NCJ Number
57799
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL-JUNE 1979) Pages: 140-153
Date Published
1979
Length
14 pages
Annotation
MODERN POLICE WORK REQUIRES A COLLEGE DIPLOMA AS MUCH AS IT REQUIRES SKILL IN THE USE OF A FIREARM. DISAGREEMENTS REMAIN CONCERNING HOW TO UPGRADE POLICE EDUCATION WITHOUT ALIENATING THE PUBLIC.
Abstract
THE CALL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE POLICE HAS BEEN EXPRESSED FOR OVER 50 YEARS, BUT HAS NEVER BEEN FULLY IMPLEMENTED. THE COLLEGE-EDUCATED POLICE OFFICER IS CLEARLY A BETTER OFFICER, BUT EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO EXCLUDE MINORITIES, OR CONFLICT WITH THE SENIORITY POLICIES OF UNIONS. THE AREAS ADDRESSED IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEBATE INCLUDE THE POLICE CURRICULUM, THE IDENTITY OF THE EDUCATORS, AND THE NECESSARY CHANGES IN POLICE DEPARTMENTS. TO FULFILL THE VARIETY OF TASKS WHICH ARE ASSIGNED TO POLICE OFFICERS, A COURSE OF STUDY IS RECOMMENDED WHICH THE LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES RATHER THAN BEING NARROWED TO TRAINING FOR OPERATIONAL AFFAIRS. THE CURRICULUM SHOULD DEAL WITH THE ENTIRE SPAN OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, AND STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL MATTERS. ALL CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATORS SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE IN PRACTICAL OR FIELD ASSIGNMENTS AND SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST A RESEARCH COMMITMENT TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF EACH DEPARTMENT TO ORGANIZE AN EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD WHICH WILL ENCOURAGE AND SUPERVISE THE ADVANCED TRAINING OF OFFICERS. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (TWK)