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Protection, Security and Investigation 

A student in the protection, security, and investigation program is wearing a white jumpsuit, knelt down on a field of grass, and using a camera to take a picture of a blue item that signals some sort of evidence.

There has been rapid growth in the fields of public and private safety that industry training can’t keep up with the demand for qualified professionals. Prepare for diverse careers in security, enforcement, investigations, inspection, risk assessment and emergency planning.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Protection, Security and Investigation 
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Find your career

Your diploma will prepare you for a variety of careers with: 

  • The private or public law enforcement sectors as a special constable. 
  • The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario as inspector, municipal by-law enforcement officer, private investigator, fraud/risk analyst, nuclear security officer or emergency planner. 
  • The Military Police, governments, hospitals, universities, casinos, transit authorities, private security and investigation firms. 
  • Provincial and federal corrections agencies, Canada Border Services, police services and the RCMP. 
  • The mandatory Ministry of the Solicitor General 40-hour Security Guard training and 50-hour Private Investigator training are included at no additional charge in the program curriculum. This training is required to become a licensed Security Guard and/or Private Investigator in the province of Ontario.

Our grads get great jobs

  • Inspector, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario 
  • Protection Officer, Parliamentary Protective Services Fraud Analyst, Interac 
  • Nuclear Security Officer, Ontario Power Generation 
  • Security Guard, CN Tower, Toronto 
  • Police Officer, Belleville Police Service 
  • Border Services Officer, Canada Border Services Agency 
  • Security Guard, Belleville General Hospital, Kingston Health Sciences Centre 
  • Special Constable, Ottawa Carleton Transportation, Toronto Transit Commission, University of Toronto, Carleton University, Private Investigator, Xpera 
  • Correctional Officer, Ontario Correctional Services, Correctional Service Canada 
  • Military Police Officer, Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces 
  • Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, City of Belleville, City of Ottawa, City of Kingston, City of Quinte West, Prince Edward County 
  • Brinks Armoured Transportation

Is it for you?

Have you got what it takes? People who thrive in Protection, Security and Investigations have: 

  • An excellent eye for detail 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills 
  • An interest in the latest gadgets 
  • A positive attitude and a good work ethic

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Protection, Security and Investigation (PSI) is all about being prepared – learning how to deal with any situation and then practising these scenarios so you’re ready to face them in the real world: 

  • Two four-week  placement opportunities, which can be completed locally or from coast to coast. The program coordinator organizes placements. 
  • Receive hands-on training and simulations in surveillance, arrest and restraint techniques, managing conflict, emergency planning and incident response to serious situations. 
  • Conduct your own crime scene investigation, gather evidence, conduct interviews, take statements, and sharpen your skills in critical thinking and problem solving. 
  • Prepare to secure the job you want with panel interviews, résumé writing, portfolio development and justice job testing. 
  • Participate in field trips that allow you to network with industry professionals and leaders as well as gain experience with the latest security technology on the market. 

 Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Learn in small classes with dedicated faculty who care about your future success. 
  •  Professors have extensive industry experiences in a variety of areas of the field to help prepare you for a wide range of career possibilities. The program is continually updated to reflect changing trends with the input of professionals working in the field.

Multiply your options in Justice Studies 

During a common first year in Justice Studies, you’ll get a solid grounding in Canada’s social and political structures, the justice system and human behaviour. With this foundation, you can pursue many different career paths, with the flexibility to transfer directly into the second year of: 

  • Community and Justice Services 
  • Customs Border Services 
  • Police Foundations

Courses

LAWS1008 Canadian Criminal Justice System

This course provides students with an overview of the Canadian criminal justice system with a particular emphasis on the function, role and organization of the primary components of the system. There will be particular focus on; victims, enforcement, courts, corrections and the political framework under which the Canadian Criminal Justice System operates. The function of the criminal justice system will be examined in relation to issues affecting the system.

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

ETHI1000 Ethical Considerations in Justice

This course focuses on concepts of critical thinking and ethical issues faced by individuals in their personal and professional lives. Theories of morality and professional codes of ethics will be examined. Students identify and clarify their values and learn the basics of moral reasoning and ethical behaviour. Students apply critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making models to personal and professional dilemmas.

COMM1051 Interpersonal & Group Dynamics

In this introductory level course, students learn to apply knowledge from interpersonal relations and group dynamics to working in a team. Emphasis will be placed on developing awareness of one's self to enhance effective communications individually and in groups.

FITN1010 Lifestyle Management & Fitness 1

Students will develop an understanding of wellness concepts and practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle. Students study and implement prerequisites for developing and maintaining personal physical fitness programs. Students will develop and implement personal strategies to meet fitness standards required by the various justice agencies.

SOCI1003 Sociology

Sociology and Canadian Society is an introductory course in which the basics of sociology and social theory are presented. Topics include social theory, research methods, culture, socialization, race and ethnicity, and family.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

PROF1014 Career Resource Development

This course focuses on developing strategies, attributes and skills to assist the learner with preparation for future employment within the Justice fields. Content includes establishing a positive professional image, developing a career plan, résumé writing, professional presentations and exploration of future career options.

SOCI1018 Conflict Management & Crisis Intervention

This course is designed to develop the first responder's ability to intervene safely and effectively in situations involving interpersonal conflict and/or individuals in crisis. Intervention techniques will be stressed along with practical application of effective communication skills, which are essential to safely manage anxious, disruptive, suicidal and violent behaviours. Prerequisite: COMM 1051

LAWS1003 Criminal and Civil Law

This course examines various aspects of the Canadian criminal law system, including the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and laws pertaining to the classification, collection and presentation of evidence. Various components of civil law, including tort, contract, property, family and employment law are explored. Prerequisite: LAWS 1008

SOCI1016 Criminology

This course is an examination of the contemporary theories of crime and deviance. The application of sociological, biological and psychological theories to specific areas of crime and deviance will be explored. Learners will examine victimology, and will also apply theories and crime data to demonstrate knowledge of criminal justice legislation and policy initiatives.

LAWS1009 Issues in Diverse Populations

In this course, students critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, students focus on topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students develop a clear understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies of community empowerment. The student is encouraged to increase the knowledge and awareness of important issues in the Indigenous cultures of Canada. The legal status of Indigenous peoples is explored along with Indigenous rights and self-determination. Other critical issues relating to land claims, justice and social services are studied.

FITN1011 Lifestyle Management & Fitness 2

Lifestyle Management and Fitness 2 includes an introduction to physical standards required in the criminal justice field. This course will also explore health issues commonly associated with careers in the criminal justice fields (including back health, stress and shift work). Students will learn to self-assess their own physical fitness and formulate and implement a plan to improve personal fitness conditions. Prerequisite: FITN 1010

PSYC1003 Psychology

This introductory-level course introduces students to terminology, concepts, and theories of psychology, including the historical development of psychology, biological basis of behaviour, learning and memory, perception and consciousness, motivation, lifespan and personality development, and abnormal behaviour.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PSIN2020 Enforce and Report

This course provides students with knowledge of federal statutes, which are most commonly encountered by law enforcement (Canadian Criminal Code, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and Youth Criminal Justice Act). Particular emphasis is placed on powers of arrest, use of force and search and seizure, to ensure an understanding of a law enforcement officer’s legal and ethical responsibilities in assessing risk and selecting the appropriate response. Students will be required to apply oral and written law enforcement communication skills through the compilation of incident reports, notebooks and radio communications. Prerequisite: LAWS 1003, LAWS 1008, COMM 1048

FITN2009 Lifestyle Management & Fitness 3

This course will continue to build on the knowledge and skills gained in the Fitness and Lifestyle Management 1 and 2 courses. Students will increase their sense of personal wellness, which will assist them in their future justice careers. Students will also become familiar with the requirements of common fitness tests that are utilized by justice employers, and will work towards achieving those requirements. Prerequisite: FITN 1011

PSIN2017 Occupational Health & Safety

This course will discuss the fundamentals and the profession of occupational health and safety. Specific attention will be given to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, prevention, workplace rights and responsibilities, enforcement and investigation, and hazard assessment and controls. Prerequisite: LAWS 1003, LAWS 1008

WKPL2009 PSI Practicum 1

A Field placement course designed to provide students with the opportunity of observing career functions and perform a variety of assigned tasks within the program option goals and the students’ field placement objectives. At the discretion of the placement host, students are assigned practical tasks that enable them to enhance career knowledge and skills. Prerequisite: PROF 2027, COMM 1048, COMM 1051, ETHI 1000, FITN 1010, LAWS 1008, SOCI 1003, LAWS 1009, FITN 1011, LAWS 1003, PROF 1014, PSYC 1003, SOCI 1016, SOCI 1018, FITN 2009, PSIN 2004, PSIN 2008, PSIN 2017, PSIN 2020

PSIN2008 Physical Security & Crime Prevention

This course provides the student with an introduction to security technology that is utilized within the Security industry today. Emphasis will be placed on researching, gathering and identifying new security technologies and learning the many aspects of when and where the equipment could and should be used. This provides the students with the basic knowledge and principles of identifying and managing security risks. Students are provided with a thorough understanding of crime and its prevention through the application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Techniques.

PROF2027 Placement Preparation

This course is designed to develop knowledge and skills relevant to field placement success and future employment in the Protection, Security, and Investigation field. The course focuses on professionalism standards in the workplace and issues that may arise on placement, with an emphasis on problem solving. Prerequisite: COMM 1048, ETHI 1000, LAWS 1003, LAWS 1009, PROF 1014, PSYC 1003, SOCI 1016, SOCI 1018, COMM 1051, LAWS 1008, SOCI 1003, FITN 1010, FITN 1011

PSIN2004 Risk Management

In this course, students learn the importance of risk management, threat risk analysis and the security audit to protect against loss. Students participate in a threat risk analysis and complete security audit which involves the identification of an organizations operations and assets, examining different threats that may jeopardize them, and determining the overall vulnerability of the assets to those threats. Students then make appropriate recommendations to protect the assets. Prerequisite: COMM 1048

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PSIN2021 Criminal Investigations

This course will introduce the topics of interviewing, investigation and evidence. Students will develop the interviewing skills necessary to obtain information from victims, witnesses and suspects, and will examine the requirements of an investigation beyond the interview. Students will also gain an understanding of rules of evidence and the collection and preservation of evidence at a crime scene, followed through to its presentation in court. Prerequisite: LAWS 1003, LAWS 1008, COMM 1048, PSIN 2020

PSIN2007 Emergency Planning

This course provides students with an understanding of the importance of emergency planning and response. Emphasis will be placed on identifying potential emergencies and planning, organizing and managing emergency situations to reduce negative impacts to the business in a cost-effective manner. Students are given an overview of the principles of emergency management and participate in emergency exercises to prepare for emergency situations.

PSYC2013 Mental Health & Substance Use

This course introduces a variety of mental health and substance use issues, including verbal and non-verbal behaviours, signs and symptoms of impairment, and civil commitment. The course provides a framework for mental health assessment along with relevant intervention strategies. Prerequisite: PSYC 1003

PROF2009 PSI Career Preparation

Students prepare for employment by identifying prospective employers, developing relevant employment skills, preparing effective resumes and portfolios, and completing an employment interview simulation. Prerequisite: PROF 2027

WKPL2010 PSI Practicum 2

A field placement course designed to provide students with the opportunity of observing career functions and perform a variety of assigned tasks within the program option goals and the students’ field placement objectives. At the discretion of the placement host, students are assigned practical tasks that enable them to enhance career knowledge and skills. Prerequisite: COMM 1048, COMM 1051, ETHI 1000, FITN 1010, LAWS 1008, SOCI 1003, FITN 1011, LAWS 1003, LAWS 1009, PROF 1014, PSYC 1003, SOCI 1016, SOCI 1018, FITN 2009, PROF 2027, PSIN 2004, PSIN 2008, PSIN 2017, PSIN 2020, WKPL 2009, PSIN 2007, PSIN 2015, PSIN 2018, PSIN 2021, PSYC 2013

PSIN2018 Private Investigations

In this course, the different fields of private investigative work will be examined along with the various types of investigations and different specializations of private investigators. Particular emphasis will be placed on elements of tort law, intellectual property, and criminal law, which are required to conduct a proper investigation and address the needs of the client. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills in surveillance and open-source intelligence gathering, as well as the proper application of technology in this field. Prerequisite: LAWS 1008, LAWS 1003

PSIN2015 Provincial Acts & Offences

Students will develop a clear understanding of the most frequently used provincial offences and statutes, as it relates to inspections, investigations, private security, and municipal enforcement. The course will examine basic security procedures necessary to protect people, property, and information safely and effectively. Emphasis will be made on the legislative framework of the security industry, including the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, which governs security personnel in the province of Ontario. Prerequisite: LAWS 1003, LAWS 1008, PSIN 2020

*Courses subject to change.

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Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

  • Mature applicant 
  • Applicants with a related degree or diploma may be considered for advanced standing or direct entry into year two; please review your qualifications with the program coordinator. 
  • Applicants who possess a related college diploma (i.e. human studies, justice services) are eligible for direct entry into year two of the program. 
  • Applicants who possess an unrelated college diploma are considered on a case-by-case basis for direct entry into year two. 
  • Applicants who possess a university degree are eligible for direct entry into year two of the program; however, applicants should meet with their program coordinator regarding appropriate course and program planning. 

 

Please note: Direct entry is subject to availability. Direct entry into year two, semester three is only available during the Fall semester. Learn more about credit transfer and advanced standing.

 

Additional requirements 

Prior to placement in year two of the program, students will be advised by faculty how/when they must obtain: 

  • A Criminal Record Check (CPIC) and/or Vulnerable Sector Check 
  • Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR with AED certification 
  • A formal confidential personal health history 

If you have been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be ineligible for field placement. Please contact the coordinator to discuss your options.  

Applicants with special needs or limitations that may affect their potential employment are encouraged to discuss their program and career goals with the coordinator prior to enrolment.  

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences. Learn more about PLAR.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Two students in the protection, security and investigation program are wearing white lab coats and standing outside next to a bench and a field of grass. They are both investigating items on the bench. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Loyalist offers flexible learning

  • You can start your two-year program in September or January.
  • A common first-year curriculum allows the flexibility to transfer directly into year two of Customs Border Services, Police Foundations or Community and Justice Services.

Pathways for justice studies graduates

Graduates can double their career options by completing a second Justice Studies diploma at Loyalist in just one additional year! Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College. Learn more about available pathways.

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