This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for 2000-2001 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the Calendar for updated information.

Public Safety
Communications

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Offered at Richmond

Intake: Full-time, Sept.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of this Program, students are awarded a Certificate in Public Safety Communications.

Description

In 1990, Kwantlen introduced the first Public Safety Communications program in Canada.

This unique, eight-month program prepares students for a growing industry that requires professionally selected and trained public safety communicators. Public safety communicator's expertise often literally means the difference between life and death for a caller. Rapid technological changes, as well as greater social and cultural diversity, have heightened the need for communicators who can successfully function under considerable pressure.

The introduction of 911 throughout North America has brought increased public attention to the role of the public safety communicator's. While the duties performed by communicators vary considerably according to the function and structure of the organization, there is a simple common element: The communicator's critically links the public to those who provide police, fire and emergency medical assistance.

Career Opportunities

· graduates qualify at an entry level, as police, fire, and medical communications operators.

• apply to prospective employers with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to function effectively as communications operators within the public safety industry as well as related fields of call centre and dispatch operations.

Student Profile

A desire to help people is an important qualification for public safety communicators but it does not ensure success in this demanding career. The public safety communicators must have superior multi-tasking abilities, be able to simultaneously manipulate telephones and radios while thinking quickly and critically, and make necessary decisions with limited information. The communicators must have excellent listening skills, be assertive but not aggressive, be able to maintain emotional control and work well in a team setting.

Students must be prepared to work hard, actively participate in all facets of the program, show enthusiasm and commitment and be willing to accept constructive criticism to attain the skills necessary for employment. Ideally applicants will have some experience in related fields such as victim's assistance and crisis management.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the regular Kwantlen requirements, students admitted to the program will have completed the following steps in order:

Step 1 Provide proof of high school graduation (or completion of the GED) or equivalent. Submit proof of an LPI score of level 4 or higher, achieve keyboarding speed of 40 wpm or higher. Submit a researched essay. Submit a resume with 3 letters of reference, pass a basic criminal record search, and take a hearing exam.

Step 2 Participate in an interview, which includes a performance evaluation.

Step 3 Pass an enhanced reliability security screening through the RCMP.

To receive an information package detailing the program, career prospects and admissions procedures, please contact Richmond Admissions. Orientation sessions are held in October and February.

*Selection criteria subject to change

Content

This intensive Certificate program is organized according to the following principles:

· The development of an appropriate level of understanding of the legal, regulatory, and procedural framework within which graduates of the program are expected to function.

· The provision of hands-on training with various communications systems similar to those used in the field are conducted in our campus lab. The development of the human relations and personal skills needed to effectively handle callers, relate to co-workers and supervisors, and manage on-the-job stress.

· The integration of learning through a wide variety of incident simulations, oral and written presentations, field trips, and practicums.

Components of the program focus on cultural and societal sensitivity and teamwork.

Courses are kept up to date through instructors' professional development, through consultations with the program's advisory board and with the field generally, and through the procurement of appropriate equipment. Program curriculum is continually updated to industry needs.

September - December

PSCM 1100 Call Processing
PSCM 1120 Radio Communications
PSCM 1140 Human Behaviour (Basic)
PSCM 1150 Legal & Regulatory Influences
PSCM 1400 Emergency Planning

January - May

PSCM 1200 Police Communications
PSCM 1240 Human Behaviour (Advanced)
PSCM 1260 Practicum
PSCM 1300 Fire Communications
PSCM 1500 Effective Emergency Medical Communications