Our Research
CPSAR works directly with policing, corrections, court, and community-based partners to identify knowledge, skill, and research gaps in the Canadian public safety sector, and to develop practical, evidence-informed solutions.
Our current work spans Indigenous-led and community-based research, public safety personnel wellness and resilience, policing and justice, mental health and alternative response models, and the use of emerging technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence in training. Projects are designed in partnership with the organizations and communities they serve, so questions reflect real needs and findings can be put to use.
CPSAR also gives Lethbridge Polytechnic's diploma and degree students hands-on research experience, building on the institution's history of training justice professionals since 1969.
What we offer partners
- Partnership-based applied research on real-world public safety and community problems
- Facilitated collaboration and knowledge sharing across stakeholders, partners, and research teams
- Access to research expertise, grants, and funding sources
- Experiential learning opportunities for Lethbridge Polytechnic students and graduates
Meet Our People
Dr. Kirsten Fantazir
President’s Applied Research Chair, CPSAR
Dr. Kirsten Fantazir graduated from the General Studies program at Lethbridge College in 1999 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Education in Distance Education, and a PhD in Psychology, focused on studying game-based learning technologies through gamification.
She joined Lethbridge Polytechnic in 2003, has been a faculty member in the School of Justice Studies since 2010 and was formerly the SJS Distance Learning Program Chair. Currently, she is the President’s Applied Research Chair for Public Safety and helps to support applied research teams in the Centre for Public Safety Applied Research.
She is also a researcher, with current projects focused on authentically assessing police candidates using virtual reality, understanding and improving police-citizen interactions through systemic observation of body-worn camera footage, and reintegrating priority populations through integrating Indigenous Ways of Knowing and cultural practices in social-recreational programming.
Email: kirsten.fantazir@lethpolytech.ca
Faith Wanjiku
Applied Research Operations Officer CPSAR, Centre for Applied Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CARIE)
Faith holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the United States International University - Africa, and a Postgraduate Certificate in International Business Management from Sheridan College. Her interests extend to continuing her learning journey, particularly in exploring the integration between research and technology.
Beyond her academic achievements, she is driven by a genuine passion for engaging with people from various backgrounds and a desire to contribute to the well-being of diverse communities. Actively volunteering her time and expertise, she supports initiatives that promote inclusivity and social development.
Email: faith.wanjiku@lethpolytech.ca