Law Enforcement Studies (BLES)

The Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies (BLES) is a highly sought-after program open to students who are focused on pursuing or advancing a career in law enforcement and public safety.

The program provides students with the in-depth knowledge, expanded skills and competencies to seek or advance employment in a wide range of law enforcement, public safety, regulatory and compliance fields.  

This includes people who demonstrate integrity, compassion, accountability and respect; have strong communication skills; embody a lifestyle that exemplifies fitness, health and wellness; demonstrate a desire to serve the public and represent their community, and have a clean criminal record.

Program Strengths

An increasing number of employees in public and private organizations are called upon to perform specialized investigations, supervision, enforcement and regulatory compliance functions that complement those performed by police and other peace officers. These demands require an extensive knowledge base and set of competencies that this program can fulfill.

The program has been designed to deepen our student's knowledge of law enforcement and the Canadian criminal justice system, and further develop valuable transferable skills such as research, critical thinking, analysis and communication skills. 

Graduates who have gone on to a career in law enforcement and public safety include those that have either furthered their education to a post-graduate level 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 will provide the upper level academic qualifications that will enhance the development and mastery of practical skills in the areas of critical thinking, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, organizational theory, case management, negotiation and mediation, restorative and community justice and leadership. The program has been carefully constructed to meet or exceed the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training guidelines and degree level standards.

It offers graduates additional career flexibility and professional development opportunities.

Stand out by completing and applied research project that advances the study of law enforcement and criminal justice.

What You Need to Graduate

Students must successfully complete all 60 credits in the program while maintaining a GPA of 2.0.

Program Formats

Students have the option to complete the program on campus or online.

On-Campus Cohort-Based Program

The on-campus, in-person format provides a full-time, on-campus student experience at the New Westminster campus. It features small class sizes in a cohort-based model where students move through the two-year program together as a group. Classes are offered in the fall and winter semesters with no classes in the summer. Students follow an assigned schedule and attend five classes per week.

Online Program

The online format is delivered asynchronously, which means it does not have scheduled weekly classes or lecture times. All content is delivered online with no requirements to attend in-person activities or exams. This format provides flexible study options where students can work at their own pace to complete weekly assignments, readings and meet set due dates. This is a good option for students wishing to study part time. Time management and strong study skills are extremely important as students are responsible for directing their own studies. Classes are offered year round in the fall, winter and summer semesters. Students in the online offering have up to five years to complete the program and may take up to five classes per semester. 

Upcoming intakes & Application Deadlines

On-Campus Cohort-Based Program

Intake: One intake per year: September start

Application Deadline: March 28, 2024

Online Program

Intakes: Three intakes per year: September, January, or May

Application Deadlines: Apply up to six weeks before the start of the semester. Based on seat availability, applicants may be deferred to the next intake.

Tuition

Domestic Student Tuition is $681.14 per course (as of April 1, 2023).

International Student Tuition is approx. $19,000.00 per year.

Additional Fees

• Learner Services Fee $18.84 per course
• Non-refundable application fee $75 (domestic)
• Textbooks & equipment additional cost 
• Applicable Student Union and health insurance fees

Textbooks & Supplies

Course manuals textbook lists are supplied when you attend class. 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

Check the program application deadline date.

Apply by registering online at EducationPlannerBC and completing the online program application form.

STEP TWO - Submit Supporting Documents

Prepare and submit supporting documentation along with payment to the Admissions Office in person, by mail or email. All documents must be received by the application deadline.

Note: The BLES degree 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

Standard Admission

• A related two year diploma from a recognized post secondary institution with a minimum CGPA of 2.0;
• High school graduation with a minimum grade of a C in 12 English, or the approved equivalent. 
• English Requirements for International Students

 Furthering a Career in Law Enforcement or Public Safety

Advanced Standing Credits

• Have completed a peace officer training program such as the RCMP Basic Training Program, the JIBC Municipal Recruit Training Program, or the Ontario Police College and; 
• Have completed a minimum of 3 years of full-time service in a recognized public safety agency with an Advanced Standing Assessment that would allow for up to 60 credits to be granted towards the completion of the degree program.
• Other law enforcement professionals with training and experience may also have their applications reviewed for Advanced Standing Credits. Some situations may require that applicants apply for a Prior Learning Assessment 

Please apply to the program and provide training records, any post-secondary transcripts and a detailed CV or resume. Applicants may be contacted to provide additional information for review. 

Applicants may be required to complete pre-requisite courses prior to beginning studies in the BLES program. 

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.

Prior Learning Credits

JIBC has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. As part of the British Columbia public post-secondary system, JIBC is a full participant in the credit transfer system of the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer.

Program FAQs

Q: I finished high school quite a few years ago but am interested in taking this program. Am I eligible?

A: JIBC recognizes “mature learner” status. These policies and procedures recognize that today’s learners who wish to pursue post-secondary education may come from diverse learning backgrounds. Desirable admission requirements include computer literacy and relevant work or volunteer experience. An in-person interview and assessment to determine suitability may be required. Related work experience and/or study will enhance your application. 

Q: Can I use this degree to transfer into a graduate program?

A: The Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies degree may be eligible for transfer to graduate studies programs in many areas including law school, criminology and public administration.  

Q: Do you accept transfer credits for the Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies (BLES) program?

A: No. All 60 credits (20 courses) of the BLES program must be completed at JIBC. We cannot accept credits or Prior Learning or Advanced Standing Credits for the 60 credits in the degree program.

Q: What is the difference between the on-campus and online formats of the program?

A: The on-campus, in-person format provides a full-time, on-campus student experience at the New Westminster campus. It features small class sizes in a cohort-based model where students move through the two-year program together as a group. Classes are offered in the fall and winter semesters with no classes in the summer. Students follow an assigned schedule and attend five classes per week. Tuition for an entire semester of classes are due prior to the start of the semester.

The online format is delivered asynchronously, which means it does not have scheduled weekly classes or lecture times. This format provides flexible study options where students can work at their own pace to complete weekly assignments, readings and meet set due dates. This is a good option for students wishing to study part time. Time management and strong study skills are extremely important as students are responsible for directing their own studies. All content is delivered online with no requirements to attend in-person activities or exams. Classes are offered year-round in the fall, winter and summer semesters. Students in the online offering have up to five years to complete the program and may take up to five classes per semester. Students select their own classes based on available courses, self-enroll and pay tuition at the time of enrolment.

Q: What jobs does this degree prepare me for?

A: Examples of special law enforcement roles include police officers, conservation officers, animal cruelty officers, border services agency officials, investigators, by-law enforcement officers, domestic and international transportation safety and security professionals, gaming investigators, inspectors, correctional officers, probation officers, deputy sheriffs and courts officials.

Note that 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 additional entry or qualification and training requirements.