Police Foundation courses

[Guest]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering if I were to take some continuing education courses in the Police Foundations program while I am waiting for a call from a recruiter? I do not have any security experience nor do I have any formal education in such areas as psych or criminology. Will this help with my resume if I were to take some introductory courses in psych or criminology? I do have a university degree but none related to any of the fields above. I have volunteer experience and work experience...is there anything else that I should do in the meantime? Thanks and I appreciate any advice.

Guest

[Guest]

1. I was told that a Security Job means nothing on your resume - I don't want to knock people that are doing it, but they like to see people with jobs that hold responsibility - working with the public - etc. A Security Job is equal to working at McDonalds <Sorry that is what I was told by a Police Officer>.
2. I was also told that while Police Foundations looks good - it is not necessary - Police Foundations helps you at the Police College Level - as far as teaching. Life Experience is worth everything at this job.

I would say that anything you can do to "build" your resume would be helpful. Be in a constant mindset of building your resume. Sitting and waiting for the call will either drive you nuts or discourage you.

[Guest]

Thanks for the help...much appreciated!!


Guest

[Guest]

I agree with 2nd Guest. The Police Forces want to see that you are working - but would like to see you in a position that works with the public, gives you responsibility, and that you show a hunger to improve yourself in life. No offence - but anyone can be a security guard.

Don't want to be negative - but want to stress that you want to get a job that may not have anything to do with policing - but covers what they want to see you doing.

Let me add, any loser can join police foundations if they can come up with the $$$
for those of you who think this is an advantage think again
while it may look good on paper behind closed doors its considered another cheap ceritificate/diploma

No requiremnets to get in, & if there is a minimum requirement & you dont meet it, see what happens when they are short in numbers of students for that paticular class, see how fast they call if you got the $$$ but not the requirements.
It has no credibility at all, but as i said looks good on paper
As for security work, waste of time...you must of been a real winner to land a position like that any where

just the truth!

Yes, i agree with any loser can go to police foundations to get your so called "cheap diploma" but by the way its not cheap, about $10000 to get it anyways. I just finished the PFP at SLC and i can tell you that 70% of the "loser students" are gone before thanksgiving in the first semester. The other 15% who do make it through first year are gone forsure by thanksgiving in the third semester. When i started the program they were over 270 students, you know how many are graduating this June no more than 30 students, yep that's right 30 students and not one of them are losers.
I have met and talked with many recruiters and police chiefs about this program, and they recognize this diploma and definitly recommend this program.
Yes, i have heard from many people that Police Foundations helps you a ton at OPC, only learning aspect.

Thats my input
Thanks

Sorry that last post was me, didnt realize i wasn't logged in

[cstanton]

LOL, I don't know, my computer is screwed, anyways them last 2 posts were me.

Right, good for OPC...wow!

And do you think your going to make it?

Lets say you don't big shot, then what?

a waste of 10g's period for a lousy diploma that isn't worth wiping your ass with.

Let me tell you something boy!
PFC is good for those who are coming out of high school & take it as a alternative to University. At this point yes it does look good

But for anyone over the age of 22-23 taking this is a big mistake thinking it will help you, it wont!

It is a waste of $$$$.

And if your are 18-19-20-21-22-23, Good luck getting any job offer

The average hire age now is 34

The range that gets the most points is 28-37
THAT'S A FACT

So Police foundations may be good if your 20 but you will still not get a job, no life experiences, no work experiences etc

Don't get me wrong, there is the exception of a 21-22 year old getting in but very rare & they have scored very high, but most are like the losers in your class that did not make it & the rest of the winners like yourself who did & wasted your $$$$$

Good luck thou

Try the Army, they are looking for some young good men with police foundations + they pay you don't pay them winner

Look @ me I graduated from Police foundations now I can pass the PATI
For 10g's bud I would of given you the test!

PS

Learn how to use a computer first, I thought that was part of the 10g curriculum @ the Vocational Police foundation school of wanna beeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zz retards

Right, good for OPC...wow!

And do you think your going to make it?

Lets say you don't big shot, then what?

a waste of 10g's period for a lousy diploma that isn't worth wiping your ass with.

Let me tell you something boy!
PFC is good for those who are coming out of high school & take it as a alternative to University. At this point yes it does look good

But for anyone over the age of 22-23 taking this is a big mistake thinking it will help you, it wont!

It is a waste of $$$$.

And if your are 18-19-20-21-22-23, Good luck getting any job offer

The average hire age now is 34

The range that gets the most points is 28-37
THAT'S A FACT

So Police foundations may be good if your 20 but you will still not get a job, no life experiences, no work experiences etc

Don't get me wrong, there is the exception of a 21-22 year old getting in but very rare & they have scored very high, but most are like the losers in your class that did not make it & the rest of the winners like yourself who did & wasted your $$$$$

Good luck thou

Try the Army, they are looking for some young good men with police foundations + they pay you don't pay them winner

Look @ me I graduated from Police foundations now I can pass the PATI
For 10g's bud I would of given you the test!

PS

Learn how to use a computer first, I thought that was part of the 10g curriculum @ the Vocational Police foundation school of wanna beeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zz retards

[cstanton]

LOL, I wish you luck in getting hired with that attitude!!!

yeah...BIOTCH!!!!!

yeah...BIOTCH!!!!!

biotch...is ur mother

[Guest]

I think that the point was missed: A person with a criminal record; 400 pounds; etc. can get into Police Foundations. If you have the cash - they will pump you through the system (and it is not right). I read somewhere that only about 10% of the people that even take the police foundations course gets hired by Law Enforcement. The other 90% is paying the $10,000.00 tuition - while working as a security guard for $10.00 an hour because that is all their "Diploma" will help them with.

[Guest]

I think that the point was missed: A person with a criminal record; 400 pounds; etc. can get into Police Foundations. If you have the cash - they will pump you through the system (and it is not right). I read somewhere that only about 10% of the people that even take the police foundations course gets hired by Law Enforcement. The other 90% is paying the $10,000.00 tuition - while working as a security guard for $10.00 an hour because that is all their "Diploma" will help them with.

[dafez]

I think it's a little stupid to say that having security experience means nothing. Having worked at Wonderland, I was exposed to so much that most people will never encounter. Leaving there with a good reference means a LOT.

York Regional Police hire a LOT of people who once worked at Wonderland. In fact, a lot of police services I've been told look for that kind of experience.

Don't be-little those in private security, it's great experience!

[dafez]

I think it's a little stupid to say that having security experience means nothing. Having worked at Wonderland, I was exposed to so much that most people will never encounter. Leaving there with a good reference means a LOT.

York Regional Police hire a LOT of people who once worked at Wonderland. In fact, a lot of police services I've been told look for that kind of experience.

Don't be-little those in private security, it's great experience!

[bverspeeten]

I agree with both the previous guest and Dafez - remember that colleges and private colleges are a business and business's make money. The Guest stated that he thought 10% of Police Foundations graduates actually become police officers - A study released in a policing magazine actually puts it at less then 10%.

In addition - I don't think that anyone was \"bashing\" the Security Job gig - but alot of people feel that a Security Job is a first step to becoming a police officer and that is not the case.

Just my 2-cents................

[Ty]

If you think a college diploma would help - than go to an accredited one. DO not take it at a college that specializes in \"giving you a diploma fast\".

If your truly serious, try to get a degree in law or criminology or some sort degree strongly related to the policing field.

A post-secondary education (especially a degree) is for those who want to be more than just a officer. Like those who want to upgrade themselves within the department like a detective or sergeant.

[theepan_v75]

For anyone who is choosing policing as a career goal and are serious about it, i DO NOT suggest a police foundations course.

If you are truly planning to become an officer, with any department, I suggest you consider a BA degree. Even thought it is half the time the diploma is only 1/100th the value.

Even though it may look better than nothing when applying, it means nothing once you?re in the real field. Anyone truly wanting to be police officer and see themselves in a department for years to come, have a degree would be an asset when upgrading WITH-IN the department instead of being an patrol officer for most of your life.

[theepan_v75]

For anyone who is choosing policing as a career goal and are serious about it, i DO NOT suggest a police foundations course.

If you are truly planning to become an officer, with any department, I suggest you consider a BA degree. Even thought it is half the time the diploma is only 1/100th the value.

Even though it may look better than nothing when applying, it means nothing once you?re in the real field. Anyone truly wanting to be police officer and see themselves in a department for years to come, have a degree would be an asset when upgrading WITH-IN the department instead of being an patrol officer for most of your life.

[theepan_v75]

For anyone who is choosing policing as a career goal and are serious about it, i DO NOT suggest a police foundations course.

If you are truly planning to become an officer, with any department, I suggest you consider a BA degree. Even thought it is half the time the diploma is only 1/100th the value.

Even though it may look better than nothing when applying, it means nothing once you?re in the real field. Anyone truly wanting to be police officer and see themselves in a department for years to come, have a degree would be an asset when upgrading WITH-IN the department instead of being an patrol officer for most of your life.

[guest89]

I will agree that \"life experience\" is greater than sometimes a education but I am 26, night manage a grocery store now, I was a full-time day manger before I enrolled in police foundations. I tell you this from what I have talked to recruiters and I have never been given any indication that PF was a \"waste\" of time and money. I have learned a ton, and even if you dont get hired by the police, a job at a casino security which you say is sooo terrible, hmm a top wage of $30 an hr sounds pretty sweet to me, so dont bash all security jobs theres alot out there that make an amazing wage. I have lots of fmaily in policing and just recently decided to try, but let me tell you if I get hired me taking this education to OPC has to help,

[guest26]

I will agree that \"life experience\" is greater than sometimes a education but I am 26, night manage a grocery store now, I was a full-time day manger before I enrolled in police foundations. I tell you this from what I have talked to recruiters and I have never been given any indication that PF was a \"waste\" of time and money. I have learned a ton, and even if you dont get hired by the police, a job at a casino security which you say is sooo terrible, hmm a top wage of $30 an hr sounds pretty sweet to me, so dont bash all security jobs theres alot out there that make an amazing wage. I have lots of fmaily in policing and just recently decided to try, but let me tell you if I get hired me taking this education to OPC has to help,

[guest10]

I will agree that \"life experience\" is greater than sometimes a education but I am 26, night manage a grocery store now, I was a full-time day manger before I enrolled in police foundations. I tell you this from what I have talked to recruiters and I have never been given any indication that PF was a \"waste\" of time and money. I have learned a ton, and even if you dont get hired by the police, a job at a casino security which you say is sooo terrible, hmm a top wage of $30 an hr sounds pretty sweet to me, so dont bash all security jobs theres alot out there that make an amazing wage. I have lots of fmaily in policing and just recently decided to try, but let me tell you if I get hired me taking this education to OPC has to help,

[Angela]

I think he is only giving the attitude, because he was part of the years that up untill recently tested you before letting you get into Police Foundations. You know the GATB that you had to do to get in, and if you were not smart enough you got put into Law and Stupidity. I took Police Foundations at Georgian College and it was really hard, the fitness was hard, we did testing every week, PREP, Components(Peel), PARE, mile and a half runs etc... and if you didnt pass that physical as well as make the grade you got put into law and stupidity. It was a great experience, you meet lots of people who have the same goals as you do, and half the people in my graduating class are already on a police force. You meet instructors, who were once Officers, and who will give you great references, not only as teachers but as police officers, so maybe whoever you are that wrote that stuff, your just bitter. why dont you relax, and if someone else wants to waste THEIR money, they can do whatever they please.
:D

For the guy who was bashing security guards. I do security in a hospital right now, let me tell you I have probably seen more trauma and stressfull situations then you ever have. I also took police foundations and never have regretted the fact that I did. I however appreicate your narrow minded point of view, nontheless.

For the guy who was bashing security guards. I do security in a hospital right now, let me tell you I have probably seen more trauma and stressfull situations then you ever have. I also took police foundations and never have regretted the fact that I did. I however appreicate your narrow minded point of view, nontheless.

[Dafez]

In the end, police foundations didn't prepare me at all for what policing is. They teach a lot of stuff that is absolutely useless as a basic constable. They leave you feeling like you know a lot more than you actually do.

Police Foundations/LASA simply give you a very, very basic \"foundation.\" Most services do not give preference to a police foundations diploma (as far as I was told at OPC)

Life experience is still the single most important thing.

Thats funny, I was told the police foundations program was very similar to alot of the material taught at OPC. Also its known that most people with a police foundations program breeze through OPC, so it must prepare you somewhat. Of course nothing is going to prepare you for first hand experience that you get as an officer, but I think the point of police foundations is to give you a basic grasp of policing. Being a police officer is a continual learning process, and no matter if you go to university or college you wont be totally prepared or confident untill you spend time as a officer and learn on the job.

[Dafez]

I graduated college with honors. I graduated OPC with a 92.5% overall.
My intakes average I'm told is 90%.

OPC is made to pass people. Everything you need to know is spoon fed to you in a period of 60 instructional days. It is made to build people from the ground up.

Having said that, yes, for the first couple of weeks having graduated \"Police Foundations\" helped. After that, you're all at the same level.

Was it worth spending two years + $8,000 on college? Not at all. And I look at people who take the 10 month \"advanced police foundations course\" at the college in Toronto and just shake my head. The colleges make it seem like if you take police foundations your chances will be *SO* much higher than others. And you know what, they're not.

.....just my two cents.

Yes your right taking police foundations is very costly, but last time I checked University costs double if not triple that of police foundations. Police forces are looking for that fact that you are continuing your education. If you want to be a police officer and can get on with a diploma in police foundations is that not better then spending upwards of 40,000 dollars at university, when untimately you end up at the same place???? I dont think police foundations is a bad route at all......

[guest456]

^I will agree with you. University is very expensive. In the end, police services want to see post secondary education, so why not college? Police Foundations is not really useful for anything other than policing. I would suggest taking something as a backup in case policing doesn't work out for you. I, however, was successful after taking PF. I used this program to prepare me to take the police testing/interviews etc...and the instructors were great references for my background. Also, when I signed recently, there were 2 other PF grads from my school who were signing at the same time (I'm actually still in the program, 5 weeks from graduation, but will be heading to Bick before I'm done). I think it says a lot about the program.

[penguin]

I was told a degree looks better than police foundations (I did a lot of research about this).

Police foundations is good, but not necessary. I believe having a University degree improves your chances, this is what I was told, from many credible sources.

[Dafez]

Look at how few people ever actually become police officers. From what I've been told, when you break it down from the number of people who do stage 1 of ATS testing it's less than ONE (1) %.

Taking police foundations/law and security will simply limit what you can do and were you can go. Your qualification sare extremely limited. Do you really want to work a $12.00/hr job your whole life as a security guard?

Just food for thought....

[threesac]

I agree with Dafez...and so do the recruiting officers at DRPS...

I went to an info. session tonight at DRPS and they stated that police foundations will neither help nor hinder you. They look at it all the same...it is post secondary education period. If you have post-secondary great...if you don't no big deal. It still all comes down to the interviews and your life experience. That will ultimately decided your fate as a possible Police Constable.

Wow there is some really ignorant people on this website. To whichever \"guest\" was saying people are retarded for taking police foundations, look at yourself speak man. You want to be a police officer? dude I hope to god you never become one. People take many different paths, no one path is right or wrong. I would hope you would display a bit of compassion and understanding. Apparently you don't have either qualities. But nontheless I wish you luck on your endeavour into policing, all the best man ;)

[cowboylaw]

Well put to the above \"GUEST\" post ... too bad we don't know who you are!!

[Bertha87]

[quote:d85615b603=\"Anonymous\"]Wow there is some really ignorant people on this website. To whichever \"guest\" was saying people are retarded for taking police foundations, look at yourself speak man. You want to be a police officer? dude I hope to god you never become one. People take many different paths, no one path is right or wrong. I would hope you would display a bit of compassion and understanding. Apparently you don't have either qualities. But nontheless I wish you luck on your endeavour into policing, all the best man ;)[/quote:d85615b603]

True and having a partner like that, it would seem that Im babysitting and always watching over him so he doesnt do stomething stupid. Exactly like on one of the b-pad tests, watching an officer take money from the drawer and putting it in his pocket :roll:

[Dafez]

So much for the confidentiality agreement you signed Eric..... :lol:

[threesac]

Dafez, I think Eric was talking about a scenario on the practice BPAD videos that are available on this site, not the real one? Am I right Eric?