan Investigation-Public and Private Program prepares you to enter the exciting field of investigation and public safety. This program hones your skills in analysis, communication, information gathering, interviewing, issue identification, researching, and problem solving. You learn to use i2 Investigative Analysis software in presenting your investigative findings. Surveillance, video applications and industry best practices are integrated into the program.

Through your investigation courses, you'll explore:

  • Investigative methods
  • Resource protection techniques
  • Intelligence analysis
  • Law enforcement
  • Security and safety procedures
  • Online frauds and identity theft
  • Surveillance
  • Threat risk assessments
  • Forensic investigation techniques

Professors Experienced in the Field

Your professors include educators who are experienced in law enforcement, private investigations, intelligence, forensic investigations, emergency management and loss prevention.

Investigation courses include extensive collaborative group activities that involve highly specialized investigative software. You'll use your laptop for in-class research, discussions, presentations, photography and video applications as well as for communication. All classroom activities, presentations and notes can be accessed online 24/7 for your convenience.

Get Real Workplace Experience

In Year 2, you'll take part in an unpaid field placement in investigation, insurance, resource protection, physical security, public safety or in an industry related private or public organization. Some placements require shift work and/or travel to the worksite so you may need a driver’s license and transportation. After successful completion of the first semester you'll become eligible to be tested, at your own expense, for your provincially regulated licenses both as a private investigator and security guard. Prior to placement you must also obtain at your own expense:

  • CPR certification
  • St. John Standard First Aid
  • Criminal record check

The Public and Private Investigation program is located on the Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario.

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the practical working of the investigation field and develop strategies for personal and professional approaches.
  • Evaluate considerations security and public safety professionals implement to design systems protecting individuals, structures, and special events.
  • Interact with a high level of professionalism while adhering to relevant laws, standards principles and practices.
  • Demonstrate relevant knowledge of current and world events, global trends, and political climates in order to appreciate a broader based societal perspective.
  • Identify and apply various investigative methods and related public safety approaches to inquiries in the public and private sector.
  • Research and critically analyse the components of investigative and public safety inquiries.
  • Demonstrate crisis intervention techniques appropriate for a variety of challenging situations.
  • Develop constructive relationships with clients, co-workers and the community.
  • Critically and objectively evaluate investigative assumptions, theories, and approaches using the principles of deductive reasoning.
  • Communicate professionally, and effectively, both verbally and in writing using appropriate technology and state of the art industry software.
  • Act in a manner that demonstrates respect for peers, clients and other professionals when working independently and in a team environment.

CODE TITLE CREDITS
 
TERM 1
JUST18269 Investigative Methods 3
LAWS11857 Criminal Law and Procedures 3
LAWS16010 Civil Law and Procedures 3
JUST15586 Investigative Reporting & Testifying 3
PSYC15065G Psychology: Core Concepts 3
JUST15738 Private Security 3
Total: 18
 
TERM 2
JUST25288 Communications in Interviewing 3
JUST29026 Introduction to Surveillance 3
PSRV27890 Public Safety and Threat Risk Assessments 3
JUST19402 Crisis Intervention & Use of Force 3
FLPL18634 Practicum & Career Preparation 3
PSYC12399 Abnormal Psychology 3
 
Total: 18
 
TERM 3
JUST30181 Interviewing & Statements 3
JUST37198  Fraud:Offenders and Victims 3
JUST26699 Criminalistics 3
JUST35738 Organizational Security and Safety 3
FLPL25892 Field Practicum 1: Investigations 2
FLPL17791 Field Seminar 1: Investigations 1
GNED General Education Elective 3
 
Total: 18
 
TERM 4
JUST28440 Economic Espionage 3
JUST27134 Communication and Computer Crime 3
JUST14178 Investigative and Intelligence Analysis 3
FLPL22933 Field Practicum 2 : Investigations 5
FLPL25064 Field Seminar 2: Investigations 1
GNED General Education Elective 3
 
Total: 18

Sheridan provides the skills you need to land a job. When you complete your investigation courses and earn your college diploma, you’ll be ready to take a position in the following areas:

  • Public and private Investigations
  • Law enforcement
  • By-law enforcement
  • Corporate security
  • Resources protection
  • Surveillance
  • Fraud investigation and/or prevention
  • Threat and risk assessments

Prospective employers include:

  • Private investigative firms
  • Government agencies
  • Insurance companies
  • Law enforcement
  • Corporate security firms

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

or

Mature student status. (See "Admissions" section for details.)

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.

PREPARATION FOR APPLICATION

Although not an admission requirement, Grade 12 mathematics or equivalent and basic computer skills are recommended.

Applicants should be aware of the physical demands of the field and explore possible field placement and employment related standards before applying.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Sheridan field placement agencies may require a police record check for criminal offences, a vulnerable sector check and/or a current record of immunization. Students will be required to provide this documentation directly to their field placement prior to the start of the placement and at their own expense. Students who cannot meet these requirements may have limited field placement opportunities. Please refer to the Sheridan Health Services website at immunization.sheridancollege.ca for complete information, or come in to one of the campus health centres.

*Course duration for September starts is two academic years. Course duration for January starts is 16 months continuous.

Program Offerings

Program Details

Faculty:
Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies
Program Code:
PIPAP
Duration:
2 Year Regular or 16 months continuous* (PIPAP)
Designation:
Ontario College Diploma
Campus:
Davis Campus
Start:
September, January