College Education for police officers, necessary?

[Stockton]

How do you all around here feel about the matter? Police work is important and police officers have quite a job.

From what I can see, many larger departments have enacted such a requirement and some have had to retract it because they weren't able to recruit officers in sufficient quantity.

But my question is, do you all (as the law enforcement community) see a need for a person to have a 4-year degree in order to be a police officer?

[mtxpro752]

Nope. Can't be dumb either though. You will find that most depts that don't require degrees to get hired require them for promotion to Sgt or detective and higher. College helps in situations such as articulation and report writing planning and problem solving but life experience and street smarts are just as important if not more. I have some college but no degree, can't be promoted so I guess i have to finish my AA but i don't think it'll make me any better at my job.

[Columbus]

I think test scores should be taken, not degrees. A degree doesn't mean you have higher intelligence, it means you're well versed in one particular area. You can be below average intelligence and have a degree, and you can have an I.Q. of 160 and just have a High School Diploma. Maybe for advancement a degree should hold some weight, but I don't think it should be required for entry.

[SkepticAlways]

Necessary? No. Neither is a high school diploma. But I'd feel much better knowing my Colonel and Commissioner had both.

[DaLAW]

College degree's aren't necessary for most jobs in general that require them. Its just the society we live in that dictates everyone has them. I think a lot of people seem to forget that college is not only an academic institution, its a business and a lot of people profit from it...

[Stockton]

There is far more to a college education than strictly academics. Think of the concept of a "university". It is a pedestrian- and communally-oriented campus of learning, but that isn't just in the classroom. A university brings together people from all parts of a state, region, the country and even the world.

There is just nowhere else to get that experience unless possibly one might get a similar experience as they became an experienced police officer, especially in a large city.

So I guess my question is if this sort of experience/education is necessary before a person is allowed to patrol the streets as a police officer. If I were a person who hires, I would definitely see a college education as a pretty significant filter of applicants. Society has dictated that. But like you all say it probably isn't necessary for regular police officers.

3 of my professors believe one should have to have a 4-year degree, but I don't agree. One said college educated officers would go a long way in making police forces more effective in crime prevention and my thought was crime prevention probably isn't big on a patrol officer's list of things to do, but I'm not sure.

[Stockton]

double post

[InSane1]

it is a good filter that's for sure. It took me 6 years to get my 2year LE degree. Not because it was hard, it was because it was expensive. I was only able to pay for two classes at a time. I refused to get school loans. I am glad that I have the degree, it opens more doors. I reall think it does help with certain areas of the job. Mostly communication. Being able to articulate yourself on the streets and in the office is desireable. four year degree?????? probably not.. then again, I'm biased, I only have a two year.:o

[DaLAW]

My thing about the 'college experience' is that, the experiences most people claim, I don't see why they shouldn't have been had earlier. Unless you live an extremely sheltered existance, I don't see how some people HAVEN'T had responsibility, or interactions with different types or people, etc, etc. Its like some people go to college to learn common-sense and how to live on their own or something, but a lot of these things could and should be learned already, in my opinion. Not down-playing it, hell I'm in college now, but college is no substitute for living...

[DAL]

Police officers need to be able to conduct investigations and write reports. They also need to have an understanding of criminal law and the laws of search and seizure. College helps develop the intellectual skills needed to learn this subject matter, as well as to write reports well.

[ray8285]

But my question is, do you all (as the law enforcement community) see a need for a person to have a 4-year degree in order to be a police officer?

Yes, but not for the academics. If you take the proper courses it can give you an all around base of knowledge which you will need. College also puts you into contact with different people and cultures you may not have dealt with prior to going there. It also shows the department looking to hire you, you can finish what you start.

[DH21187]

I trained classes out of the academy that did and did not have 2 year college degrees. The ones with the college degrees, generally, caught on much faster and did a better job than people only with high school diplomas. The diploma guys were easier to teach and were able to do tasks newly learned much quicker, especially with computers.

Another example is when I handed out a stack of legal briefs for them to read that explained the most recent Supreme Court decisions, the college kids had no problem digesting them and being able to apply those decisions to scenarios. Those without a degree had a very hard time understanding the ideas behind the law and it took a while for it to sink in. Even then, some of them didn't get it and were afraid to ask for any additional help to avoid looking dumb.

I'm not saying people with degrees are smarter, but they do have a broader experience educationally and have a better base to draw from when trying to learn to stuff.

I didn't get my degrees until after I was a police officer for some time. Looking back now, they do make a major difference in helping me understand how the legal system works and how to better apply the law in certain situations.

[JTShooter]

I think it's a good filter as long as the department is open to us non-college types. (I went for a year, but joined the military).

However what I'm seeing a lot lately, especially down here in FL, are those degree holders leaving after about 4 years and running to a Fed position.

[DAL]

Another example is when I handed out a stack of legal briefs for them to read that explained the most recent Supreme Court decisions, the college kids had no problem digesting them and being able to apply those decisions to scenarios. Those without a degree had a very hard time understanding the ideas behind the law and it took a while for it to sink in. Even then, some of them didn't get it and were afraid to ask for any additional help to avoid looking dumb.

I have to agree. Our high schools do a very poor job at teaching analytical thinking, which is what the application of legal principles to facts requires.

Many police officers do not seem to realize that arresting people is only a part of law enforcement. If the person is not convicted, you have accomplished very little -- especially if the reason for his getting off is that the officer did not conduct or document his investigation properly.

In California, there is less attrition to federal jobs because law-enforcement salaries are high and there are a lot of promotional opportunities. In addition, federal positions often require a lot of moving around the country.

[Stockton]

I trained classes out of the academy that did and did not have 2 year college degrees. The ones with the college degrees, generally, caught on much faster and did a better job than people only with high school diplomas. The diploma guys were easier to teach and were able to do tasks newly learned much quicker, especially with computers.

Another example is when I handed out a stack of legal briefs for them to read that explained the most recent Supreme Court decisions, the college kids had no problem digesting them and being able to apply those decisions to scenarios. Those without a degree had a very hard time understanding the ideas behind the law and it took a while for it to sink in. Even then, some of them didn't get it and were afraid to ask for any additional help to avoid looking dumb.

I'm not saying people with degrees are smarter, but they do have a broader experience educationally and have a better base to draw from when trying to learn to stuff.

I didn't get my degrees until after I was a police officer for some time. Looking back now, they do make a major difference in helping me understand how the legal system works and how to better apply the law in certain situations.

Nice articulation on something I found difficult to explain.

I think my opinion will stand at that it is probably best all entry-level officers have 4-year degrees while acknowledging that may not be possible at the present time due to various reasons. Currently, 25% of US adults hold at least a bachelor's degree.

At the same time, I agree that high schools and the public education system need to do better. There need to be more options for those who don't want to go to college but right into an entry-level job or technical school. Say, more career-oriented curriculum and some sort of employment recruiting for those who aren't going to college.

Thanks for your comments, all of you.

Stockton

[Ex Army MP]

I have to agree with DAL and DH. I may be a bit biased since I teach Criminal Justice but a college degree helps in that it gives a person better analytical skills and an appreciation for diversity. Additionally, one's writing skills become vastly improved with a college degree. I couldn't tell you folks how many crappy police reports that I have read.

Also, I have heard many argue that the questions during the background are designed to "weed out". Well, why couldn't a college degree do that? Inner city departments seem to bitch about not finding quality candidates but will routinely DQ a person for things that he may have done at 14. What ends up happening, IMO, is that they end up with many guys who meet the bare minimum with few blemishes, yet they do not excell in any area. Conversely, many guys who have gone to college, served in the Armed Forces and have shown maturity are called on the carpet for the all the times they drank underage while at high school keg parties.

So yeah, I think you'd get a better overall candidate by requiring college.

[JePerkinWA]

I think test scores should be taken, not degrees. A degree doesn't mean you have higher intelligence, it means you're well versed in one particular area. You can be below average intelligence and have a degree, and you can have an I.Q. of 160 and just have a High School Diploma. Maybe for advancement a degree should hold some weight, but I don't think it should be required for entry.

I agree, prior to getting in to LE I was an Army Recruiter. During my recruiting time I had several people that came in with 4 year degrees that could not pass the ASVAB to join the Army.

I think that a degree for the most part is a good thing. College/ Universities are a good way for people to gain life expierenc. Although when hiring someone, there needs to be an independent verification of their level of intellegence. I.E. the test that most departments provide.

The same thing holds true on the other side of the coin with the people that are coming in to LE from the military side. For the most part a background in the military is a great way to get some life expierence. With that being said there is still that need for independent verification.

[SkepticAlways]

During my recruiting time I had several people that came in with 4 year degrees that could not pass the ASVAB to join the Army.

I can only assume you're being dramatic...unless they got their college "education" via full ride athletic scholarship and majored in PE.

[JePerkinWA]

I can only assume you're being dramatic...unless they got their college "education" via full ride athletic scholarship and majored in PE.

No I am not being dramatic, this is actually the truth. It has been a few years so I can't remember what their majors were, but I can tell you that I remember one of their degrees was from a State University.

[M-11]

There is a big difference between the ASVAB and the SAT. It's a different pattern of thinking, more of an IQ test.

A guy who is smart and motivated will make a good cop.

The same guy who is smart and motivated and has a 4 year degree will make a slightly better cop than he was without the degree.

Education, however useless it may seem, has it's benefits.

M-11

[JePerkinWA]

There is a big difference between the ASVAB and the SAT. It's a different pattern of thinking, more of an IQ test.

A guy who is smart and motivated will make a good cop.

The same guy who is smart and motivated and has a 4 year degree will make a slightly better cop than he was without the degree.

Education, however useless it may seem, has it's benefits.

M-11

Oh please don't misunderstand me I am in no way minimizing the importance of an education, I think that a smart,motivated person with a degree is in a better position than a smart, motivated person without a degree when it comes to being a cop. I agree with you on that point, I am just saying that requiring a 4-year degree is not going to be the end all, be all, of recruiting goodPolice canidates. I just think that in the end you would wash out as many good canidates as you would attract.

[lt1z28]

I have been told by several LEOs that having a college degree is a huge plus. For one, lots of departments give extra $$$ to those who have one or at least a good number of college credits (60+).

In addition to that, it always looks good on your resume' and that may help you should you ever stay long enough with a department to get promoted. College degree+promotion may vary by department.

Finally, it's something to fall back on should you decide the LE world isn't for you or if your wife wants you to get a 9-5 job or if you just decide to pursue something else.

Just some wise words of advice I have accumulated from asking numerous officers, agents, etc. That is why I am currently a student.

[DAL]

I think there is general agreement, except as to the level of emphasis.

I will add that the importance of a degree depends on where you will be working. When you are dealing mostly with wealthy, well-educated residents, a degree will be especially beneficial because you will be able to relate to these people better.

If you are working in the ghetto, a degree will be of little benefit except in report-writing and testifying in court. As you progress beyond patrol officer, the degree becomes more valuable.

[fencipede]

But my question is, do you all (as the law enforcement community) see a need for a person to have a 4-year degree in order to be a police officer?

No.

That's not to say that I don't find it beneficial to you as an individual and to your department. I merely don't feel that its necessary as a pre-requisite for becoming an officer.

Disclosure: I'm saying this as someone who has a bachelor's degree.

[JMTX]

I believe college degrees aren't worth the paper they're printed on these days, seeing as how so many graduates are hardly capable of writing cohesive sentences. So no, I don't think they're necessary in the slightest.

[JMTX]

You can be below average intelligence and have a degree, and you can have an I.Q. of 160 and just have a High School Diploma.

Bravo Columbus! Not trying to toot my own horn, but I've got a very respectable IQ, was valedictorian of my senior class, and am very knowledgeable about a variety of academic subjects. On the other hand, I've met a fair number of individuals with degrees who write like 9th graders (most likely because they partied through college and barely passed.)

A degree does not equal education.

A person who desires knowledge will see learning as a life long endeavor, as opposed to someone who simply wants a degree "so they can say they have one."

I know way too many people who did the bare minimum required to pass college, used that degree to get a job, and then simply ceased to put any effort into expanding themselves intellectually.

I may not have a degree to my name, but I make a point of constantly studying new fields, whether it be literature, genetics, history, etc.

[blue lion]

I have a 4-year degree but don't think it should be required. Maybe a 2-year to cover basic writing and English. But common sense and street smarts are worth more than a degree.

[2971511]

I believe college degrees aren't worth the paper they're printed on these days, seeing as how so many graduates are hardly capable of writing cohesive sentences. So no, I don't think they're necessary in the slightest.



I'll second that, I've seen plenty of recruits come thru with BA even advanced degrees and they are tactically and socially inept, and have NO situational awareness at all.

That being said, I think it is good to have some college under your belt so that can as one poster said "write cohesive sentances".

But no not mandatory. It does seem to open doors for advancement to higher ranks though.

[ParkCop 23]

Oh man this was a question in one of the state forums, I dont care to rant about it anymore, lets just say im 22 no degree and a GL-7 with the federal government! I got where I am with out it....

[SCSU10]

Do I think it is nescessary? NO, but it is good for things like writing, interpersonal communication, etc. But, in Minnesota your are going to be a police officer, correction officer, probation officer, etc. without one

[sross112]

I think degrees are highly overrated. Half of my academy had degrees and the other half were military. Their degrees gave little to no advantage in training or on the street. You are either a good egg, or not. 4 year degrees are practically worthless in this field, it's like having a 4 year degree in carpentry; you'd show up to the job site and they'd have to teach you how it is done in the real world anyway. I do like the Law Enforcement programs in two year technical schools though. The programs I've seen are good for producing people with the basic skills, a Criminal Justice degree doesn't.

It boils down to the screening of applicants. A department that requires a degree is missing out on some very good applicants. Do a good background and look at a candidates work ethic, civic interaction and aptitude. I'm also for overlooking lots of minor stuff (underage drinking, traffic offenses, etc). You'll find those that have been around the block a bit are a lot less gullible and aware of the real world than your 24 year old that holds his masters in Sociology, but has never worked a real job and never walked on the wild side.

[ray8285]

A degree does not equal education.

.

A degree does equal education...it doesn't equal intelligent or smart.

[Kpdpipes]

A degree does equal education...it doesn't equal intelligent or smart.



+1 I work with a guy who has a Law Degree, who cant write an intelligible report, or deal with people. SMART as all hell but Zero people skills, and NO common sense

[GrndPnd0311]

How about Marine Corps Infantry and a 4 year degree?

I agree with most of the posters on here. Education means nothing if you dont know how to apply it. You can be a brain, and not be able to tie your shoes. (Einstein comes to mind) If you know how to apply your knowledge, and not just regurgitate it on paper, you are pretty well off. Even better if you can take that same knowledge, apply it, and then impart it onto others:D

And always be a sponge.
"I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing." ~Socrates

[Mstangfk]

How about Marine Corps Infantry and a 4 year degree?

I agree with most of the posters on here. Education means nothing if you dont know how to apply it. You can be a brain, and not be able to tie your shoes. (Einstein comes to mind) If you know how to apply your knowledge, and not just regurgitate it on paper, you are pretty well off. Even better if you can take that same knowledge, apply it, and then impart it onto others:D

And always be a sponge.

combat arms and a degree ftw..:D

[GrndPnd0311]

combat arms and a degree ftw..:D

I think we are a rare breed my friend!:D Maybe thats a good thing! I dont know what this world would be like with grunts that possess degrees. Scary thought!:cool:

[JMTX]

A degree does equal education...it doesn't equal intelligent or smart.

**IF** a degree equalled education, there wouldn't be so many illiterate college grads.

[Southflaguy]

I just want a degree I can count on if L.E doesn't work,or if I get hurt and can't be a cop. I don't want to work in some retail store/McDonalds.

[JMTX]

If I got hurt or lost my job I'd probably go back and finish my degree However, I have a good job right now and I see no point in killing myself with a busy schedule just so I can get a degree I *might* need one day.

When and if I need one, I will go work a part time fast food or retail job while finishing the degree. I know my parents would help me out if I was in the situation where I *needed* to do that. I'm not going to throw away time and money right now on something I probably won't ever need.

[SkepticAlways]

I wonder why some departments require college, but none require military experience?

[JMTX]

Personally I don't think college OR military experience have anything to do with L.E.

It's a vocational trade...you need to have the proper specialized training for the job, just like a plumber or an electrician.

[Mstangfk]

**IF** a degree equalled education, there wouldn't be so many illiterate college grads.

come on..Miami/Fla State has to have a football team..

[Mstangfk]

Personally I don't think college OR military experience have anything to do with L.E.

It's a vocational trade...you need to have the proper specialized training for the job, just like a plumber or an electrician.

whatever...your a babysitter for adults who act like kids and get caught..i like you JM but your opinions are so malformed its not even funny..

not everyone degree or not can make it in LE, nor can those with no self discipline, sense of duty, or those that dont have a protective, or service oriented streak..

if military or college isn't needed or required then why do depts look for one or both? it cant be for just ****s n giggles..its due to experience.

Military people can be trained and can function as a part of a team. end of story..

guys like GrndPnd0311 and myself dont question orders when it hits the fan, weve been conditioned to focus and excel under pressure..not many civilians are that way naturally.

[JMTX]

LOL, that's about all college is good for these days...partying and sports.

I blame it on the fact that college is just too easy to get into these days. There was a time in history where you really had to be *smart* to get into college. Having a college education made you a member of an elite group that had proven their academic prowess. Now a days, they let everybody and their dog in.

I believe college should be reserved for only those who have a GPA of a certain level, maybe 3.5+ or so. I certainly don't think people who scraped by making Bs and C's on a regular basis should be allowed in.

Our education system has become "watered down" by allowing mediocre students to attain degrees.

I read that in some other countries, only those who have proven themselves are allowed higher education. They test them as young teens (like 13 or 14) and only those who show a true aptitude for academics are allowed to go on to high school...the others are routed into the proper vocational classes. Same goes for getting into college. If you aren't smart, you aren't allowed to go, and hence the degree actually holds some weight.

Unfortunately, we have this sickening concept in America that we should treat everyone like they're smart so as to avoid hurting their delicate feelers. Heaven forbid we refuse to allow Little Johnny, the C-average student, into college. We might mentally scar him.

Sorry Johnny-boy, "You is dumb" , no way around it. It's ok, the world needs ditch diggers too :D

[JMTX]

if military or college isn't needed or required then why do depts look for one or both? it cant be for just ****s n giggles..its due to experience.

My dept doesn't require either, nor do I feel they give preference for them. Neither of my parents have either a college degree or a military background, and they have both have become good supervisors in their respective departments. My dad has even gotten Supervisor of the Year not once but Twice, in one of the largest depts in Texas.

I know a good many EXCELLENT officers and supervisors who have neither college degrees nor military experience.

[Mstangfk]

LOL, that's about all college is good for these days...partying and sports.

I blame it on the fact that college is just too easy to get into these days. There was a time in history where you really had to be *smart* to get into college. Having a college education made you a member of an elite group that had proven their academic prowess. Now a days, they let everybody and their dog in.

I believe college should be reserved for only those who have a GPA of a certain level, maybe 3.5+ or so. I certainly don't think people who scraped by making Bs and C's on a regular basis should be allowed in.

Our education system has become "watered down" by allowing mediocre students to attain degrees.

I read that in some other countries, only those who have proven themselves are allowed higher education. They test them as young teens (like 13 or 14) and only those who show a true aptitude for academics are allowed to go on to high school...the others are routed into the proper vocational classes. Same goes for getting into college. If you aren't smart, you aren't allowed to go, and hence the degree actually holds some weight.

Unfortunately, we have this sickening concept in America that we should treat everyone like they're smart so as to avoid hurting their delicate feelers. Heaven forbid we refuse to allow Little Johnny, the C-average student, into college. We might mentally scar him.

Sorry Johnny-boy, "You is dumb" , no way around it. It's ok, the world needs ditch diggers too :D

i totally agree

i was a ****ty student in HS cause i dint care when i went back to college at 28, after the military i was focused driven and confident, i had to take a crap load of "tests" before they would let me enroll

[JMTX]

Stang, I wouldn't have a problem with older individuals being allowed back in after testing...I do think people do some changing in their mid-20's.

What bothers me is 18yr old screw-offs being allowed into college just because they think they are *entitled* to a college education.

Or worse, C-students not only go to college but are given HUGE scholarships just because they can toss a ball around. I was fricking valedictorian and I had to put several scholarships together to be able to pay for my education (though I did eventually have enough of them to pay for the 4 full yrs had I decided to stay).

"You can throw a ball around? Sure, we'll let you go to school for free! Valedictorian? Sorry, that isn't really worth that much anymore. "

[SkepticAlways]

Just a few thoughts...

First, as I understand it only about 25% of Americans have a four year degree and the number drops sharply for masters and up. Maybe someone can dig up a legit statistic...25% was just a vague memory. It's true that now-a-days just about anyone can find a college somewhere that will accept them. It's not true that everyone, or even a majority of people who attempt it, are able to earn a degree.

Secondly, its my impression from reading web forums, and BSing around the office, that those without a college degree are just a teeny-weeny bit defensive about it and there is a tendancy among them to minimize the "value" of a college degree.

Thirdly, I expect we'd all agree, possessing a degree, or military experience, in and of itself doesn't reveal the details necessary to gauge the quality of an LEO applicant. Those things don't automatically mean anything. Those things, imo, are a starting point from which you might investigate further...they are two areas where the background investigator can sniff out more meaningful details.

[JMTX]

Secondly, its my impression from reading web forums, and BSing around the office, that those without a college degree are just a teeny-weeny bit defensive about it and there is a tendancy among them to minimize the "value" of a college degree.



You're darn right I'm defensive about it.

It gets a bit old when someone with a degree looks down on me for not having one (especially when I realize that person is 30 IQ points below me, was a mediocre high school student, has no interest in the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge's sake, and that they possess the linguistic skills of a 8th grader.)

Yeah, that tends to make people defensive.

[ray8285]

**IF** a degree equalled education, there wouldn't be so many illiterate college grads.

You might wish to look up in a dictionary the word education as opposed to educated.

Having a degree means you have an education, it does not mean you are educated.

[Kpdpipes]

I think we are a rare breed my friend!:D Maybe thats a good thing! I dont know what this world would be like with grunts that possess degrees. Scary thought!:cool:

No Offense, but the .Mil isnt always a Garuntee of quality either. Out of mt Dept's last 10 Problem Children 6 were Ex Military. 1 Sailor (Stalker, serial Liar.."Encouraged to :Retire). Several Marines (Ranged from Anger Management issues..ie Domestics with everyone he dated, to serial adulterer who reported his car stolen once he got crushed in the divorce settlement, to one kid, who, while one of the NICEST guys on the job, has Zero Common sense and is as dumb as a box of rocks, Another one who couldnt keep it zipped, and abused sick time) and one Army-type.. Again dumb as a vox of rocks and less mature than my 6 year-old. COnversely we have ex-Mil guys who are aces..but there's just NO Sure way to say "This type of Candidate", whether it's .Mil, College or a Mix is going to be perfect..just beacuse he meets those requirements.

Hell we have one dept down here (non-civil service, which is why they havent been sued out of existance) who will ONLY Hire Marines. One applicant was told that they would Hold his App until he got out of Basic if he joined the reserves. This was an older guy (Early 30's) HAD .Mil time (USN, Commissioned), Solid family, Had his BS in Management and a minor in Psych, and was halfway towards his Master's..and he was flat out turned down.. Yet they have one Female Officer who has this disturbing habit of Drawing Down on MV stops on ANY male driver who looks to be bigger than 5'4" 135#.

[GrndPnd0311]

No Offense, but the .Mil isnt always a Garuntee of quality either. Out of mt Dept's last 10 Problem Children 6 were Ex Military. 1 Sailor (Stalker, serial Liar.."Encouraged to :Retire). Several Marines (Ranged from Anger Management issues..ie Domestics with everyone he dated, to serial adulterer who reported his car stolen once he got crushed in the divorce settlement, to one kid, who, while one of the NICEST guys on the job, has Zero Common sense and is as dumb as a box of rocks, Another one who couldnt keep it zipped, and abused sick time) and one Army-type.. Again dumb as a vox of rocks and less mature than my 6 year-old. COnversely we have ex-Mil guys who are aces..but there's just NO Sure way to say "This type of Candidate", whether it's .Mil, College or a Mix is going to be perfect..just beacuse he meets those requirements.

Hell we have one dept down here (non-civil service, which is why they havent been sued out of existance) who will ONLY Hire Marines. One applicant was told that they would Hold his App until he got out of Basic if he joined the reserves. This was an older guy (Early 30's) HAD .Mil time (USN, Commissioned), Solid family, Had his BS in Management and a minor in Psych, and was halfway towards his Master's..and he was flat out turned down.. Yet they have one Female Officer who has this disturbing habit of Drawing Down on MV stops on ANY male driver who looks to be bigger than 5'4" 135#.


Believe you me I know the quality of some Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Soldiers.(I can go into vivd detail) I dont think a 4 year dergee, a military background, an interview, a ploygraph, etc. can tell you exactly the work ethic and characteristics of any person. There are NO (none, zilch, nil) sure ways of testing intellect and street smarts as well as ones credibility. It always comes down to impressions. Once they are on the job, and you begin working with them frequently, only then will their true colors come out.:cool:

[Southflaguy]

If I got hurt or lost my job I'd probably go back and finish my degree However, I have a good job right now and I see no point in killing myself with a busy schedule just so I can get a degree I *might* need one day.

When and if I need one, I will go work a part time fast food or retail job while finishing the degree. I know my parents would help me out if I was in the situation where I *needed* to do that. I'm not going to throw away time and money right now on something I probably won't ever need.

JMTX you never know what tomorrow brings. Another thing, I don't want to depened on parents or anybody. If something happens then I want to bounce back on my own and make a good living.

[JTShooter]

My opinion on this matter is simply this: the LE departments out there that want a college degree and/or military experience simply want people with life experience and has some sort of understanding about the world around them.

They put these prerequisites up to weed out those people that either A) are fresh out of HS or 2) those who have done nothing but live at home and work at a grocery store for the past 4 years....

My .02 FWIW....

[Southflaguy]

My opinion on this matter is simply this: the LE departments out there that want a college degree and/or military experience simply want people with life experience and has some sort of understanding about the world around them.

They put these prerequisites up to weed out those people that either A) are fresh out of HS or 2) those who have done nothing but live at home and work at a grocery store for the past 4 years....
My .02 FWIW....


Actually agencies look high on people that work at grocery stores (stores in general) b/c they delt with people (ie rude customers, thiefs,scammers,ect),diffrent situations where you have to come up w/ a solution fast. I mean it's no life or death situation, still is something.

[Mstangfk]

Kdpipes,

I know what you're taking about in regard to former military and college educated.

The issue that i have with education and police officers is that some departments use it as a qualifying requirement, without regarding job performance, locations, past supervisors etc. I am saying that candidates should be looked equally in other areas as well, and not just focusing on education, or military service only.

i have yet to hear of a dept in my area that only wants one or the other..they seem to want a good mix of experiences..plenty of military peeps to chose from so its sorta like a notch on the belt..:cool:

[Stormy]

How do you all around here feel about the matter? Police work is important and police officers have quite a job.

From what I can see, many larger departments have enacted such a requirement and some have had to retract it because they weren't able to recruit officers in sufficient quantity.

But my question is, do you all (as the law enforcement community) see a need for a person to have a 4-year degree in order to be a police officer?

Yes, and they should major in Philosophy. Their police academy training should suffice for their work.

[ray8285]

Yes, and they should major in Philosophy. Their police academy training should suffice for their work.

Psychology would be better.

[Stormy]

Psychology would be better.

Hi Ray,

Philosophy is the Grandfather of Psychology.

[ray8285]

Hi Ray,

Philosophy is the Grandfather of Psychology.

Yep....maybe the one's I had in college didn't match up to my psych class which is why I prefer the psych.

I don't care what you want to do for a living, if it involves people you should take a bunch of psych classes