PSSC – Police & Investigations
PSSC 102
Criminal Investigation
3 Credits Weekly (3-1-0)
This course focuses on the processes used when conducting criminal investigations. The methods of obtaining and assessing information through interviewing, investigative photography, note taking and report writing, incident scene drawing, and crime scene search techniques are studied and applied.
PSSC 112
Policing in Canada
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the origins and philosophical development of policing in Canada and assess current policing practices. The course focuses on the role of police, the structure of Canadian police organizations, police accountability, historical policing models, and the strategies associated with current policing models.
PSSC 121
Law and the Administration of Justice
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the principles, practice, and philosophy of Canadian criminal law with an emphasis on the administration of justice. The origin and development of Canada’s legal system is examined, and students study current legislation including the Constitution, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Criminal Code, and other key criminal statutes. Particular attention is paid to the structure of the Canadian court system, the criminal trial process, and the limits that the Charter places upon the powers of courts, the police, and the criminal justice system. Note: Students can only receive credit for one of PSSC 121 or PSJS 121.
PSSC 122
Criminal Law
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the Criminal Code and selected Alberta provincial statutes. The emphasis is on an in-depth analysis of selected criminal offences. The elements of a crime, pre-trial criminal procedures, and the nature and significance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are also discussed. Note: It is recommended that PSSC 121 be taken concurrent with or prior to this course.
PSSC 123
Legal Evidence in Criminal Investigations
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the laws of evidence as they relate to criminal procedures and trials. Students briefly review the laws of evidence that relate to civil proceedings. Drawing upon the Canada Evidence Act and selected statutes, students explore legal defences and the powers of search and seizure. Students also analyze the rules that relate to obtaining statements, admissions, confessions and presenting evidence in court.
Prerequisites: PSSC 121.
PSSC 130
Public Safety Reporting and Communications
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the written communication skills needed to be effective as professionals in public safety organizations. The focus is on the theory and skills required to be an effective communicator in a variety of contexts involving notes, reports, witness statements, and memoranda.
PSSC 132
Investigative Law
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the Criminal Code, selected Alberta provincial statutes and examine statutes and procedures applicable to civil and administrative tribunals. The elements of a crime, pre-trial criminal procedures and the nature and significance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are also discussed. Note: It is recommended that PSSC 121 be taken concurrently with or prior to this course.
PSSC 133
Legal Evidence in Investigations
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
In this course, students examine the laws of evidence related to both criminal and civil trials and to administrative proceedings. Drawing upon the Canada Evidence Act and other selected statutes, students explore the ways in which these acts and statutes influence civil, criminal, and administrative procedures. Students compare the discovery process in civil proceedings with criminal matters and review the powers of search and seizure; the rules related to statements, admissions, and confessions; and the laws that govern the presentation of evidence in court.
Prerequisites: PSSC 121.
PSSC 141
Interpersonal Skills
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students increase their understanding and awareness of the impact of their behaviour on others. Students examine personality types, leadership styles, gender and cultural issues, and the influence these factors have on the development of effective human relations.
PSSC 151
Security Programs and Risk Management
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn about the security profession in Canada and examine current security practices. Students learn the components of a comprehensive security program and focus on the operational activities involved in risk management. Emphasis is placed on risk identification, quantification, prioritization, and the risk transfer process.
PSSC 152
Loss Prevention Program Management
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the elements of the loss prevention component of a comprehensive security management program. The course focuses on the operational activities involved in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a loss prevention program. Consideration is given to policy and procedure development, training program development, and program evaluation.
PSSC 153
Security and Risk Management
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn about the origins and development of security and the growing roles and responsibilities of private and public security personnel today. Students learn the nature of risks/threats toward the safety and security of private and public infrastructure. Students learn the components of a comprehensive security program regarding the operational activities involved in risk management. Emphasis is placed on risk identification, analysis, prioritization, and the risk transfer process.
PSSC 203
Forensic Science
3 Credits Weekly (3-1-0)
This course provides an in-depth study of the methods of recognizing, collecting, preserving, examining, and presenting physical evidence found at a crime scene. The operations and functions of the forensic crime lab are also studied.
PSSC 204
Forensic Investigation
3 Credits Weekly (3-1-0)
Students analyze the processes involved in the recognition, development, and identification of fingerprints and other forensic evidence. Students also examine specific techniques to investigate criminal cases.
PSSC 212
Mental Health Foundations in Public Safety
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn about the principles of trauma-informed care, mental health self-care, and resiliency for individuals in public safety careers. Note: Students can only receive credit for one of PSSC 212 or PSJS 222.
PSSC 222
Mental Health and Resiliency in Public Safety
3 Credits Weekly (3-2-0)
Students learn about mental health and mental illness in the context of public safety careers. This includes understanding mental health symptoms and disorders and the most effective ways of working with individuals who are experiencing mental health symptoms or distress. The course also introduces students to the principles of trauma-informed care and the effects of stress, loss, trauma, and grief on themselves and others, and teaches students positive self-care and coping strategies and resiliency building practices. In-class instruction is supplemented by a laboratory component in which students complete personal fitness and lifestyle training in the university fitness facilities.
PSSC 242
Leadership Skills
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the communication skills needed to be effective as leaders in business and professional organizations. The focus is on the theory and skills required to be an effective communicator in a variety of contexts involving individuals, groups and teams.
PSSC 245
Leadership, Ethics and Professionalism
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
This course explores theories, practices and issues related to leadership within Canada’s law enforcement and public safety domain. Centring on the contemporary context, focus is placed on the skills required to be an effective, professional, and ethical leader in a variety of contexts involving individuals, groups and teams.
PSSC 250
Multiculturalism and Diversity in Public Safety
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn about the multicultural challenges in policing and investigations today through an examination of the current and historical relationships with the diverse communities they serve. Students examine the importance of developing strong relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, and learn ways to incorporate cultural understanding and sensitivity into their professional practice.
PSSC 252
Investigations I
3 Credits Weekly (3-1-0)
This course examines the fundamental investigative techniques used in security investigations. The course gives an overview of the investigative planning process; the nature and types of forensic evidence; and the techniques involved in the collection, identification, and assessment of evidence.
PSSC 253
Investigations II
3 Credits Weekly (3-1-0)
In this course, students examine and apply evidence search and collection techniques, incident scene drawing, and criminal court presentation procedures. Students also select and evaluate specific techniques to investigate criminal cases.
Prerequisites: PSSC 252.
PSSC 255
Investigative Interviewing
3 Credits Weekly (3-1-0)
Students learn the techniques and skills necessary for effective investigative interviewing. Students apply and demonstrate effective questioning skills (for victims of crime, witnesses, and suspects) and information gathering skills for the proper and thorough investigation of crime or other matters, such as complaints of performance or conduct.
PSSC 259
Surveillance and Society
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students are introduced to the history and origin of surveillance activities, an understanding of surveillance within the contemporary context, and the dynamics of surveillance at the individual, organizational, and societal levels. Discussion centres on the concept of a surveillance society, the intrusion upon and protection of individual rights, and application of surveillance-related issues within public safety. Students gain an understanding of surveillance tools available to public safety officials.
PSSC 260
Selected Topics in Policing and Public Safety
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
This course involves the exploration and critical evaluation of two emerging areas of scholarship or professional practice in policing and public safety. Topics covered may include areas of study such as surveillance, crime and intelligence analysis, emerging trends or issues in policing, and/or innovative approaches to policing and public safety.
PSSC 261
Selected Topics in Investigations
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
This course involves the exploration and critical evaluation of two emerging areas of scholarship or professional practice in the field of investigations. Topics covered may include areas of study such as emerging issues or social movements relevant to investigations, open source intelligence investigations, web-based offences and investigative tools, and/or innovative approaches to investigations.
PSSC 262
Integration Seminar
1 Credit Weekly (0-0-1)
Students integrate theory and practice by linking the knowledge, skills and values gained in the classroom with issues experienced in field placement.
Co-requisites: PSSC 272.
PSSC 263
Integration Seminar
1 Credit Weekly (0-0-1)
Students integrate theory and practice by linking the knowledge, skills and values gained in the classroom with issues experienced in field placement.
Co-requisites: PSSC 273.
PSSC 265
Cybersecurity and Digital Investigations
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students are exposed to the concepts and skills associated with cybersecurity and digital investigations. The focus is on the theory and skills required by cybersecurity investigators, coupled with an understanding of emerging trends and contemporary challenges. Note: Credit can only be obtained for either CYJU 265 or PSSC 265.
PSSC 272
Field Placement
4 Credits Weekly (0-0-16)
This course provides the student with related practical field experience. The placement offers the unique opportunity to observe and participate in a variety of learning activities related to the field.
Co-requisites: PSSC 262.
PSSC 273
Field Placement
4 Credits Weekly (0-0-16)
This course provides the student with related practical field experience. The placement offers the unique opportunity to observe and participate in a variety of learning activities related to the field.
Co-requisites: PSSC 263.
PSSC 275
Field Placement
4 Credits Weekly (0-1-14)
This course provides the student with related field experience. The placement offers the unique opportunity to observe and participate in a variety of learning activities related to the field. The course also includes an integration seminar that addresses the integration of theory and practice by linking the knowledge, skills and values gained in the classroom with issues experienced in the field placement.
PSSC 283
Emergency Planning and Response
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the stages involved in the planning, implementation and management of an organization's response to emergencies, disasters, and crisis situations. The emphasis is on the emergency response and disaster recovery phases.
PSSC 285
Field Placement
3 Credits Weekly (0-2-12)
This course provides the student with related field experience. The placement offers the unique opportunity to observe and participate in a variety of learning activities related to the field. The course also includes a weekly integration seminar that addresses the integration of theory and practice by linking the knowledge, skills, and values gained in the classroom with issues experienced in the field placement.
Prerequisites: PSSC 122 or PSSC 132, PSSC 123 or PSSC 133, and PSSC 130.
PSSC 293
Emergency Management
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
Students learn the planning and implementation processes involved in the management of emergencies, disasters, and crisis situations. Key components are risk management, emergency response, crisis management, and disaster recovery.