Contact us
This program belongs to the
Centre for Justice & Human Services
See the Courses tab below for details on program delivery.
- All of our services to students remain available virtually.
- See the minimum technology requirements required to participate in online elements of this program.
- Visit our Student Awards and Financial Aid page for information about COVID-related supports and Lethbridge College's own emergency funding for students.
Overview
A career in public safety is about serving others and working collaboratively with multiple professionals to ensure that we live in safe, healthy and vibrant communities. Public Safety officers, whether they are a Police Officer, Community Peace Officer, Sherriff, or a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer etc., are essential services within our community. If you are interested in making a difference on a daily basis then consider a career in public safety.
In our Criminal Justice – Policing program, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to promote peace, assist victims of crime, protect communities and enforce the law.
For 50 years, we have been preparing students for careers in the public safety field. Our exceptional instructors have a wide range of academic credentials, with many also having relevant experience within the public safety field. Our program will prepare you for a rewarding career. As a student you will have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills you develop in numerous simulated environments. You also have the opportunity to enroll in a practicum placement as one of your elective courses.
As an added bonus, all our courses are available through online learning on a full- or part-time basis to suit your lifestyle. You can also choose to complete the program by completing some online courses and some courses on campus. And, should you choose to expand your knowledge of this challenging field, completion of the Criminal Justice – Policing diploma qualifies you for entry into the third year of our Bachelor of Applied Arts – Justice Studies program.
If you’re a change maker, apply to the Criminal Justice – Policing program today!
Career opportunities
You’ll leave our program with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and a valuable range of practical skills and abilities. You’ll be ready to do justice with:
- Emergency Services
- Federal Enforcement Agencies such as Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services
- Municipal Police Services
- Provincial Enforcement Agencies
- Provincial Police Services
- Provincial Protection Agencies
- Security Agencies
Celebrating 50 years of policing
For 50 years, our policing graduates have been ready – ready to jump into action, ready to serve others and ready to make a difference in their communities.
To celebrate this milestone, a scholarship fund has been created to inspire and support the next generation of industry leaders.
Select the 50 years of Policing Education Scholarship or contribute in person by visiting the Advancement office (CE2323). For further information, please contact development.office@lethbridgecollege.ca.
At-a-Glance
For current application status, terms being processed and application deadlines visit the Program Application Status page.
Athabasca University
Graduates of the Criminal Justice - Policing diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards the Athabasca University Bachelor of Professional Arts (BPA) in Human Services, Bachelor of Professional Arts (BPA) in Criminal Justice or a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management.
Griffith University, Australia
Criminal Justice - Policing diploma graduates may enter into the fourth semester of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice degree at Griffith University, Mt. Gravatt campus. Please visit www.griffith.edu.au/credit for more information.
Lethbridge College
Graduates of the two-year Policing Diploma may choose to enter the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies program at Lethbridge College. Courses are provided on campus or through Online Learning.
Royal Roads University
Graduates of the Criminal Justice - Policing Diploma are eligible for block transfer into the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies degree at Royal Roads University.
Courses
Online program
Online courses are instructor led. Communications, teaching and assessment components are delivered solely online, and do not have any on-campus elements. They are taught through a learning management system and may be either synchronous (in real-time on a set schedule) or asynchronous (learning that does not occur at the same time or same place). Students complete all their work online and are not required to come to campus.
Learning does not occur at the same time or same place. Instructor provides materials including online readings, recorded lectures or presentations, posted lecture notes, video content, assignments and exams for online completion. Students access the course materials within a flexible timeframe prescribed by the instructor.
On campus program
A blended course is intentionally designed to include continuum of both face to face/on-campus and online delivery. This includes both synchronous (in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous learning strategies (learning that does not occur at the same time or same place). Communication, instruction and assessment components of a blended course provide consistent information but go further by enhancing and supplementing each other. Students may complete some of their lessons online and may also be required to come to campus.
Online courses are instructor led. Communications, teaching and assessment components are delivered solely online, and do not have any on-campus elements. They are taught through a learning management system and may be either synchronous (in real-time on a set schedule) or asynchronous (learning that does not occur at the same time or same place). Students complete all their work online and are not required to come to campus.
Learning does not occur at the same time or same place. Instructor provides materials including online readings, recorded lectures or presentations, posted lecture notes, video content, assignments and exams for online completion. Students access the course materials within a flexible timeframe prescribed by the instructor.
Learning happens in real time. Student and instructors interact and engage with each other in a specific virtual space, through a specific online medium, at a specific time. This can include video conferencing, live chatting, and live-streaming lectures.
This is the application of theory and academic content to real-world experiences – the what and how to do things. This can be done in a classroom, within the community, within a workplace environment or the virtual classroom. Examples could include group work, participation in class debates, mock trials, role-plays, lab experiments and creating prototypes. Experiential learning happens when students engage in an activity related to the roles they will fill as graduates and also through reflection.
January intake | Returning students | Online Students |
You can expect your courses to be conducted virtually with synchronous (in real time with other students and your instructor), asynchronous (work is completed in a flexible timeframe as prescribed by your instructor) and experiential learning elements that tie academic content to real-world experiences. | You can expect your courses to be conducted virtually with synchronous (in real time with other students and your instructor), asynchronous (work is completed in a flexible timeframe as prescribed by your instructor) and experiential learning elements that tie academic content to real-world experiences. Students registered in Year 2 Term 2 will have the opportunity to participate in some on-campus learning activities in ways that meet health and safety requirements. If you’re not able to attend campus, alternative arrangements with your instructor will be made. | We know you selected this program because it best fit with your circumstances and other responsibilities. Nothing about our COVID-19 plan to keep students and staff safe affects your program and your ability to complete it in a way that works for you. Your program is offered online in an asynchronous way, so you can work through the course at a pace and at a time that works for you, within whatever time limits your instructor may establish. Even though you always intended to learn at a distance with Lethbridge College, please know our wide range of student support services will be available to you whether you need help with academic skills from our Learning Café, support to accommodate a disability or mental health concern from Accessibility Services or you have a health issue to be addressed by our Wellness Services team. This winter will be a bit different for us. For the health and safety of all of us, it must be. But our goal is to ensure we provide you the experiential learning that Lethbridge College is known for. |
For the upcoming Fall 2020 semester, students in the Online program will continue to participate in online asynchronous courses.
For on-campus students your courses will be conducted virtually with synchronous, asynchronous and experiential learning elements. Students registered in Year 2 Term II will have the opportunity to participate in a blended course with some on-campus learning opportunities. If you are not able to attend campus alternative arrangements with your Instructor will be made.
All courses In the Criminal Justice – Policing diploma program are available through online learning.
Course Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CJP-1159
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-1160
|
3.00
|
|
COM-1165
|
3.00
|
|
ENG-1175
|
3.00
|
|
LAW-1167
|
3.00
|
|
PED-1163
|
3.00
|
Course Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CJP-1157
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-1185
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-1188
|
3.00
|
|
LAW-1176
|
3.00
|
|
SOC-1160
|
3.00
|
Please note: Students are also required to complete a total of 3.00 credits in Approved Electives (Please see Approved Electives list).
Course Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CJP-2281
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-2288
|
3.00
|
|
COM-2275
|
3.00
|
|
LAW-2254
|
3.00
|
|
PSY-1160
|
3.00
|
Please note: Students are also required to complete a total of 3.00 credits in Approved Electives (Please see Approved Electives list).
Course Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CJP-2278
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-2287
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-2293
|
3.00
|
|
LAW-2264
|
3.00
|
|
PED-2254
|
3.00
|
Course Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CJP-2252
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-2280
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-2294
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-2295
|
3.00
|
|
CJP-2296
|
3.00
|
|
COR-2262
|
3.00
|
Admissions
Admissions
New students are accepted into the Criminal Justice – Policing program in the Fall (September) and Winter (January) terms for on-campus and online study. Online learners can also apply for the Summer (May) term.
General admission requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs as indicated in the Admissions section of this calendar.
Non-academic requirements
Applicants are required to review and acknowledge completion of an online information package relating to the entry/suitability requirements for a career in law enforcement.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.
Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.
Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge College preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.
In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge College and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge College's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.
WIL sites will include Lethbridge and may include surrounding rural communities. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.
Medical requirements
Although no physical requirements are placed on applicants for entry to the program, applicants should ensure through a medical examination that their cardio-vascular system is suitable to undertake strenuous fitness related exercise. In addition, applicants are advised to undergo eyesight/colour vision testing for compatibility with the requirements of employers.
Prior learning assessment (PLA)
If you have experience working in this field of study, you may be eligible for prior learning assessment.
Applicants who lack the required academic admission requirements can apply to the Academic Upgrading program to upgrade their academic skills.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of all requirements, students are awarded a diploma in Criminal Justice - Policing.
Note: Employing agencies have additional hiring requirements such as a valid driver’s license, Standard First Aid and CPR. Learners are strongly encouraged to obtain and maintain their credentials in these areas to ensure employment qualifications are met.
Your Investment
Academic Year | Tuition | Fees | Books & Supplies |
---|---|---|---|
Year 1 | $4,405.00 | $1,087.00 | $1,250.00 |
Year 2 | $4,025.00 | $1,020.00 | $600.00 |
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
- Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
- Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
- Tuition for international students is $15,205 for Year 1 and $14,328 for Year 2. The cost of additional fees, books and supplies is the same for all students.
Notables
A long history of success
We work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure our grads meet the needs of the industry.
In one way or another, versions of the programs in the School of Justice Studies have been around for over 50 years. During that time, we’ve worked closely with industry, adjusting and refining our programs to ensure our grads are always able to meet the needs of the industry. And we continue to adapt and respond to new developments today, providing an education that delivers success. Our grads can be found across Canada and the United States, finding their slice of success as police officers, police chiefs, telecommunications operators, superintendents and so much more.
Hands-on, immersive learning

Experience the realism of the job
If you're going to experience it on the job, why not experience it during your education?
Experience the realism of the job
Crashed cars, stab wounds, victims on the ground, blood and chaos – you’ll experience it all on the job, so why not experience it during your education?
Adding a level of realism to our students’ learning that simply cannot be accomplished in the classroom, we stage a mock disaster every spring. Students have to respond to an unknown situation in real-time, just as they would on the job as first responders, emergency personnel, nurses and members of the media.
Whether they’re facing a car crash, a stabbing or any of the other scenarios our instructors come up with, students have to think on their feet and respond to the situation as they’ve been trained, working cooperatively with others in related professions. It’s an experience that puts everything learned in the classroom to the ultimate test. And it’s an experience students won’t soon forget.

Order in the classroom
Simulated spaces on campus prepare you for the tough moments on the job.
Order in the classroom
Despite what movies and TV shows might lead you to believe, a career in justice isn’t all about action. You need to understand the challenging moments of the job: what it’s like to handle evidence, how best to recount your interviews and investigation for a judge, and what it’s like to notify next of kin. Our program teaches all that and more with simulated settings on campus that prepare you for the environments and the scenarios you’ll encounter on the job.
The courtroom
At the end of a winding walk through the Andrews’ wing, there’s a room on campus that most are surprised to find. On one side, it’s a traditional classroom with desks and whiteboards. On the other side? A realistic courtroom complete with wood-paneled walls, a well-worn Bible, leather-lined tables and podiums for the prosecutor and defense. All these furnishings were donated by a Calgary courthouse, providing students with an authentic courtroom.
Here, you’ll be able to experience the roles of lawyer, accused, witness and police officer while an instructor sits as judge. You’ll feel the stress and tension of the courtroom and you’ll get a sense of what real-world justice is really like.
The crisis lab
On the west end of campus, tucked away among the classrooms of the Andrews building and the Technologies and Trades buildings, you’ll find another simulated space. A small apartment furnished with couches, chairs and a TV might be the scene of a drug bust or domestic violence call.
Here, you’ll face professional actors who set the stage for scenarios you’ll deal with on the job. It’s as close to a real-life experience as you can get. And it will feel real, but it’s all part of the training experience.

Video games in college?
That's right! You’ll learn to make scenario-based decisions with video game-like technology.
Video games in college?
Using video game-like technology, judgment simulators improve your judgment, decision making, communication and observation skills using real-world, real-time scenarios. We’re one of the only post-secondary institutions in western Canada with this type of simulator technology.
The two simulators allow you to experience and respond to nearly 700 different scenarios that range from verbal compliance situations to lethal action outcomes, depending on your program. You could be dealing with an emotionally disturbed individual, a routine traffic stop that reveals a potential poacher, or a highly agitated youth threatening self-harm. The technology is dynamic enough that our instructors can build their own scenarios to meet the individual needs of their courses.
These real-life training scenarios emphasize the importance of improving your knowledge and skills for your chosen career path, giving you immediate feedback that allows you to acknowledge which skills may need a little extra attention. And spending time practicing real-world simulations gives you the tools and knowledge you’ll need to respond to everyday situations that arise once you’re on the job.
A word from the wise
Be the difference in your community
“Remember that change starts with you.”
A student's perspective
“You need to take the leap and come to a place like Lethbridge College.”
It's a career you'll enjoy
“I’m having a lot of fun at what I’m doing.”
There's more than one path in a justice career
“My education has taken me on a lot of different paths that I didn’t really anticipate.”
From here to there: alumni updates
Lethbridge College isn’t just a place to go to school – we’re a community that is here to support you from your initial interest in our program through to the moment you cross the stage at Convocation and beyond. Just take a look at where an LC education has taken some of our grads.
Kayla Whissell
“Coming to Lethbridge College has been such a rewarding experience. The hands-on experience of my classes has helped me develop, grow and prosper as a police officer. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Lethbridge College.”
– From Spring 2016 Wider Horizons
Victoria Saville
“I have actually been working as a team lead for Bylaw Services in Fort McMurray, along with three other Lethbridge College graduates! I have been employed with the department for the last seven years, and working in the team lead (supervisor) role since 2008. I have also found that a good portion of the people that I had taken the Criminal Justice Program with are now RCMP members who have been posted in Fort McMurray (it’s a small world for sure).”
– From Spring 2014 Wider Horizons
Success stories from Wider Horizons
Experience the courtroom lab for yourself
Use our virtual tour to get a first-hand look at our classroom-turned-courtroom.