Law and Security

Overview

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to protect yourself and others. You learn:

• Policing and security practices
• Interviewing, critical thinking and investigative techniques
• Effective communication
• Handling challenging behaviours and crisis situations

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • You must be 19 years of age prior to going on a work placement which is scheduled for late April.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• This program exceeds federal and provincial standards for security officers. It meets standards set by the Canadian Standards Board for uniformed security.
• The program meets the requirement for those wishing to pursue a career with military police.
• You attend guest lectures and workshops in suicide intervention, critical and stress management, non-violent crisis management and Canadian Safety Council defensive driving.

Other info

• Students enrolled in this program are required to wear a uniform while attending classes and during work terms, as well as wear appropriate gym attire for fitness and defence tactics courses.
• Employers in this sector require one or all of the following as part of the hiring process: current, official criminal record check, vulnerable sector check and/or child abuse register search. A conviction or finding in family court may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• A current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check are required to complete work placements in many programs. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements.
• All programs in Health and Human Services require First Aid/CPR as a graduation requirement. For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including immunizations. You must submit proof that you've completed these requirements by the date provided to you at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete.
  • Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Successful applicants are required to supply a current medical certificate stating that they are capable of strenuous physical activity.
• You must obtain Emergency First Responder certification
• You must be 19 years of age prior to going on a work placement.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Law and Security

Career options

• Graduates work as protection officers in government, private sector security, private policing organizations and positions where certification is required.

Future study options

• Some graduates have advanced into policing and law enforcement education.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

COMM 1227 - Communications I
This course provides the student with an overview of the communication skills required by business and industry. Students will learn to apply these communication skills to be successful in their selected workplace setting.

COMM 1228 - Communications II
This course further develops essential communications skills with a focus on basic writing. This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop written work typical of the industry related to their program of study.

CRIM 1009 - Canadian Criminal Justice
Students will gain an understanding of the justice system’s response from commission of offence through to final disposition, court structures, policing, and the organization of federal and provincial correctional organizations. The course also explores historical and background perspectives, issues, trends, and patterns in policing, the courts and in corrections.

PROS 1004 - Defence Tactics I
This course is designed for students to develop a basic repertoire of skills and knowledge to evaluate and react to situations, which may require use of force. The principles and tactics taught allow students a clearer understanding of the use of force continuum and, in turn, help to facilitate appropriate perception, evaluation of, and response to subject control problems and physical assaults. The course covers pressure points, motor points, use of restraint equipment and impact weapons as well as theoretical framework of the PPCT force continuum. A “sound physical health” medical certificate is required.

PROS 1020 - Work Experience
The course enables students the opportunity to demonstrate and practice some of the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program, and at the same time gain valuable experience in a law or security environment.

PROS 1030 - Interpersonal Communication Skills
This course provides students with interpersonal communication skills necessary for employment in a law and security setting. Students will develop verbal and non-verbal communication strategies for effectively communicating with the public and within teams.

PROS 1100 - Fundamentals of Law and Security
This pre-employment training course is designed to provide students with the occupational and behavioural skills and attitudes necessary to function professionally as a security professional in the private security/policing industry. The subjects covered are intended to provide students with a sound basis on which to deal with a myriad of on-the-job security responsibilities in an appropriate manner. The course meets and surpasses training standards set by the Canadian General Standards Board for Uniformed Security Guards and Nova Scotia Protective Security Services requirements.

PROS 1101 - Interviews and Investigations Techniques
This course provides students with a working knowledge of interviews and investigations in industry. Particular emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct routine security investigations including: informal and formal interviews; collection, labelling, protection, and presentation of evidence; and basic surveillance techniques. A minor criminal investigation and workplace accident scenario serve as the focal point to develop learner investigative skills. Students are required to participate in role-play exercises.

PROS 1104 - Physical Security Survey
Students are introduced to the knowledge and skills necessary to complete an effective physical security survey. Physical security lighting, perimeter barriers, lock and key control, alarm and access control systems, and an introduction to the Canadian Government Industrial Security Manual are be covered. Students learning is enhanced through a realistic security survey conducted by working in teams. The goal of risk management is to manage risk effectively at the least possible cost. Before any risk can be eliminated (or reduced) it must be identified. One proven method of accomplishing this task is the security survey. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, appraise and reduce risk to property, information and personnel.

PROS 1121 - Police Powers and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Students examine pertinent sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and their impact on police powers in Canada. Specifically: police and citizen arrest; police release authorities; police powers of search and seizure with and without warrant; and police discretion are discussed. This course will enable students to become familiar with police terminology and to apply procedures required to affect arrest, release, search and seizure for both police and private citizens (protection officers).

PROS 1123 - Criminal Law and the Criminal Code
This course introduces students to the Canadian Criminal Code and to several of the most commonly violated criminal code offences. Offences against the person, property and public order will be examined. This course is of interest to protection officers and any other individuals involved with the Canadian criminal justice system.

PROS 1127 - Retail Security
This course is designed to familiarize students with distinctive security functions associated with retail, hotel and hospital environments. Emphasis will be placed on retail security procedures.

PROS 2004 - Defence Tactics II
Students learn and practice additional physical control techniques, unilateral, vascular neck restraint, tactical handcuffing, weapon retention and disarming techniques. In preparation students are be required to successfully complete a threshold knowledge and practical test confirming material covered in Defence Tactics I. An in-depth review of applicable Criminal Code Sections and the use of force continuum models is also conducted.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 3010 - Fire Safety Training
Fire is one of the most feared disasters that could befall any industry. All employees are responsible for fire safety but none more than those who are charged with the safety and security of clients, customers, employees, and visitors to any organization. Students will learn basic knowledge concerning: classes of fires; types of fire extinguishers; sprinkler systems; evacuation; fire warden duties; causes of fires; chemical elements of a fire; fire prevention, and first line fire suppression.

SOCS 1000 - Introduction to Sociology
This survey course focuses on the major sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives.

SOCS 1001 - Introduction to Psychology
This survey course will introduce students to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. It will explore its goals, theoretical perspectives, research and applications. It will challenge students to make connections between areas of study and their everyday experience.