Is this program right for you?
Be the one making a difference and keeping communities safe. If you are a team player, active in your community, physically and mentally fit, and want to be a sought-after graduate pursuing a rewarding career in law enforcement and public safety, then this program is for you.
Experienced Instructors
Be taught and mentored from instructors who are highly experienced subject matter experts in their field.
Rewarding Career Opportunities
Gain specialized knowledge and applied, transferable skills to pursue a rewarding career.
The goal of the program is to provide the theoretical background, applied skills and specialized knowledge required to become a superior candidate in the law enforcement recruiting process and increase a graduate's chances of success in a wide range of investigation and law enforcement careers.
Program Strengths
It has been designed to provide a unique experience for students looking for an applied, academic education that serves as a foundation for becoming a superior candidate in the highly competitive recruitment environment.
Graduates who have gone on to a career in law enforcement and public safety include those that have either continued their education to complete a bachelor’s degree (such as the Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies) or have been hired and received further on-the-job training to serve various law enforcement and security roles.
These include jobs as police constables, bylaw officers, deputy sheriffs, correctional officers, investigators, probation officers, border services officers, and other peace officer and security roles across Canada.
The program teaches student theory, applied skills and specialized knowledge in law enforcement.
Subjects
- Criminology
- The Canadian justice system
- Administrative and civil law
- Criminal law
- Investigation skills and procedures
- Computer investigation skills
- Law enforcement communication skills
- Youth justice
- Applied law enforcement skills (e.g. emergency vehicle operations, fitness, firearms safety, surveillance, evidence collection and preservation, crisis intervention, use of force, arrest and control techniques)
- Research skills
Transferable Skills
The program provides foundations in essential liberal studies skills including academic writing, communication skills, critical reading and writing, applied ethics, conflict resolution, diversity issues in law enforcement, Indigenous justice and governance.
What You Need to Graduate
Students must successfully complete all 60 credits (20 courses) of the program at a rate of five courses per semester.
Program Format
Cohort-Based Program
This program is full time and takes place at our New Westminster campus. As of Fall 2022, the program will be offered in a blended delivery combining on-campus with some virtual courses and content. It is a small, cohort-based program and students move through the two-year program together as a group. Classes are offered in the fall and winter semesters with the option to take some online liberal studies courses in the summer semester. Students follow an assigned schedule and attend five, three-hour classes per week.
Upcoming Intakes & Application Deadlines
Intakes
Two intakes per year: September and January
Application Deadlines
- September 2024 start: March 5, 2024
- January 2025 start: August 1, 2024
Complete applications must be received no later than the dates posted above.
Tuition
Domestic Tuition is $544.03 per course (as of April 1, 2023).
(Total cost for the program is approximately $12,000).
International Student Tuition is approx. $16,000 per year.
Additional Fees
Learner Services Fee $18.84 per course
Non-refundable application fee $75
Year 1: Applied Law Enforcement I driver training fee $225
Textbooks & equipment approximately $300
Applicable Student Union and health insurance fees
Textbooks & Supplies
Course manuals are supplied when you attend class. If additional books or other materials are required, you will be advised prior to the start of the semester.
Step One - Apply to the Program
Check the program application deadline date.
Apply by registering online at EducationPlannerBC and completing the online program application form.
Step Two - Download the LESD Program Application Guide
Step Three - Submit Supporting Documents
Prepare and submit supporting documentation along with payment in person, by mail or email to be received by the application deadline.
In-Person or By Mail
Admissions Office
Justice Institute of British Columbia
715 McBride Boulevard
New Westminster, BC V3L 5T4
Note
The LESD diploma is a competitive entry program and will make all admissions decisions based on the merit of the application. This includes a competitive GPA combined with an assessment of the required courses and supplemental documents.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Admission Requirements
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident status (or a valid Study Permit for international students)
- High school graduate or equivalent (Official Transcript required)
- Grade 12 English with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
- An essay of 250 words outlining the reasons why the applicant wishes to be a student in the Law Enforcement Studies Diploma program submitted with the application.
- Two letters of reference from non-family members. Download the LESD Confidential Letter of Reference Form and follow the directions on the form.
- Completion of a Criminal Record Check.
- A vulnerable sector check and fingerprinting is not required.
- Only an original hard copy document from a local RCMP or Municipal Police Department is accepted. Online verified, web-based Criminal Record Checks of any kind are not accepted.
- A scanned copy may accompany the application documentation; however, the original document must be provided to the JIBC Admissions Office in-person, or by letter mail.
English Requirements for International Students
Applicants in Grade 12 can submit their interim transcript as part of their application until they receive their final high school transcript.
Applicants must submit any/all previous post-secondary transcripts.
An in-person interview and assessment to determine suitability may be required. Related work experience and/or study will enhance your application.
Accommodation for disabled applicants will be made in accordance with BC Human Rights Legislation.
Required Documents
- Proof of high school graduation with a minimum grade of a C in English 12 or equivalent. Applicants in Grade 12 can submit their interim transcript as part of their application until they receive their final high school transcript.
- Applicants must submit any/all previous post-secondary transcripts. Official sealed transcripts are required.
- Completion of a Criminal Record Check.
- A vulnerable sector check and fingerprinting is not required.
- Only an original hard copy document from a local RCMP or Municipal Police Department is accepted. Online verified, web-based Criminal Record Checks of any kind are not accepted.
- A scanned copy may accompany the application documentation; however, the original document must be provided to the JIBC Admissions Office in-person, or by letter mail.
- If English is not your first language or for International Applicants, English Requirements for International Students
- A 250-word essay outlining the reasons why the student wishes to be a student in the Law Enforcement Studies Diploma program
- Two letters of reference from non-family members. Download the LESD Confidential Letter of Reference Form and follow the directions on the form.
- Documentation confirming Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident status, or a valid Study Permit for international students.
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, contact Student Services or the Financial Aid & Student Awards Advisor.
International Applicants
International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Studies page or contact JIBC's Office of International Affairs.
Q: Why is a criminal record check required for my application?
A: There are a few reasons for this. Some of the course content may be sensitive or privileged.
Keep in mind, students usually require a clear criminal record before employment in any law enforcement or regulatory discipline. Your local police agency can provide this for you.
Q: What are the employment opportunities for graduates?
A: Market research suggests that job applicants face a reasonable level of competition for employment in the broad field of law enforcement. Our graduates are well prepared and qualified to seek employment in a wide range of law enforcement, regulatory and compliance fields. Those who pursue a law enforcement career are making a difference in a wide range of organizations, agencies and departments.
Completion of the program does not guarantee entry into a law enforcement profession.
Border Services officers, police officers, correctional officers, probation officers, deputy sheriffs, and security professionals must all complete additional mandated training. Employers in other investigation, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies may have extra entry or qualification and training requirements. Nevertheless, we believe that completing this program can become one of the preferred qualifications for such employment.
Courses in This Program
Year 1
Year 2
