91Εέά½

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

CRIM 101 - Introduction to Criminology (3)

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Amanda Butler
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D201 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D202 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D203 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D204 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D205 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D206 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D207 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D208 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D209 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D210 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Bryan Kinney
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
D901 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D902 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D903 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D904 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D905 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
D906 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
CRIM 131 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System - A Total System Approach (3)

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Dawn Rault
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
D901 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D902 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D903 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D904 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D905 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
CRIM 251 - Introduction to Policing (3)

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

CRIM 318 - Special Topics in Criminology (3) *

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
B101 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
B102 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B104 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B105 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B106 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CRIM 351 - Police Accountability and Ethics (3)

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.

CRIM 410 - Decision-making in Criminal Justice (3)

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.

CRIM 416 - Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3) *

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CRIM 417 - Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3) *

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D901 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
CRIM 418 - Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice (3) *

A critical analysis of certain 'hot' issues in criminology and criminal justice. The topics covered change from term to term. Prerequisite: CRIM 101.

CRIM 453 - Policing Illegal Drug Markets (3)

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.

CRIM 455 - Advanced Issues in Policing (3)

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.

CRIM 456 - Investigative Psychology in Policing (3)

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.

CRIM 458 - Community Policing (3)

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

CRIM 311 - Social Inequalities and the Criminal Justice System (3)

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.

CRIM 312 - Criminological Perspectives on Social Problems (3)

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.

CRIM 314 - Mental Disorder, Criminality and the Law (3)

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E101 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E102 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E103 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E104 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E105 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E106 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CRIM 316 - Sexual Offenders and Sexual Offences (3)

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CRIM 350 - Techniques of Crime Prevention (3)

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CRIM 419 - Aboriginal/Indigenous Justice (3)

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CRIM 433 - Communities and Crime (3)

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 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
CRIM 454 - Criminal Profiling (3)

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.

CRIM 459 - Organized Crime (3)

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.

CRIM 460 - Applied Crime Prevention (3)

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 β€˜defensible space’, β€˜eyes on the street’, 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.

CRIM 464 - Street Gang Patterns and Policies (3)

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
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

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.