NCJ Number
133863
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 39 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1991) Pages: 68-71
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Most people acknowledge the need for some college education for police officers, but controversy generally focuses on what level in the police hierarchy college degrees should be prerequisites and on the potential benefits of a college degree.
Abstract
Two important characteristics of law enforcement organizations influence the behavior of police personnel. First, most law enforcement agencies are organized along military lines with a centralized command structure. This organizational structure traditionally uses impersonal management techniques where formal authority is emphasized. Second, police officers are taught early in their careers to observe and evaluate the external environment. By understanding the influence of military structure and officer training, it is possible to understand the systemic impact of college-educated officers on the law enforcement organization. Undergraduate college courses generally expand the knowledge base and foster critical thinking skills. Graduate courses encourage individual thought and analysis and require students to analyze phenomena from different viewpoints. There are specific degree programs in criminal justice, but several fail to stress interdisciplinary training. They tend to concentrate on vocational and technical aspects of policing or on management and organizational issues. College-educated police officers are thought to have an advantage in test taking and oral interviews because of their increased knowledge base. In reality, however, education usually plays a minor role in the overall promotion process. In the current era of tight budget resources, a college education is not possible for all police officers. Therefore, appropriate career tracks and planned career rotations need to be investigated. Rotation helps officers appreciate the work of other employees and the systemic effects of individual behavior. Officers who show an aptitude or preference for a certain assignment should be encouraged to pursue training and expertise.