Justice Studies

Program Overview

The Justice Studies Diploma program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides a comprehensive foundation in the criminal justice system, focusing on corrections and policing. Students gain insights into the workings of the justice system and develop skills for careers in correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, and community-based services. The program offers two specialty areas in the second year: Correctional Studies and Indigenous Policing Foundations, preparing graduates for diverse career paths within the justice system.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Justice Studies diploma program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the criminal justice system. Students gain insights into the workings of the justice system and develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in various fields, including:

• Correctional facilities:
Federal, provincial, and young offender facilities
• Community-based services:
Supervision, parole
• Law enforcement agencies:
Municipal and provincial police services, RCMP
• Security agencies
• Healing lodges
• Community correctional centers
• Court security

Objectives:

• To equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively within the criminal justice system.
• To provide students with a strong foundation for further education and professional development in the field.

Program Description:

This two-year diploma program offers two specialty areas in the second year: Correctional Studies and Indigenous Policing Foundations. Students complete a common first-year curriculum, which covers the fundamentals of the criminal justice system, criminology, law, ethics, and interpersonal violence.

The Correctional Studies specialty focuses on the practical aspects of working in correctional settings, emphasizing case management, conflict resolution, and offender management skills.

Students learn about offender supervision, programming, and institutional procedures.

The Indigenous Policing Foundations specialty prepares graduates for policing roles in First Nations and Indigenous communities.

The curriculum includes cultural awareness training, policing in diverse communities, and the history and contemporary issues of Indigenous policing. Students develop strong communication skills and learn the fundamentals of criminal investigations and legal procedures.

Outline:

Year One:

• Semester One:
• COMM-224:
Presentation Skills (2 credits)
• COMM-227:
Interviewing Skills for Public Safety Careers (3 credits)
• CORR-100:
Managing Clients in Public Safety Settings (3 credits)
• CORR-103:
Writing in the Public Safety Sector (3 credits)
• CORR-167:
Criminal Justice System (3 credits)
• CORR-175:
Introduction to Corrections (3 credits)
• HUMD-142:
Lifespan (2 credits)
• LAW-162:
Criminal Law (3 credits)
• PERS-101:
Personal Wellness 1 (3 credits)
• Semester Two:
• CLTR-120:
Diversity (3 credits)
• CORR-135:
Criminology (3 credits)
• CORR-176:
Youth Justice (2 credits)
• INDG-103:
Indigenous Justice Studies (3 credits)
• LEGL-161:
Restorative Justice (2 credits)
• PERS-102:
Personal Wellness 2 (3 credits)
• SPSY-119:
Interpersonal Violence (3 credits)
• SPSY-124:
Professionalism and Ethics in Public Safety (3 credits)
• SPSY-140:
Addictions and Mental Health (4 credits)

Year Two (Correctional Studies):

• COMM-202:
Conflict Resolution Strategies (3 credits)
• CORR-177:
Women in Corrections (3 credits)
• CORR-179:
Offender Supervision (2 credits)
• CORR-183:
Correctional Reporting Procedures (3 credits)
• CORR-184:
Introduction to Case Management (2 credits)
• CORR-188:
Offender Programming (2 credits)
• CORR-190:
Elements of Security (4 credits)
• CORR-191:
Offender Control (2 credits)
• CORR-192:
Violent Offenders (3 credits)
• CORR-193:
Institutional and Community Case Management (2 credits)
• CORR-194:
Project in Justice Studies (4 credits)
• CORR-240:
Institutional Corrections (4 credits)
• CORR-245:
Job Preparation (2 credits)
• EMPS-240:
Workplace Wellness (4 credits)
• LEGL-141:
Policing in Canada (4 credits)
• PRAC-219:
Correctional Studies Practicum (11 credits)

Year Two (Indigenous Policing Foundations):

• COMM-202:
Conflict Resolution Strategies (3 credits)
• CORR-102:
Traffic Safety and Unknown Risk Vehicle Stops (2 credits)
• CORR-192:
Violent Offenders (3 credits)
• CORR-194:
Project in Justice Studies (4 credits)
• EMPS-240:
Workplace Wellness (4 credits)
• LAW-163:
Public Safety Reporting Procedures (3 credits)
• LEGL-141:
Policing in Canada (4 credits)
• LEGL-143:
Preparation for Police Assessments (4 credits)
• LEGL-144:
Criminal Investigation (3 credits)
• LEGL-200:
Policing in Canada 2 (3 credits)
• LEGL-201:
Investigative Interviewing (2 credits)
• LEGL-202:
Policing in Diverse Communities (3 credits)
• LEGL-203:
Indigenous Policing Foundations (3 credits)
• LEGL-204:
Police Investigative File Management (3 credits)
• LEGL-205:
Defensive Tactics Procedures (3 credits)
• LEGL-206:
Customer Service in the Police Environment (1 credit)
• WORK-154:
Work Experience (0 credits)

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the Justice Studies diploma program vary depending on the course and instructor. Typical assessment methods may include:

• Assignments and projects: Students engage in research, analysis, written communication, and problem-solving through various assignments and project work.
• Examinations: Exams may include written tests, essays, and practical demonstrations of skills and knowledge.
• Presentations and discussions: Active participation in class discussions, presentations, and group projects contributes to assessment and enhances understanding of concepts.
• Practicum and field experience: Students in the Correctional Studies specialty participate in a 11-credit practicum, gaining hands-on experience in a correctional setting.
• Work experience: Students may participate in a zero-credit work experience to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application in a community-based organization.
• Portfolio development: Students develop portfolios to showcase their work, demonstrate skills, and reflect on learning achievements.
Assessment criteria are based on program learning outcomes and specific course objectives. Instructors provide detailed rubrics and grading guidelines, and students receive feedback throughout the learning process to ensure understanding and progress.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The Justice Studies program uses varied teaching methodologies to engage students and cater to diverse learning styles.
These methods may include:
• Interactive lectures and discussions:
Instructors facilitate active participation through lectures that encourage questions, debates, and critical thinking.
• Case studies and problem-solving exercises:
Students analyze real-world scenarios and engage in problem-solving exercises to apply course concepts to practical situations.
• Group work and collaborative projects:
Collaboration through group work and project-based learning promotes teamwork, communication skills, and problem-solving.
• Guest speakers and industry professionals:
Experts from the field of justice studies share insights and experiences, enriching the curriculum with real-world perspectives and practical applications.
• Field trips and site visits:
Hands-on experience through tours of correctional facilities, courtrooms, and community organizations provides students with a deeper understanding of the justice system.
• Technology integration:
The program incorporates various technologies to enhance the learning experience. Online learning platforms, virtual simulations, and presentation tools support student engagement, independent study, and communication.

Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced and dedicated faculty with expertise in various fields, including corrections, policing, law, criminology, ethics, mental health, and Indigenous studies.
Instructors bring a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and a passion for teaching to create an engaging learning environment.

Unique Teaching Approach:

• The Justice Studies program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic emphasizes a hands-on, practical learning approach.
The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with real-world application, preparing graduates for success in their chosen career paths. Students engage in interactive activities, simulations, case studies, and practical experiences to develop critical thinking skills, communication abilities, and professional competencies.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Graduates of the Justice Studies diploma program are prepared for diverse career opportunities within the criminal justice system.
Some potential career paths may include:
• Correctional Officer:
Working in federal, provincial, or young offender facilities.
• Probation Officer:
Supervising offenders in the community and ensuring compliance with parole conditions.
• Police Officer:
Serving as a law enforcement officer at municipal, provincial, or federal levels, including RCMP detachments.

Opportunities and Outcomes:

• The Justice Studies diploma program equips graduates with the necessary skills, knowledge, and professional experience for successful entry-level positions in various justice-related fields.
Graduates are well-positioned to pursue further career advancement and opportunities for specialization through professional development and continued education.

Other:

• Global Learning Opportunities:
Students have the opportunity to enhance their intercultural skills and gain international experience through study abroad programs or participation in global learning initiatives.
• Diploma to Degree Pathway:
Graduates of the program are eligible to pursue further