Spring 2026 - CRIM 251 D100
Introduction to Policing (3)
Class Number: 1081
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 18, 2026
Sat, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Ryan Sandrin
rsandrin@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
CRIM 131.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
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. Students with credit for CRIM 151 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course will introduce students to various topics related to Canadian policing. Topics will include the history and modern landscape of policing in the Canadian context, public perceptions of police, the role of police patrol strategies for crime prevention, police use-of-force, the recruitment and retention of police officers, and the evidence-based policing movement. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to actively engage with course materials in various contexts to enhance their knowledge of Canadian policing. For example, students will participate in discussions, respond to questions, and critically analyze course materials. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with police officers as part of a series of panel presentations. Students will be assessed on course comprehension via two exams and one term paper.
Grading
- Midterm Exam 30%
- Final Exam 40%
- Term Paper 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There are no required textbooks. All assigned readings will be available for download via the course website.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
If you have any Criminology course enrollment requests (course adds, course swaps), please contact a Criminology advisor. Please do not contact instructors for enrollment assistance as they will ultimately refer you to a Criminology advisor.
Criminology course enrollment requests should be sent to a Criminology advisor no later than the last day of the Second week of classes. Late enrollment requests are subject to approval and are not guaranteed.
Enrollment requests for non-Crim courses should be directed to the advisor for the program offering the course.
ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Center for Accessible Learning, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.
- N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
- ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (SWH 10156), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only, with the contents date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will be accepted (e.g. Library/Campus Security). For the Surrey Campus, assignments must be hand delivered to the General Office of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, located at SUR 5180, on Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30p.m., or placed in the assignment drop box located at the southwest corner of Galleria 5. The Surrey assignment drop box is emptied Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the contents date stamped accordingly. The School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted in any other manner (e.g., slid under office doors). The University does NOT accept assignments by fax or email.
- A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise they will receive a grade of N.
- The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
- Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution. Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.
UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.