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Police Science (Cadet)


Start Date: January


Location: Atlantic Police Academy


Length: 32 Weeks


Credential: Accelerated Diploma, Police Constable


Program Availability: Winter 2025 Term

Canadian Applicants: Closed

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: N/A

Other International Applicants: N/A



Program Availability: Winter 2026 Term

Canadian Applicants: Closed

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: N/A

Other International Applicants: N/A


Get your police constable diploma


Please note: You must be a Canadian citizen or have Canadian permanent resident status to apply for this program.

This program starts in January on-line. In February, cadets start the in-person portion of their training. If you are interested in the January 2025 intake, select Winter 2025 as your intended start date when you apply.

Applicants for the July 2025 and January 2026 intakes must be approved by local Police agency. Please contact your local Police Agency regarding sponsorship opportunities.

 

The Police Science (Cadet) program blends academic and tactical training to ensure that you have the confidence and skills needed to keep yourself and your community safe. The program uses real-life situations and simulations to prepare you for the law enforcement profession.

You will practice on a driving course and gun range, learn use of force and control skills, develop criminal investigation techniques, and receive communications and mental health training. Academic components include coursework in sociology, psychology and law.

Police Science cadets begin the program through distance education but are required to stay in the Atlantic Police Academy residence when they begin the face-to-face part of their training in January. Cadets live in residence for the duration of the program, except when they are completing their on-the-job training.

ADMISSION PROCESS

Admission into the program is a competitive process. Currently there are two pathways for acceptance: 

  1. Applicants may apply directly to the APA. Applicants following this path who meet all the acceptance standards will be placed into a competition pool from which program vacancies will be filled. Successfully meeting the minimum acceptance standards does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants not selected from this pool may be placed on a waiting list for the following academic year.
  2. The second pathway is through a sponsorship program with a sponsoring Atlantic Police organization. Sponsored applicants must complete a process with their sponsoring organization and still meet the acceptance criteria for the APA. Applicants following this process must apply directly through a sponsoring agency.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police now accepts graduates from the Atlantic Police Academy’s Police Science (Cadet) program. To join the RCMP, graduates must pass a medical examination, obtain an RCMP Security Clearance and pass an interview. Before their first posting as an RCMP officer, they will participate in a short training course instead of taking the force’s 26-week course.

Are you physically ready for this program?


In this video, Coach Corey Arsenault tells you what to expect and how to prepare before you get here!

English version     Version française

 

 

DEGREE PATHWAYS


This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia Bachelor of Arts Community Studies Graduates receive up to 36 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Arts Community Studies degree.
Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, Alabama, U.S.A. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration Graduates with a are granted 27 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia Bachelor of Policing Graduates who have completed two years of services as a police officer (and currently employed) receive the equivalent of 14 subject credit toward a Bachelor of Policing degree. This is an online program.
University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Graduates receive up to 45 credit hours credit toward a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree.
University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Bachelor of Science in Psychology Graduates receive up to 45 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree.
  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status
  • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
  • Must be 19 years of age by program start date
  • Completion of an APA Medical Assessment Form (this is a PDF and will open in a new window)
  • Successful completion of Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation Test (PARE)
  • Completion of Vision Examination form (this is a PDF and will open in a new window)
  • Valid Class 5 (cars and light trucks) unrestricted driver’s license
  • Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) with no findings of guilt. The college recommends Sterling Backcheck. Find out more about Criminal Record Checks
  • Copy of Credit Record Check (Through Equifax: 1-800-465-7166)
  • Successful completion of a full background check. Please download and complete the Consent to Criminal Record and Background Check form. This form is a PDF and will open in a new window.
  • Completion of Immunization Verification Form (this is a PDF and will open in a new window) (required after acceptance)
  • Three letters of reference, not from family members
  • Successful completion of the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. The applicant is responsible for this cost. This test will be arranged by Holland College Admissions. The purpose of psychological testing is to assure the applicant's suitability to participate as a cadet at Holland College's Atlantic Police Academy. Although the process may be similar to screening for employment, that is not an objective nor the purpose of this testing.  Employers are encouraged to undertake further testing and background checks to ensure candidates' suitability for employment. Note: Testing for all applicants takes place in P.E.I. except for applicants in Newfoundland. All other applicants are expected to be in P.E.I. for the date of their testing. Newfoundland applicants will be contacted to arrange a date for their testing.
  • Successful completion of polygraph interview – to be arranged by Holland College Admissions.
  • Certification in Standard First Aid, CPR Level C and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (must be valid for the duration of the program). View a list of providers hereThis training must be taken in person, NOT online.
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program
  • Drivers Abstract (can be obtained from your provincial motor vehicle department, and must be within the last year with no moving violations)
  • Applicants must complete the APA Police Science (Cadet) Additional Information Form as part of the application process (the form is a PDF and will open in a new window).
  • The Police Science (Cadet) program is competitive for entry with limited capacity.  Holland College will select and interview the most highly qualified students based on academics, relevant work/volunteer experience, and PARE and POST test scores.  Applicants may check with their local municipal police agency as many police forces are offering a pathway to policing.

 

For more application information, read this Police Memo. (This is a PDF and will open in a new window.)

NOTES:

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. 

Fees are Program Based

32 Weeks

 

Tuition  $20,468
Fees $11,837*
Other Costs See note below cost breakdown
Total $32,305

*Includes lease of body armour, and mandatory residence fees and meal plan.

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

32 Weeks

Tuition $20,468
Student Union $178
Health Insurance Fee $470
Books $600
Lab Fees $300
Uniform $2,100
Dry Cleaning $120
Body Armour (Lease) $730
Accommodations/Meal Plan $6,819
Additional Courses $420
Graduation Fee $100
Total $32,305
   
1st installment due January 6, 2025 $22,071
2nd installment due May 25, 2025 $10,234

Cadets will be informed of additional equipment requirements in their entrance packages.

This program prepares graduates to work in police agencies as police constables and in other related fields of law enforcement and security.

DEGREE PATHWAYS

Many Holland College programs have degree pathway agreements with other post-secondary institutions. You can receive credit for your Holland College diploma toward a university degree or other post-graduate credential, saving you time and money! Find out more on the Degree Pathways page.

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:CRES-1000

Crisis Intervention and De-escalation

Participants learn to use the Crisis Intervention and De-escalation (CID) Model and apply techniques to effectively de-escalate crisis situations, specifically those incidents involving intervention in a mental health crisis. This blended course consists of online learning activities through the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN), classroom training, as well as scenario based training.

Credit Value:1


Course Code:POLSC-1001

Criminal Law

This course examines the history and development of Canadian criminal law, and prepares officers to effectively use the Criminal Code in the execution of their duties. Students explore a variety of legal topics directly related to policing, including; the Canadian court structure, police authorities, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as civil liabilities. A significant portion of this course is delivered in the form of live, interactive, reality-based scenarios.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:POLSC-1012

Principles of Traffic Services

This course is designed to provide students with a variety of traffic services related skills. Students learn to operate approved screening devices as well as how to gather evidence and articulate the signs of impairment. Students learn to use speed measurement devices, and how to safely perform routine vehicle stops where the level of risk is unknown. In addition, students learn the proper procedures to manually direct traffic in a variety of situations. Throughout the course, students must demonstrate an understanding of common provincial, municipal, and criminal laws as they relate to various traffic services.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:POLSC-1022

Social Psychology: Police Applied Sciences

Students are introduced to the discipline of social psychology with an emphasis on practical issues in policing. Students learn to apply basic concepts including the biological basis of behaviour, perception, learning, motivation and theories of personality. Emphasis is placed on the causes and consequences of human behaviour, including abnormal behaviour. Students are prepared to deal with many situations and social phenomena which they may encounter in policing. Techniques and strategies to deal with verbal crisis interventions, suicide prevention/intervention, gangs and cults are also covered.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:POLSC-1031

Criminal Investigations

This course discusses the components of a criminal investigation, its goals and basic functions. Students examine the characteristics of a crime, protection of the crime scene, and how to effectively conduct an investigation. A significant portion of this course is delivered in the form of live, interactive, reality-based scenarios.

Credit Value:5


Course Code:POLSC-1036

Police Vehicle Operations

This course provides students with the driving skills required for an officer both on and off duty. This course covers defensive driving skills, multi-tasking, controlled responses, skid control techniques, emergency avoidance/stopping techniques, and cornering techniques. Students experience techniques for pursuit driving including when to discontinue a pursuit, as well as procedures for completing high-risk vehicle stops.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:POLSC-1044

Workplace Communications

This course is designed to enhance written and verbal communication skills used in the police profession. Students learn how to effectively use a notebook to document relevant observations and information, as well as how to obtain admissible and warned statements for investigations. Students gain experience completing common investigative and court disclosure reports, forms and release documents, are introduced to the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), and gain experience providing court testimony through a mock trial.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:POLSC-1046

Occupational Health and Safety for Police

Occupational Health and Safety is an important topic on both a professional and personal level. Today's officers must be able interact with various occupational health and public safety agencies and are required to be familiar with their roles in differing emergency or non-emergency responses. Learn the roles of various agencies in Occupational Health and Safety, as well as the importance of workplace and personal health and wellness for police officers.

Credit Value:1


Course Code:POLSC-1057

Professional Patrol and Control Tactics For Police

This course introduces students to the professional tactics and intervention measures used to control situations encountered by police officers, with an emphasis on officer and public safety. Police officers are expected to both verbally and physically intervene and control the outcome of a variety of situations. In this course, students demonstrate proficiency in the application of their intervention, defusing, and situation control skills by implementing various aspects of a current use of force model. Students practice using the appropriate verbal requests, directions, commands, techniques, equipment, and weapons during the various interventions.

Credit Value:7


Course Code:POLSC-1060

Judgmental Scenario Training

This course is designed to provide students with practical scenario-based activities that simulate the full range of subject behaviours and officer responses that are encountered in the field. Students gain experience responding to calls for service with an emphasis on public and police officer safety, de-escalation, and decision-making as they learn to apply the National Use of Force Framework. Legal articulation of the intervention level used, and report writing are re-enforced in this course.

Credit Value:1


Course Code:POLSC-1066

Police Firearms Proficiency and Tactical Training

This course incorporates firearms safety, marksmanship and tactical training. Following the entry-level safety training, students proceed to skills development and tactical development. Students must qualify at each stage before proceeding to the next. Standard police issue firearms (pistols and rifles) are utilized in the live fire training portion of this course. Additionally, students are familiarized with the C8 carbine.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:POLSC-1067

Active Threat Response

This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to rapidly deploy an appropriate response to stop violent offenders during active threat incidents, both indoors and out, including movements in and around police vehicles.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:POLSC-1070

Police Physical Abilities Development

This course is designed to prepare students for the rigors of the police profession and the various physical tests that police departments require of their officers and applicants. This course encourages and challenges students to lead an exemplary police officer lifestyle through rigorous inspections of their daily routines and habits such as those related to dress, deportment, cleanliness, image, fitness, and nutrition.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:POLSC-1075

On the Job Training/Workplace Experience Program

On the Job Training (OJT) provides the opportunity for the student to be sworn in as an active member of a bonafide police force. The student officer will be under the supervision of a training officer and will be involved in regular duties with that officer. As the training officer observes the student's performance in a variety of real world situations, observed competencies will be measured during evaluations.

Credit Value:10


Course Code:PROF-1050

Professional Ethics and Deportment

The purpose of this course is to examine and practice ethical and professional behaviors to prepare students for making ethical choices during their time at the academy and in their professional public safety careers. Students are required to produce and follow a personal code of ethics, work as a team, and to exhibit behaviors and values that are consistent with the expectations of the profession and the public.

Credit Value:1


Police Science (Cadet) background image Police Science (Cadet) background image Police Science (Cadet) background image

[The] program is well run, and I recommend it to anyone wanting to do policing as a career.

Graduating Student Survey Respondent, Class of 2024

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