Nicholas Weaver

Don Daufenbach

CJ-1010

December 1, 2018

Higher Education Benefits in Law Enforcement

An increasing number of police departments are requiring higher education to become a

police officer. Studies have shown that policemen holding a degree demonstrate better

performance traits and have fewer departmental disciplinary actions (Bond, 2017). In fact, one

study of disciplinary cases against Florida officers found that officers who had only obtained a

high school or equivalent education were subject to 75% of all disciplinary actions and officers

who had obtained a four-year degree only accounted for 11% (Michelson 2016). Completing any

level of higher education is a great example of self-discipline, a required trait for police officers.

A 2014 study done at Michigan State University shows supporting evidence that a non-

degree holding officer is much more likely to use force as their first option to gain compliance

(Michelson, 2016). Police officers holding a degree are typically going try to reason using other

methods with potential perpetrators. The study also showed that the same higher educated police

officers usually have higher levels of creativity and problem-solving skills (Michelson, 2016). If

the average rate of policeman using unnecessary force were to decrease it will ultimately lead to

a more positive view of police from the general public and less required investigations to

determine if force was justified. This would also lower the risk of law suits and injury related

incidents.

Police officers are faced with difficult decisions everyday requiring them to make ethical

choices. A college degree will vastly improve one’s education on ethics and give them an overall
better understanding on how to act when facing difficult decisions (Bond 2017). Implementing a

solid moral foundation will help reduce the number of cops who are being paid to look the other

way, tamper with evidence, sell and distribute drugs, and several other unethical illegal actions.

Although there is no a way to completely eliminate all corruption in law enforcement the

removal of police who have a not obtained an advanced ethical education will ultimately increase

ethical behavior. An increase in ethical behavior amongst policemen will result in the reduction

of corruption in law enforcement and will ultimately lead to less disciplinary investigations, law

suits and criminal activity.

Another interesting trait found in policeman holding a degree is that they have a greater

acceptance of minorities and are more culturally aware (Michelson, 2016). There is a huge

negative view on the police in society right now related to deadly or unjustified force against

minorities. A survey conducted in 2016 showed direct comparisons on how police view incidents

versus the general public (Morin, Parker, Stepler & Mercer, 2018). For instance, 67% of police

described deadly encounters between African Americans and cops as isolated incidents. That

identical worded survey found that only 39% of the general public describes these deadly

encounters as isolated (Morin, Parker, Stepler & Mercer, 2018). These negative views that

society has on police can lead to less compliant civilians and lack of respect for the law.

Culturally diverse police officers will result in lower racial related incidents.

These studies are clearly proving that there are several positive traits in officers who have

obtained a college education. These findings should be implemented, and educational

requirements should be put in place. To become a front-line police officer there should be a

minimum requirement of a two-year Associates Degree. Some departments currently have a

minimum credit hour requirement in order to become a police officer. This is a subpar solution
but doesn’t necessarily ensure that each policeman is covering the core classes a degree would

require. This could create a potential risk of people taking easy or non-related classes to fulfill

the minimum requirement. Hence why an associate degree requirement would achieve better

results. It also proves that each applicant can finish a task start to end, demonstrates self-

discipline and ensures each applicant has obtained a foundation to increase the positive proven

factors.

Advancing in rank should also require an advancement in education. Implementing a 4-

year bachelor’s degree requirement for advanced positions such as Detectives, Sergeant’s,

Lieutenant’s, Captains, etc. will weed out unqualified applicants (What are the Ranks of Police

Officers? 2016). Each department should also offer tuition reimbursement options for those who

would like to continue their education and advance further in their careers. Majority of careers

typically do not require a master’s degree to further advancement, although it may help with

advancement opportunities. With that being said I don’t believe any further education should be

required to further advance, as majority of the positive traits will be obtained through a

bachelor’s degree. Any remaining requirements could be obtained by on the job training and

experience.

Educational requirements will attract higher qualified individuals, just as in any other field

higher quality typically comes with a higher cost. Entry level law enforcement jobs requiring a

two-year degree should have an equivalent salary of other jobs requiring the same educational

standards. Pending on location, if the average salary for a two-year degree holder is equivalent or

less than the current salary for police officers then the salary should be raised. Obviously,

location and cost of living expenses will vary in salary. Upon further advancement and
experience salary should also increase and be fairly competitive against other fields requiring the

same educational standards.

The general public may not be particularly pleased with higher salaries and reimbursed

tuition expenses for law enforcement as they are paid with tax dollars, which would typically

require tax increases. Over time tax increases may not be needed as their will be an overall boost

in performance across the field. Improved budget and management skills is a proven trait in

policeman with college degrees (Bond, 2017). An officer conscious to the budget could also lead

to a reduction in over spending. They have also proven that officers with degrees have better

work ethic and use less sick time (Bond, 2017). The reduction in coverage needs could also

lower the required number of policemen needed in each jurisdiction. The reduction in

disciplinary investigations, law suits and injuries will result in saved money and thus cover the

costs of higher salaries. Higher performing officers will increase civilian satisfaction and create a

positive portrayal of police.

Just because an officer has a degree doesn’t mean they will be an outstanding ethical cop.

Just as an officer without a degree can still be great at his or her job. However, the studies that

have been done show that on average these positive traits are consistently in line with higher

educated officers. Implementing a college degree requirement for police will only positively

impact law enforcement, and society in general. Some states are already implementing these

requirements and the number continues to grow. All of the positive traits obtained by earning a

college degree will easily outweigh any potential argument against implementing degree

requirements. These higher education requirements should be a standard across the nation.
 Work Cited

Bond, M. (2017, March 22). How Education Impacts Police Performance. Retrieved November
30, 2018, from https://inpublicsafety.com/2014/07/how-education-impacts-police-
performance/

Michelson, R. (2016, March 08). Why cops should pursue higher education. Retrieved
November 30, 2018, from https://www.policeone.com/police-jobs-and-
careers/articles/153751006-Why-cops-should-pursue-higher-education/

Morin, R., Parker, K., Stepler, R., & Mercer, A. (2018, September 25). Comparing police views
and public views. Retrieved November 30, 2018, from
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2017/01/11/police-views-public-views/

What are the ranks of police officers? (2016, September 21). Retrieved November 30, 2018,
from https://www.policeone.com/police-administration/articles/223207006-What-are-the-
ranks-of-police-officers/