Development of a Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts Major in Police Studies at Memorial University

Abstract

In 2004, Memorial University, in partnership with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), introduced a Police Studies Diploma as the academic portion of the training for individuals accepted as police recruit cadets. There were a number of challenges to the development of this program, some of which continue to exist. However, today the program is highly regarded by the provincial government, Memorial leadership, other police services, and the community. This program, now in its 10th year, has been very successful, graduating 223 police cadets. In 2008, Memorial introduced a Bachelor of Arts Major in Police Studies to allow graduates of the Diploma, experienced police officers, and other students to enrol in or complete a degree. There was also considerable opposition to the development of this degree. Although the Major was intended to be available online, it has been difficult to get various departments in the Faculty of Arts to develop required courses for online delivery, making core courses for the Bachelor of Arts degree, and Minor programs difficult to access. This degree is popular with experienced officers and other university students and now has approximately 180 declared majors. A policy for prior learning assessment recognition was put in place for this degree in 2012 and 25 experienced police officers are currently using their police training credentials towards their degree. There is considerable growth potential for these programs. The provincial government has increased its funding to allow for a doubling in class size in the Diploma and there is potential for the Major to attract a much larger audience. This requires a commitment on the part of the University, and the Faculty of Arts in particular, to consider a stand alone department of police studies, to support new course development and a willingness to make required courses in Arts disciplines available online.