Police Powers in Canada

Course description

Students examine the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its impact on police procedure. Students explore police powers of arrest granted by legislation to police officers and civilians, including issues related to the use of police discretion, and the use of force. Students also examine police powers regarding searches, and seizure with and without warrant authorized under federal and provincial law. Various other police powers are studied including the authorization to stop vehicles in specific situations, the power to seize documentation dependent upon circumstances, and the power to compel persons to obey orders when emergent situations exist, as well as the alternatives available should the affected citizen refuse to submit to the police authority being exercised.

Students registering for credit courses for the first time must declare a program at the point of registration. Declaring a program does not necessarily mean students must complete a program, individual courses may be taken for skill improvement and upgrading.

For more information, please contact Continuing Education