The Border Services program provides foundational knowledge and experiential hands on-learning to individuals who aspire to work as border services officers.
During the first year, a broad theoretical foundation is provided on human relations, mental health, critical interpersonal, communication and team building skills and an overview of the criminal justice system. The second year focuses on courses specific
to determining admissibility of persons, goods and conveyances into Canada, legislation, documentation and technology required to move goods and people across the border. In addition, students will acquire important communication skills, dispute resolution
and critical thinking skills required as Canada's first line of defence.
Students also achieve certification in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training from the Crisis Prevention Institute and Introduction to Incident Management System (IMS-100) from Emergency Management Ontario. The goal of the Border Services program is
to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for not only a career in public safety but also as a foundation for continual educational pathways into related fields of study.
Our criminal justice lab offers students the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice in an innovative real world setting. By moving beyond theory, students learn by doing and get first-hand experience of practicing what has been taught.
Students also gain volunteer hours and field related experience through participation in Lambton College's student run Safe Walk program. Lambton College's faculty is diverse representing the criminal justice system, police, border, security and other
related professionals. Specialized courses within the program have an interdisciplinary focus and allow students from various first responder courses to learn together in the classroom and in scenarios. These experiential learning opportunities, coupled
with small class sizes, ensures students receive a quality educational experience.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary
to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications
or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency by submitting one of the following scores:
- IELTS of 6.0;
- TOEFL iBT 69; or
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test.
Please Note: IELTS is the only proficiency score accepted by the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Additional country-specific requirements may also be applicable.
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, it is mandatory to own a reliable laptop to complete tests and assignments.
Course List
CJP-1013: Canadian Criminal Justice
In this course, students acquire foundational knowledge and skills related to the development, structure and practical operation of the Canadian criminal justice system. The course is geared towards students who will become practitioners in the criminal justice field and will require knowledge of their role in relation to the justice process as a whole. Throughout the course, students will have an opportunity to critically analyze the various components of the justice system, as well as examine the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the system.
CJP-1052: Community and Social Services
This course is designed to accomplish two goals. The student acquires a working knowledge of community organizations and social services that operate adjacent to the Criminal Justice System. Students prepare to pursue and complete a required community service practicum. The student is introduced to the important role the volunteer plays in society. Emphasis is placed on the growing relationship between contemporary Criminal Justice Practice and the diverse social services and agencies. Both theory and practice is emphasized as the student prepares to involve him/her in appropriate practical volunteer situations.
CJP-1103: Issues in Diversity
In this course, students critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, students focus on topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation. Information concerning history, culture, heritage and contemporary issues relating to Canadian Indigenous groups is discussed. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students develop a clear understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies of community empowerment.
SOC-1003: Sociology I
Sociology is a social science focusing on the systematic and diverse study of human group life. This course introduces students to the discipline of sociology and the sociological approach to understanding humans and our behaviour. This course attempts to develop one's ability to critically examine our world and relate it to our own lives. This course concentrates on a Canadian perspective and covers topics such as culture, socialization, social interaction, crime, deviance and stratification.
COM-1013: Critical Thinking and Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
PSY-1003: Psychology I
This course focuses on how we behave. It is an attempt to understand ourselves and others. The primary goal of this course is to see psychology as an objective way of studying human experience.
PED-1201: Fitness and Lifestyle Management
This course introduces the student to concepts of wellness and provides practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness. Emphasis is placed on the student's understanding of the scope of what it means to be well, healthy and physically fit and how this relates to having a successful career in law enforcement.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
CJP-1203: Criminology
Criminology seeks to understand the underpinnings of criminal and deviant behaviour. Students examine this behaviour through sociological, biological and psychological perspectives. Students apply this knowledge in critical examination of Canadian and global crimes and statistics. A contemporary look at victimology and restorative justice is also provided.
CJP-1253: Ethical Reasoning
This courses focuses on ethical issues faced by the individual as a person and more particularly as a professional with authority and responsibility for law enforcement. It will help the student clarify their values and establish a framework for ethical decision making. The course will focus the students' minds on the importance of moral philosophy as a component of the decision making process.
CJP-2013: Criminal and Civil Law
In this course students will examine the nature, role, and function of law. This course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the concepts and principles of criminal and civil law in Canadian society. In addition, students will identify the rights and freedoms of citizens in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and determine its importance to the criminal justice process. Students will research and analyze various provincial and federal statutes and judicial decisions to consider the impact these have on law enforcement.
POL-1303: Political Structure and Public Administration
You can change the system! Protest, debate, participate and foster innovation. Understanding politics allows a person to make a difference in our political system. This course is a survey of the behaviour of individuals, groups and institutions within the Canadian political system. The student will be introduced to distinctive aspects of the Canadian political environment, explore implications of the constitutional framework and define key elements of Canadian political participation. In addition, key aspects of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government will be discussed. Bureaucracy, mass media, political socialization, and public opinion polls as well as other aspects of the political arena will also be featured.
COM-2063: Communication in Public Safety
This course is designed for students in the public safety field to further develop their communication skills, which are essential for effective working relationships with individuals and teams in the work environment. Students will write workplace and research reports and continue to hone their critical thinking skills. Students will develop their presentation skills by sharing research and findings with their peers through oral presentations.
PSY-1213: Behavioural Health for First Responders
The current climate in first response demands that service providers be proactively prepared with a keen awareness of the demands of the job both personally and professionally. Students who take this course will develop essential self-awareness skills, enhance their knowledge of mental health issues in themselves and others, learn to foster collegiality through team work, and augment their understanding of the impact of workplace dynamics on one's mental health. Successful completion of the course will result in improved resiliency to meet the demands of a career in first response.
PED-1212: Fitness and Lifestyle Management II
This course is a continuation of PED 1202, further exploring concepts related to health, wellness, and physical fitness. Emphasis is placed on students identifying current lifestyle behaviours and developing strategies which would result in a healthier lifestyle. Students will also continue to work toward achieving fitness standards associated with Bona Fide Occupational Requirement evaluation.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
PFP-3023: Criminal Code
In this course, students examine and apply sections of the Criminal Code of Canada. Students analyze specific elements of selected offences including offenses against the person, against property, and against public order. Students research case law and assess its impact on criminal offences.
CJP-4101: Professional & Practical Issues
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of workplace and professional issues in the field of criminal justice. Further, this course will foster an understanding of various career opportunities in the Criminal Justice Field with practical discussions and presentations from employment representatives. The course assists students in preparation to enter the workplace, including: designing a cover letter and resume, online job searches, information interviewing and presentation of oneself at a job interview.
PFP-3013: Border Services
This course introduces students to the legislation and regulations that guide the roles and responsibilities of Border Services Officers serving as Canada's first line of defence. Students will learn how legislation like the Customs Act, Immigration & Refugee Protection Act and other regulations grant Border Services Officers the authority in determining the admissibility of goods, conveyances and persons into Canada. The Criminal Code of Canada and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms will also be discussed highlighting Border Services Officers roles as peace officers as well as their responsibilities on behalf of numerous other government departments.
PFP-3043: Interview and Investigation
This course focuses on interviewing and investigation skills. Students develop the interviewing skills necessary to retrieve information from victims, witnesses, and suspects. They also learn the basic steps of investigation including the practical development of note-taking and observation skills.
BDR-3003: Immigration I
This course will introduce students to the involved role Border Services Officers (BSOs) play in immigration processing in the border services environment. The history and evolution of immigration legislation, policy and issues in Canada will be explored culminating with the current Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) & Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Immigration requirements and procedures will be examined in regard to entry and facilitation of the various immigrant classes including foreign nationals (visitors, students, workers) and permanent residents (landed immigrants).
PSI-3043: Analytics and Intelligence
The use of intelligence is crucial in the field of law enforcement to be more effective when combating criminal groups. With appropriate application, the products of intelligence analysis can assist in developing strategic plans to tackle current problems and prepare for anticipated ones. This course provides an overview of the historical background relating to the use of intelligence and analysis as a process and introduces the student to the basic concepts of analytic processes, applications and contemporary issues as used in law enforcement.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
CJP-3023: Emergency Preparedness
This course focuses on the coordinated efforts that are required to respond quickly and effectively to a broad range of emergencies from pandemics, to natural wide ranging weather events, man-made and deliberately planned disasters or terrorist attacks. Students focus on case-studies and problem-based learning. Students will gain a practical perspective of the various emergency response agencies and their roles as well as detail the importance of interaction, interagency collaboration and effective communication of responders at the scene.
CJP-4113: Conflict Management
Managing conflict is an essential skill pertinent to all human service professionals. Successful crisis intervention provides for the ability to proficiently defuse a situation before physical and/or emotional destruction occurs. This course is designed to develop the capability of the participant to intervene in conflict and crisis situations with competence and confidence. The conflict situation is examined from its inception through intervention. Various problem-solving skills and non-violent intervention techniques are taught. Students learn to recognize behaviour patterns that may lead to violent encounters and the appropriate legal responses to these encounters. These responses emphasize safety through awareness and preparation. Students who successfully complete this course receive certification by the Crisis Prevention Institute in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
PFP-4023: Criminal Code and Federal Statutes
Students will analyze elements of offences related to weapons and the Firearms Act, controlled drugs and substances and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Provisions of other Federal Statutes and their relationship with the Criminal Code will also be examined.
BDR-4003: Immigration II
This course will serve as continuation of BDR 3003 by exploring the legislation, regulations, roles and responsibilities of a Border Services Officer (BSO) in the immigration environment. This course will focus on Canada's commitment and international obligations to refugees and the process involved in refugee resettlement. Border Services Officer enforcement of the Immigration Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) will be examined by exploring the various inadmissibilities, arrest/detention and removal options from Canada. The Citizenship Act and the pathway to Canadian citizenship for foreign nationals will also be reviewed.
PSI-4043: Technology and the Law
New technologies are increasingly altering the nature of crime, policing and security. Knowledge of these tools can offer police and security tremendously useful methods for combating criminal activities and enhancing community relations. This course introduces students to relevant and practical technologies associated with public safety, law enforcement, and security applications. Specific focus will be paid to biometrics, crime mapping, body-worn cameras, CCTV, drone technologies for law enforcement, communications technology, detection and surveillance technologies and global positioning satellite (GPS)
PED-4112: Fitness and Lifestyle Management for PSI
With the goal to successfully complete Bon Fide Occupational Requirements (BFOR), students continue to engage in a variety of physical fitness activity and self-directed study that promotes wellness, health and physical fitness.
BDR-4013: Border Services
This course serves as an extension of PSI 3013 and continues to explore the role, duties, and authorities of a Border Services Officer. There will be continued focus on the Customs Act and regulations, Criminal Code, responsibilities on behalf of other government departments (OGDs) by BSO's in the facilitation of regulated, restricted, and prohibited goods entering Canada. Students will not only examine relevant legislation and policies which BSOs use in the daily performance of their duties, they will also be provided numerous opportunities to implement their knowledge into experiential learning and practical exercises.
CJP-4201: Integrated Emergency Response Capstone
This Integrated Emergency Response Capstone course focuses on the coordinated efforts that are required to respond quickly and effectively to a planned practical exercise of a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI). Students will gain a practical perspective of the various emergency response agencies and their specific roles as well as detail the importance of interaction, interagency collaboration and effective communication of responders at the scene.
Program Maps
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates find employment with: Canada Border Services, military police, special constables (transit police), by-law enforcement, correctional services ( federal and provincial), police services-federal, provincial, regional or municipal, loss prevention/retail security, alcohol and gamin (casinos/slots), industrial/corporate security, and private security/investigation.