Sask Police College – Regina, SK

Excellence in Law Enforcement Training

The Saskatchewan Police College (SPC) serves as the exclusive training academy for all municipal police services within the province. Situated within the College West Building at the University of Regina, this institution represents a unique partnership between the academic world and law enforcement. Established in 1974/1975, the college was created to standardize police training across Saskatchewan, ensuring that officers in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, and other municipalities receive consistent, high-level instruction. It operates under the legislative authority of the Police Act, 1990 and is overseen by the Saskatchewan Police Commission.

The Recruit Training Program

The College’s flagship offering is the Recruit Training Program, an intensive 20-week course (extended from previous durations to accommodate modern demands) required for all new hires. The curriculum is competency-based and rigorously physically and mentally demanding. It covers:

• Legal Studies: In-depth study of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and provincial statutes.
• Tactical Skills: Firearms safety and proficiency, defensive tactics, high-risk vehicle stops, and de-escalation techniques.
• Social Sciences: Courses on mental health crisis response, domestic violence intervention, and cultural diversity, with a strong focus on Indigenous awareness and history.
• Wellness: Physical fitness conditioning (POPAT preparation) and lifestyle management for long-term career resilience.

Academic Partnership and Advanced Training

Unlike many police academies that are isolated, the SPC’s location on a university campus allows for a distinct academic atmosphere. Through a collaboration with the University of Regina, recruits can earn credits towards a Bachelor of Arts in Police Studies, professionalizing the field. Beyond new recruits, the college serves as a hub for In-Service Training. Senior officers return here for specialized courses in leadership, fraud investigation, sexual assault investigation, and breath technician certification.

Administrative Role

It is important to note that the Saskatchewan Police College is an educational institution, not an operational police station. It does not dispatch officers, take crime reports, or hold prisoners. Its "clients" are the police agencies of the province. The staff consists of seconded senior officers from various municipal forces and civilian experts, creating a rich, collaborative learning environment that evolves with the changing landscape of Canadian policing.