Field Placement
Field Placement Option in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CRCJ 3901) – 1.0 credit
The Field Placement option in Criminology and Criminal Justice has been offered at Carleton University since 1973. Through a field placement in an agency setting, students are provided the opportunity to obtain practical involvement in various aspects of the penal field. This may include work related to policy development and to the administration of criminal justice, support for marginalized and/or criminalized individuals, support for victims of criminalized incidents or persons in distress, and crime prevention initiatives, to name a few. Below you will find a few examples of organizations offering placement opportunities for ICCJ students.
Students interested in participating apply for acceptance to the Field Placement after completing nine credits (for 3rd year standing). Students must have 3rd year standing in order to participate.
Students accepted into CRCJ 3901 (1.0 credit) may also be eligible to complete CRCJ 3902 (1.0 credit) which would require them to work an additional 8 hours a week at their assigned agency.
Information Session:
2025-2026 field placement info session
Field Placement Application:
2025-2026 field placement application
application deadline is May 1st, 2025
Examples of Organizations Offering Placement Opportunities:
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BGC Ottawa is a front-line agency, which operates a number of Clubs that provide social, educational, life skill and recreational programming to youth based on an early intervention philosophy. Students may have opportunities to take part in existing programs or implement their own activities directed at the life-skill needs of the Club’s members. Modelling of pro-social behaviour through supervision of activities reflects the Club’s commitment to preventive guidance and social, economic, and cultural sensitivity.
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Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) is a community-based initiative operating on restorative justice principles. CoSA assists individuals who have served a prison sentence for a sexual offence(s) in their effort to re-enter society. These individuals, who are referred to as Core Members, participate in the program voluntarily and are not mandated by the judicial system. CoSA-Ottawa is one of currently 18 Canadian cities operating CoSA programs, representing approximately 150 to 200 circles and 500 volunteers. The Core Member and three to five trained and screened community volunteers comprise the Circle. They meet as a group and individually on a regular basis to:
▪ Support the Core Member’s community integration by facilitating his practical needs (i.e. access to medical services, social assistance, seeking employment/affordable housing, etc.) and by providing a consistent network of emotional support;
▪ Develop constructive and pro-social strategies and solutions to everyday problems and concerns;
▪ Challenge the Core Member’s behaviours and attitudes that may be associated with his offending cycle.
▪ Celebrate successes.
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The Ministry of the Attorney General is responsible for providing a fair and accessible justice system which reflects the needs of the diverse communities it serves across government and the province. It strives to manage the justice system in an equitable, affordable, and accessible way throughout the province. Student may get experience in a number of areas including trials, judicial pre-trials, attending a number of different courts. Placement is mostly observational but could have more involvement in reviewing and organizing cases and trial preparation, but that may depend on the Crown and/or the student.
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The Centre operates a 24-hour telephone service providing crisis intervention, suicide prevention and support services to people dealing with a broad range of issues, which include suicide, sexual and physical abuse, addictions, physical and mental illness, and/or interpersonal problems. After the completion of an intensive 60-hour training, our students will staff our Mental Health Crisis Line and our Distress Line. Training topics will include communication skills, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and current social issues.
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Emergency and Protective Services Department is comprised of Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, By-law and Regulatory Services, Security and Emergency Management, Public Policy Development and Business Support Services. Public Policy Development Branch is responsible for establishing public policy and drafting corresponding by-laws related to regulatory areas within the City’s purview, including matters relating to public safety, nuisance control, and consumer protection, among others. Public Policy Development Branch also provides strategic, policy, and regulatory advice to Departmental leads and members of Council and makes recommendations on the development and amendment of relevant by-laws and policies. The Community Safety and Well-Being unit is responsible, on behalf of Council, for developing the legislatively required Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. To develop the Plan, municipalities must work collaboratively to address priority risk factors with the goal of achieving sustainable communities where everyone is safe, has a sense of belonging, opportunities to participate, and where individuals and families are able to meet their needs for education, health care, food, housing, income, and social and cultural expression.
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At the John Howard Society of Ottawa (JHS), students have the opportunity to work with clients who have been criminalized and experience higher rates of problematic psychoactive substance use, mental health issues and high-risk behaviours. They provide one-on-one skills training involving goal setting, prioritizing needs, establishing a rapport and open communication with clients, addressing barriers, helping clients navigate social services, as well as understand risk, need, and responsivity factors of this population. Students also have the opportunity to plan, prepare for and facilitate group workshops for clients. These workshops include life skills, such as self-advocacy, self-management & self-direction, effective communication, interpersonal skills, emotions management, problem-solving, attitudes, cultural awareness, and pro-social recreational activities.
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Website
OCH provides approximately 15,000 homes to about 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles, and persons with special needs, within many communities across the City of Ottawa. OCH houses a diverse population of varying languages, ethnicity, and cultures. OCH is the largest social housing provider in Ottawa, managing two-thirds of the City’s social housing portfolio, and is the second largest in Ontario.
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Many law offices specializing in criminal defence or family law offer placement opportunities for ICCJ students.