Sworn In Before Graduation: How a CCJA Criminal Justice Diploma Student Became a Police Officer

CCJA’s first Sworn Police Officer - And Katie hasn’t graduated yet. 

If you're wondering how to become a police officer, the answer often comes down to more than just education alone. It’s the combination of hard work, the right criminal justice diploma, hands-on experience, and real-world exposure that sets our students apart in the hiring process.

At the Canadian Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), our Criminal Justice Diploma program is designed to prepare students for careers in policing, corrections, security, and the wider justice field through both classroom learning and practical experience.

We are proud to share the story of one of our current students who has achieved an incredible milestone. Although she will not officially graduate until December, she has already been sworn in as a Police Officer with the Estevan (Saskatchewan) Police Services.

Canadian Criminal Justice Diploma Sworn In with Estevan Police.

From CCJA Student to Police Officer

A key part of her journey was her practicum placement with the Estevan Police Service, completed through her studies at CCJA. This experience gave her direct exposure to policing operations, the opportunity to learn from serving officers, and a deeper understanding of day-to-day responsibilities in law enforcement.

During this time, she was able to apply what she learned in her criminal justice diploma courses in a real professional environment. This helped strengthen her communication skills, professionalism, confidence, and overall readiness for recruitment.

This is a combination of education, practicum experience, personal dedication, and lots of courage that helped create the opportunity for her to be sworn in before graduation.

Why Practical Experience Matters

Employers in the justice profession look for more than academic knowledge. They want serious candidates who can demonstrate real-world readiness, professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to perform in dynamic environments.

At CCJA, our students are given opportunities to develop these skills through hands-on learning, volunteer experiences, and practicum placements that connect them with professionals in the field.

This approach helps build confidence, gain experience, and begin developing their professional network while still completing their education.

Building Real Career Pathways in Criminal Justice

This student’s achievement is a strong example of what can happen when education bridges policing experience. Her practicum placement helped open a direct pathway into policing, leading to her being sworn in as a police officer before completing her diploma.

We are proud of her accomplishments and excited to continue supporting Katie as she enters her next phase of education and training at the Saskatchewan Police College in Regina. Supporting our students long after they leave CCJA is important. Work toward careers in law enforcement, corrections, and other areas of public safety starts day one of semester one at CCJA. 

Start Your Journey in Criminal Justice

Whether your goal is to become a police officer or build a career in the wider justice profession, at CCJA you will stand out.

The CCJA Criminal Justice Diploma program is designed to build meaningful skills, a fit mind and body, confidence, and real-world exposure needed to pursue careers in criminal justice.

Applications for upcoming intakes are now open.

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