Lethbridge Polytechnic is taking steps to strengthen education and training opportunities for future cadet graduates and alumni with a new prior learning credit agreement with seven police services across Western Canada. This agreement allows police cadet program graduates retroactive to 2017 to receive 42 credits toward a Criminal Justice - Policing diploma.
"Our goal at Lethbridge Polytechnic is to ensure cadets get the training and experience they need before walking on the job, all while respecting their time and reducing educational overlap," said Trudi Mason, dean of the Centre for Justice and Human Services. "These agreements with our partner police organizations are important steps in acknowledging not only the dedication of officers, but also provides them an opportunity to further their education in a format that fits their busy lives."
Prior learning credits, available at no cost to police cadet program graduates and officers, recognize the skills and knowledge they gain during training and experience. The remaining courses required for the Criminal Justice - Policing diploma can be completed online, offering flexibility and convenience while ensuring a clear and viable pathway to a credential recognized in the public safety sector.
"The Blood Tribe Police Service takes pride in the relationship it has built with Lethbridge Polytechnic," says Rayan Najjar, inspector with Blood Tribe Police Service. "The Police Cadet Training (PCT) program has been a staple for BTPS in training its new officers. BTPS encourages all its officers to further their education and the agreement we have built with Lethbridge Polytechnic, which allows graduates of the PCT program to receive prior learning credits towards the Criminal Justice - Policing diploma, paves a path forward to achieving that goal."
"Being able to not only offer Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) recruits a certificate in Police Cadet Training from Lethbridge Polytechnic, but also 42 credits toward a Criminal Justice - Policing diploma, is another incredible benefit of our program, along with offering a full wage during training," says GPPS Superintendent Greg Redl. "The opportunity to continue their studies using the knowledge they've already gained will be invaluable for the right officers and makes a career with GPPS even more attractive."
These agreements benefit police cadets and officers who completed the polytechnic's award-winning Police Cadet Training program as part of their entry to careers with the Blood Tribe, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Taber, CN, CPKC and Manitoba First Nations police services.
"This agreement recognizes the advanced training and expertise our officers bring to the profession and provides a valuable opportunity to further their academic pursuits," said Inspector Jason Walper, LPS Support Services Division. "Our partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic underscores our shared commitment to lifelong learning and ensures our officers are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve."
"The CN Police Service (CNPS) is proud to partner with polytechnic's award-winning Police cadet training program," says Shawn Will, chief of police for CNPS. "This joint initiative to enhance the education of cadets and sworn police officer's underscores Lethbridge Polytechnic's dedication to building partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout Canada. The Cadet Training program at the polytechnic plays a crucial role in fostering the continuous development of skilled and knowledgeable policing professionals."
Lethbridge Polytechnic has also signed a unique Memorandum of Understanding with the Calgary Police Service (CPS), tailored to their unique training structure. While CPS cadets do not participate in the polytechnic's Police Cadet Training program, all officers who have passed the CPS training program are eligible for 36 credits towards the Criminal Justice - Policing diploma.
This collaborative effort to expand cadet and officer education highlights Lethbridge Polytechnic's commitment to fostering partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the Prairies, ensuring the continuous development of skilled and knowledgeable policing professionals.
Lethbridge Polytechnic offers more than 65 certificate, diploma, degree and apprenticeship programs that are industry-responsive and encourage learning by doing. Programs in the public safety field include the Criminal Justice - Policing and Criminal Justice - Corrections diplomas and a Criminal Justice - Bachelor Degree. Learn more at lethpolytech.ca/justice.
