Grads to Watch 2026: Police Foundations unlocks the opportunity to give back

In the Police Foundations program, Amber Brown found a career that fulfilled her goal of helping in her community. She completed her field placements with the Peel Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police, all while giving back to campus life by volunteering. Most recently, she was the student lead at the Mississauga Marathon. Now, having secured a role in security at Pearson International Airport, Brown is ready to build the next phase of her journey in her career.

What were some memorable moments you had during your field placements with Peel Regional Police and The Ontario Provincial Police?

The two years spent in the Police Foundation program were two of the best years I've had in school in a while! One thing that I will always remember and cherish is that my first time ever driving was in a police cruiser.

And seeing up close how the police deal with mental health while I was doing a ride along solidified my reason for wanting to get into law enforcement—to help and to make a difference. I am forever grateful to my professor who encouraged me to do (this placement).  It opened so many doors for me, helped me to grow and built my confidence while pushing me out of my comfort zone.

You’ve given back to the community in many ways as a volunteer too. Tell us a bit about that work.

I have always considered myself a naturally caring and helpful person, so when it came to volunteering, I would be there as long as I was available. I recently took the lead in the Mississauga Marathon. My role as a student lead/ course marshal was organizing student participation and sign-ups, communicating updates through emails and sorting volunteer packages. It pushed me to step up confidently and responsibly and to not let myself or my team down.

“I am forever grateful to my professor who encouraged me to do this placement. It opened so many doors for me, helped me to grow and built my confidence.”

What advice would you have for first-year students?

Do more than just show up to class. Participate, get involved, volunteer and build positive relationships with your professors and classmates. Standing out in a positive way can open many opportunities for you. If you only attend classes without participating or putting yourself out there, you become just another name on the attendance list.

College can be very intimidating at first, especially when you are thinking of workloads, friendships and where you fit in. Over time I remained focused; however, I also became more open, built meaningful friendships, connected with professors and stayed active. Those connections played a huge role in my growth throughout the program.