PPI625 - Advanced Investigations

Subject Title
Advanced Investigations

Subject Description
This subject teaches skills and procedures essential to a career in Private Investigations and is supported by the practical experience offered in PPI 530, Photography and Surveillance Techniques. With a focus on civil and criminal cases, students will receive exposure to the skill-sets and experiential requirements necessary to a good field investigator. Specific emphasis will be placed on relevant legislation and legal liability, with an eye towards the areas of corporate investigations, the private insurance industry, WCB fraud, the newly reformed Privacy Laws and internal theft. The development of specific sources of information in the pursuit of an investigation is key to this process. In the final weeks, students will participate in a major field project as part of an investigative team.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Explain the operational limitations imposed on Private Investigators as set out under the PSISA.  

2. Understand the legal liability attached to the practice of Private Investigations, and its effect on investigators, PI companies, and their clients.  

3. Understand and explain the common types of investigations, their requirements and limitations, and how your duties as an investigator differ in each situation.  

4. Apply the required elements of PIPEDA to routine investigative actions 

5. Apply varied government, commercial and private sources of information (SOI) in support of a major ongoing team investigation. 

6. Demonstrate a legal understanding of the collection and use of evidence as well as all legislation pertinent to evidence contained in the Charter.  

7. Explain the various surveillance practices and be aware of the challenges presented by the application within an investigation of such elements as Intimidation, Pretexts, Mischief and Criminal Harassment. 

8. Develop and source the requirements for a PI surveillance vehicle and individual personal equipment.

Essential Employability Skills
    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.