Please note:
To view the Summer 2025 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2025/summer.html.
Police Studies Minor
Program Declaration and Continuation
Students with a minimum 2.25 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) apply for program declaration to the School of Criminology after completing 30 units including all of the criminology lower division requirements with minimum C- grades.
To continue in the minor, students must maintain a 2.25 CGPA. Students whose CGPA falls below 2.25 cannot enroll in any upper division CRIM courses.
Prerequisites
Students are responsible for satisfying the prerequisites for all required and elective courses. The school does not routinely waive the completion of prerequisite courses.
Program Requirements
Lower Division Requirements
All of
Topics will include: examination of different terms and concepts commonly used in criminology, such as crime, delinquency, deviance, criminal, victim, rehabilitation and treatment. Criminology as a body of knowledge and as a profession. Position and subject matter of criminology. Relationship between criminology and other academic disciplines. Specificity of criminology. Relationship between theory and practice. History and evolution of criminological thought. Elements of continuity and discontinuity between classical and modern theories of criminality. Levels of explanations in criminology. Practical applications of criminology. The foundations of a modern criminal policy. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Zachary Rowan |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 8:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Amanda Butler |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 8:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D201 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D202 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D203 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D204 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D205 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D206 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D207 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D208 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D209 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D210 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Bryan Kinney |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 8:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D901 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D902 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D903 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D904 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D905 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D906 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Introductory analysis of the structure and operation of the Canadian criminal justice system. Examination of the patterns of crime and victimization; police operations, discretion and decision making; the criminal courts, including sentencing; the corrections system, including correctional institutions and community-based models; the youth justice system. Patterns of contact and conflict between various social groups and the criminal justice system. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
David Macalister |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 2:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Dawn Rault |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 8:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D901 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D902 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D903 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D904 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D905 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
An examination of the organization and operation of contemporary Canadian policing. Consideration of the history and development of policing in Canada, the role of the police in Canadian society and the police occupation, including recruitment and training. Discussion of police decision making and the exercise of discretion, police powers, and structures of accountability. Managing the police organization. Examination of police-community relations and crime prevention initiatives. Prerequisite: CRIM 131. Students with credit for CRIM 151 may not take this course for further credit.
Upper Division Course Access and Requirements
Students with a minimum 2.25 CGPA are eligible to enroll in upper division criminology courses upon successful completion of 60 units and criminology program declaration.
Note that same upper division course may not be used for formal credit in both the criminology major and the police studies minor. Students cannot obtain credit for both the post baccalaureate diploma in police studies and this minor program.
Students complete a minimum of 15 upper division units, including three of the following courses
A critical analysis of specific areas of criminology or criminal justice. The subjects covered will change from term to term depending on the specific interests of faculty, or students and current issues in criminology. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Shannon Linning |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30β10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B101 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 10:30β11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B102 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B103 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B104 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B105 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B106 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 5:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines police accountability including the expected ethical conduct of police, police powers, police decision-making, the exercise of discretion, and the structure of accountability. Specific emphasis on police codes of ethics, core values of police agencies, the function of internal investigations, and the role of civilian review. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and 251.
Examination of the factors which influence decision making in the criminal justice system. The exercise of discretion by criminal justice personnel; the role of organizational policies and priorities in decision making; the involvement of victims and the public. Consideration of decision making at specific stages of the criminal justice process. Prerequisite: CRIM 131.
A critical analysis of certain 'hot' issues in criminology and criminal justice. The topics covered change from term to term. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Brenda Morrison |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A critical analysis of certain 'hot' issues in criminology and criminal justice. The topics covered change from term to term. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Chisen Goto Ryan Prox |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 9:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D901 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
A critical analysis of certain 'hot' issues in criminology and criminal justice. The topics covered change from term to term. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Provides an overview of the theoretical, analytical, and ethical issues related to drug law enforcement. Examines the strategies used by the police in responding to the challenges posed by illegal drug markets. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Covers the major issues surrounding policing in the 21st century. Topics will vary semester to semester and may include policing gangs; police social disorder; sustainable policing; the police in the global community; quality assurance in policing; policing multi-needs populations; and the delivery of police services in remote and rural communities. Focus on police strategies and the effectiveness of specific policies and interventions designed to address these changes. Prerequisite: CRIM 101, 131 and 251.
Advanced issues relating to the empirical and scientific study of investigative psychology in policing. Outlines the main applications of investigative psychology, including police interrogation techniques, confession, false allegation, lie detection, crisis negotiation, risks and threats assessment, and psychological autopsies. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Examines the theory and models of contemporary community policing in Canada. Explores crime prevention, crime response, problem-oriented policing, the definition of community, and the role and responsibility of the community. Prerequisite: CRIM 251.
and two courses chosen from either list above or below
An analysis of the intersections between social inequalities and the criminal justice system through an examination of systematic and structural racism, discrimination, and oppression. Students will critically analyze the experiences of different groups (across race, ethnicity, religion, class, gender, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, health, among others) and their interactions with the criminal justice system and access to justice through an exploration of justice-related policies, legislation, and practices. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Involves detailed study of forms of deviance that have been commonly defined as constituting 'social problems.' Consideration of drug abuse (alcohol, nicotine, heroin and others), suicide, prostitution, obscenity, gambling and abortion. Justifications for present legislative policy and the relationship between these activities and the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Critical examination of the impact of psychiatry and related clinical professions on the criminal justice system. Relationship between institutions of mental health and legal control. The relevance of psychiatric theory and decision-making for the processing of mentally disordered offenders. The role of forensic clinicians in the courts, prisons, mental hospitals and related agencies. Specific issues addressed in this course will include psychiatric assessment, criminal responsibility, fitness to stand trial, prediction of dangerousness, treatment of mentally ill criminals and the penal and therapeutic commitment of the insane. Prerequisite: CRIM 101. Recommended: CRIM 131.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Nikolay Shchitov |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 4:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E101 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 6:30β7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E102 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E103 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E104 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E105 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E106 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 5:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Provides an overview of current theoretical, clinical, and legal issues related to sexual offenders and sexual offences. For each of these issues, consideration will be given to different approaches and perspectives, and debates characterizing them. The topics to be covered include: explanatory models of sexual offending; developmental risk factors of sexual offending; typologies of sexual offenders; criminal careers of sexual offenders; phallometric assessment; actuarial and clinical risk assessment; treatment programs and their effectiveness, and criminal justice system initiatives. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and 103. Students with credit for CRIM 417 in Spring or Summer 2005 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Eric Beauregard |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Techniques of mobilizing community resources for crime prevention. Organizing, implementing and managing citizen efforts to reduce crime. Recruiting citizen assistance, training requirements, establishing and operating citizen organizations, evaluating results. Organizing programs for reducing criminal opportunity, programs for education, employment and recreation. Operating youth services centres, residential programs, crisis intervention and emergency centres. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Bryan Kinney |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 5:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 3:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An in-depth examination of Aboriginal/indigenous conceptions of justice in dealing with crime and other trouble in indigenous communities, and in relations among peoples. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or FNST 101 or 201 or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for this course as CRIM 416 or 418, or FNST 419, may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Ted Palys |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines communities and neighborhoods as contexts for thinking about a wide range of criminological issues including crime, fear, victimization, policing, and policy. Theoretical explanations and applied research will be used to explore how and why "community" is important for understanding crime and criminal justice. Prerequisite: CRIM 101. Students with credit for this course as CRIM 418 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Shannon Linning |
Sep 3 β Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Provides an overview of the advanced issues relating to the scientific study, development and evaluation of criminal profiling. Outlines the criminological and psychological principles upon which criminal profiling is based, including classification of violent behaviour, behavioural change and consistency. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Examines the many forms of organized crime, including theories and models. Explores specific activities involving organized criminals, traditional organized crime, street gangs and motorcycle gangs, and criminal justice responses to organized crime. Prerequisite: CRIM 101. Students with credit for CRIM 416 in Spring 2009 or CRIM 313 in Fall 2009 may not take this course for further credit.
Introduces the modern techniques of crime prevention. Emphasis will be on: opportunity and environmental criminology theories; situational crime prevention and problem-oriented policing; the concepts of βdefensible spaceβ, βeyes on the streetβ, and place management; reducing the opportunities for crime; evaluating crime prevention programs and offender adaptations to interventions. Prerequisite: CRIM 101. Students with credit for CRIM 450 may not take this course for further credit.
Introduces the theoretical, empirical, and policy issues surrounding street gangs. The state of the current gang problem in Canada, the sociodemographics and motivations of individuals who join gangs the effect of gang membership on delinquency, the nature of violence and victimization, and the challenges of desistance will be discussed. Concludes with an overview of gang control strategies and the available policies. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.
Students may also choose any other 300 or 400 division course that is designated as a police studies course and approved by the School of Criminology. Such courses may be offered by the School of Criminology (e.g. special topics courses), or other departments and faculties. See the school's academic advisor for further information.
Note that courses may have prerequisites.
Declared criminology students may not take CRIM 301 for credit.
* When offered with a focus of policing
Graduation Requirements
Students must obtain a minimum grade of C- in all required courses. In addition to normal university grade point average requirements, the School of Criminology requires the following: for graduation, students must obtain a minimum 2.25 CGPA, 2.25 UDGPA, 2.25 criminology course CGPA (calculated on all CRIM courses completed at SFU), and 2.25 criminology course UDGPA (calculated on all upper division CRIM courses completed at SFU).
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at 91Εέά½
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at 91Εέά½
- at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.
For students in other faculties, please check your faculty's overall degree requirements: /students/calendar/faculties-research.html
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to 91Εέά½ beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at 91Εέά½ within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |