THE IMPORTANCE OF POLICE OFFICER HIGHER EDUATION 1

The Importance of Police Officer Higher Education

Chelsey D. Burton

Salt Lake Community College

Criminal Justice 1010-056

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Abstract

This paper explores the reasons why police officer’s should require a college education on top of

minimum requirements. Most Police Departments only require a high school diploma or GED,

which might not be enough education according to research. Education supports the development

of a better officer by providing the necessary skills and training to deal with on every day on-the-

job dilemmas that may arise. Some of the benefits of a college education that is discussed are

economic benefits and advanced skills. Studies show that police officers with higher education

have less formal complaints against them, they are less likely to use force and less likely to

exercise prejudice than officer’s lacking a college degree. The results conclude that it would be

most beneficial for police officers to have a college education. Police officers having a college

education would not only benefit the officers, but the community as well.
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The Importance of Police Officer Education

There are many benefits to earning a college degree, one of them being higher pay which

is the driving force behind going to college for many. Earning a college degree provides stability

in your life with better job opportunities, job security and satisfaction. It also provides you with

the knowledge and communication skills necessary to successfully navigate the workplace

environment. It is a long standing debate in the United States over the necessity of higher

education in police officers. Beyond minimum employment requirements, most police

departments in the United States only require a high school diploma or GED equivalent; some

require a two-year college degree. In addition to the completion of the law enforcement

certification program, a passing score on the National Peace Officers Selection Test (NPOST) is

required to become a police officer. Once an applicant has successfully traversed the application

process, they are hired on a probationary basis that can last up to eighteen months depending on

the department.

The police academy is a militarized environment that includes skill building in the following

areas:

 laws of search, seizure, arrest and interrogation

 how and when to use weapons

 procedures of securing a crime scene and interviewing witnesses

 first aid

 self-defense

 other essentials of police work

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Another essential portion of police recruitment training is called field training, the process by

which recruits are removed from the classroom and placed on the beat (patrol areas) to apply

concepts they have learned in the academy, under the supervision of a senior officer. (Gaines,

Miller, 2013)

Benefits of Higher Education in Police Officers

Many benefits have been shown in police officers with a college education in comparison

to those without. Recruits with college or university experience are generally thought to have an

advantage when considered for hiring and promotion. However, there is an opposition to this

belief, arguments have been made that it would discourage those who would make a great officer

but lack the education necessary to apply. Some believe on the job experience makes for a good

police officer, not higher education (Gaines et al., 2013).

Economic Benefits

The economic benefits of having a college degree have been well documented. Investing in

college education expands job opportunities, boosts America’s competitiveness, and supports the

kind of income mobility that is fundamental to a growing economy. Those with more education

typically earn more and have a lower likelihood of being unemployed (Eberly, Martin, 2012). By

setting higher individual goals it can build a sense of security and confidence.

Advanced Skills

Degrees provide advancement opportunities in a competitive workplace, which can result in

higher pay, a better work ethic and job security. In addition, a college degree can provide police

with better decision making and problem solving skills to better assess situations. Higher
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education helps police officers become more capable of communicating in volatile situations

which can then be diffused rather than resulting in force.1

How Education Supports the Development of Better Police Officers

“Police brutality is the unwarranted or excessive and often illegal use of force against

civilians by U.S. police officers. Forms of police brutality have ranged from assault and

battery (e.g., beatings) to mayhem, torture, and murder. Some broader definitions of

police brutality also encompass harassment (including false arrest), intimidation, and

verbal abuse, among other forms of mistreatment.” – (Moore, 2016)

Fewer Formal Complaints

Through the observation of police officer’s internal personnel files records, it was found

that officers with four-year degrees have less formal citizen complaints than those without four-

year college degrees (Manis, Hassell, 2008). Research by Terrill and Ingram (2016) also showed

that complaint allegations increased for approximately the first ten years of an officer’s career

and then decreased as the officer gained more experience.

Link Between Education Level and Use of Force

Chapman (2012) did a survey of police officers from three different cities showed a

significant relationship between an officer’s education level and their use of force. Higher

educated police officers were substantially less likely to use force and when necessary used less

force than their counterparts who may have less formal education. McElvain and Kposowa

(2008) examined the impact of college-educated officers by focusing on the officers’ use of

1
www.lawenforcement.edu
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deadly force. The research showed that police officers who had been involved in previous

shootings and officer’s that had not earned an associate’s degree were more likely to be involved

in shootings. This shows that the less education an officer has, they are more likely to resort to

force because they may not have the skills necessary to handle dangerous situations through

other means (Chapman, 2012).

Link Between Level of Education and Racial Prejudice

A link has been observed between the level of a person’s education and their likelihood

to exercise racial prejudice. People with a higher level of education are less likely to exercise

prejudice than those with less education (Chapman, 2012). It is important, especially in police

work, to be able to deal with situations in an un-biased manner, giving everyone a fair and equal

opportunity. A college education provides a well-rounded view of the world, making tendencies

towards racial prejudices and biases less likely.

Job Views

A study done by Paoline & Terrill (2015) concluded surveys of over 2,000 officers in

eight police department, measuring the officers’ educational level, college major, job

satisfaction, view toward administration and role orientation. The results suggested job

dissatisfaction and less favorable views towards administration in those with a four-year college

degree.
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Level of Education Necessary

On the job experience and education in police officers have a similar effect but

experience takes a lot longer to accumulate. I think it would be beneficial for all police

departments to require job applicants to have an associate’s degree or higher. An associate

degree provides a solid base of education and interdisciplinary skills that will aid in the police

officer’s judgement to make the right decisions. Additionally, upper level law enforcement such

as sergeants, lieutenants, captains and chiefs should obtain an associate’s degree at minimum and

preferably a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as criminal justice.

Having a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, as opposed to a Bachelor’s degree in

another discipline, would allow a police officer to perform their job in a more effective manner

(Edwards, 2017). A bachelor’s degree provides knowledge of law enforcement ethics,

community policing, police administration and the United States criminal justice system, making

upper level law enforcement better equipped to take on a leadership role. Even though a

bachelor’s degree is optional for law enforcement in the United States, it is usually needed to

advance in the field of federal level jobs, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) or

the United States Fish and Wildlife Services.2 It would be beneficial to anyone looking to

advance in law enforcement to require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.

Higher Education’s Impact on Police Officers’ Salaries

Salaries for police officers in the United States are based on many factors including experience,

skills and training, and geographical location. Presently, higher-education doesn’t guarantee

2 www.learnhowtobecome.org
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higher pay for police officers, despite its advantages pertaining to job performance.3 I argue that

salaries should be adjusted according to the level of education, skills and training, and experience

an officer has. I believe police officers would be more motivated to achieve higher education if

they know they will be compensated financially.

Conclusion

The value of education is insurmountable, but is often overlooked when it comes to our

law enforcement. Police officers represent civil authority of the government and are typically

responsible for maintaining public order and safety (Moore, 2016). A higher level of education is

necessary for our police officers to do their job sufficiently and effectively. The benefits

outweigh the disadvantages of requiring police officers to have a college education. Police

officers that are more educated and well trained will help restore community confidence and trust

in our law enforcement. With police brutality being such a popular topic in the media today, it is

vital to consider the correlation between the use of force and lower level of education, as

mentioned before. Police officers with a college education would be better equipped to do their

job without unnecessary use of force. Police involved shootings could possibly be prevented if

police officers have the advanced skills and knowledge that a higher education can provide. In

conclusion, it would be most beneficial for police officers to have a college education for both

the officers and the communities they serve.

3 www.learnhowtobecome.org
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References

Chapman, C. (2012). Use of force in minority communities is related to police education, age, experience,

and ethnicity. Police Practice and Research, 13(5), 421-436.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15614263.2011.596711

Eberly, J., & Martin, C. (2012, December 13). The Economic Case for Higher Education. Retrieved from

https://www.treasury.gov/connect/blog/Pages/economics-of-higher-education.aspx

Edwards, Bradley D., "Perceived Value of Higher Education Among Police Officers"

(2017).Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper3285. http://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3285

Gaines, L. K., & Miller, R. L. (2013). Criminal Justice In Action (7th ed.). 145-147.

Law Enforcement Degrees & Police Careers How to Become a Police Officer. (2018). Retrieved from

https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/police-officer/

Manis, J., Archbold, C. A., & Hassell, K. D. (2008). Exploring the Impact of Police Officer Education

Level on Allegations of Police Misconduct. International Journal of Police Science &

Management, 10(4), 509-523. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1350/ijps.2008.10.4.102.

McElvain, J.P., & Kposowa, A.J., (2008). Criminal Justice and Behavior. Police Officer

Characteristics and the Likelihood of Using Deadly Force. 35(4), 505-521.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854807313995

Moore, Leonard (2016). Encyclopedia Brittanica. Police Brutality in the United States.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Police-Brutality-in-the-United-States-2064580

Retrieved from https://www.lawenforcementedu.net

Terrill, W., & Paoline, E. A., III. (2015). Citizen Complaints as Threats To Police Legitimacy The Role of

Officers’ Occupational Attitudes. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 31(2), 192-211.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1043986214568842