Investigation & Enforcement Skills

The Associate Certificate in Investigation & Enforcement Skills is open to anyone interested in becoming an investigator or advancing their investigative skills. The program is relevant for a wide range of essential public safety and security roles, including security professionals, bylaw officers, inspectors in the public and private sectors, peace officers and special provincial constables.

Graduates who have completed the program include those who have transitioned into, or advanced their careers in investigation, enforcement, specialized security officer roles in private sector companies, and public sector regulatory bodies and government departments at municipal, provincial and national levels.

Program strengths

The program is taught by experienced subject matter experts active in their respective fields. Courses are offered to meet the scheduling needs of working professionals. It is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals looking to enhance their skillset while maintaining their professional and personal responsibilities and obligations.

The program provides an opportunity to:

• Raise your awareness of the legal framework for investigations
• Obtain key skills to enhance any investigator’s tool kit (e.g., interviewing, report writing, etc.)
• Enhance your skills in an investigative area of your choice (e.g., search warrants, testifying, File Management, etc.)

The program includes core and elective courses that teach the essential skills needed to conduct a wide range of investigations and inspections. 

CORE SUBJECTS

• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Report Writing for Professional Investigators
• Introduction to Investigation Processes and Skills
• Enhanced Investigative Interviewing
• Introduction to Criminal Law
• Introduction to Administrative Law

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

• Application for and Execution of Search Warrants
• Testifying in Legal Proceedings and Hearings
• Investigative File Management
• Conducting Internal Investigations
• Forensic Digital Imaging
• Criminal Evidence

What You Need to Graduate

Students in the program must complete 12 credits of courses offered in the program. Six core courses are sequenced in a particular order of completion for maximum benefit. Students are encouraged to register in this sequence. Register for your elective(s) at any time.

Apply Now

Want to take a course but not ready to commit to the program?

INVE-1000 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System is open for public registration. All remaining core courses require your application and acceptance to the program.

CRITERIA TO RECEIVE THE ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATE AND GRADUATE
 

1. Proof of official acceptance to the program.
2. Proof of successful completion of 12 credits within 12 to 36 months of acceptance to the program. (Exceptions require documented Program Manager approval).
3. When the associate certificate requirements are successfully met and documented, you must notify the program.

 
course Formats

Courses are offered in the following formats:
 

FACE-TO-FACE (F2F) COURSES
Face-to-face courses are in-person classes held at a JIBC campus or on-site in the community. Course lengths generally range from one to five consecutive days. 
 

INSTRUCTOR-FACILITATED ONLINE COURSES
Instructor-facilitated online courses require weekly participation (i.e. study at your own pace, but meet the weekly requirements). Such activities may include reading of articles and case studies, active engagement in discussion boards sharing your ideas and perspectives, meeting assignment deadlines, completing online quizzes and exams, etc. Students have 24/7 access to the online course and all requirements need to be completed prior to the end date.
 

UPCOMING COURSES

For the latest schedule of upcoming courses, view the online Course Calendar for this program.
 

Upcoming intakes & Application deadlines

Intakes: Two intakes per year: September and January

Application Deadlines: 

September start: July 31
January start: December 15

Complete applications must be received no later than the dates posted above. Once accepted into the program, you will receive information on how to register for courses.

Tuition

Each course is paid for separately during course registration. Tuition to complete the entire program is approximately $5,000.
 

Additional Fees

Learner Services Fee (price dependent on course locations)
 

Textbooks & Supplies

Course readings and materials will be supplied. If additional books or other materials are required, you will be advised when you are accepted into the program.

STEP ONE - APPLY TO THE PROGRAM

1. Complete the program application form via EducationPlannerBC.

STEP TWO - SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

1. Complete the Associate Certificate in Investigation & Enforcement Skills Supplementary Application Form and submit to the Admissions Office.
2. Provide proof of high school graduation or meet JIBC definition of a mature student. Students who are at least 21 years of age who do not have BC Grade 12, or equivalency, or who cannot access their high school transcript may still be considered for admittance to the program as a mature student identified in the JIBC Admissions policy. An essay of 250 words describing your interest in the program may be accepted in lieu of proof of graduation
3. Provide proof of Grade 12 English with a minimum grade of "C" or equivalent (Official Transcript required)

Financial aid and awards

Candidates for this program may be eligible for JIBC awards and bursaries including the JIBC General Student Bursary. All students are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit the Financial Aid & Awards page or contact the Financial Aid & Student Awards Advisor.

Q: I'm interested in taking a few courses but not completing the associate certificate program. Is this possible?
A: Yes. One Core course is open enrollment: INVE-1000 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System. All other Core courses will require an application and acceptance into the program. There may be a few electives for open enrolment. Check the Course Calendar for this program often.

Q: Can I complete the program part-time?
A: Yes. The program has been designed to be completed part-time. Note that students in the program must complete all the requirements within three years of being accepted into the program in order to graduate from the program. There is only one core course that requires classroom attendance. Online courses offer flexibility to balance your work/life commitments.

Q: Am I eligible to apply if I am not already employed as an investigator?
A: Yes. The program is for investigators wanting to refresh or upgrade, and also for those exploring the investigative field. 

Q: If I take a course now, will it be included in the associate certificate program when I enroll?
A: You need to apply to the program to be eligible for the associate certificate. You need to complete all credits within 36 months. The longer you delay applying to the program, the greater chance that the credits you have earned will outdate and not qualify for the associate certificate.

Q: Can I take all courses in a year?  
A: Course availability will be on the website. We reserve the right to cancel undersubscribed courses.

Q: The course is full. Can I go on a waitlist?
A: We do not keep waitlists. Check back on the program's Course Calendar for future offerings.

Q: I think I have enough credits to graduate. what is the process for receiving my certificate? 
A: The first step is to notify the program that you have completed 12 credits and ask them to verify that you meet the graduation requirements. We will then walk you through the process of getting your certificate.