NCJ Number
168471
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Education Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 51-60
Date Published
1997
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined Minnesota police officers' views about continuing their college education.
Abstract
In October 1990, a questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of the 7,501 licensed peace officers in Minnesota. Of the 1,500 questionnaires mailed, 915 (61 percent) were returned. The questionnaire consisted of 37 open-ended and closed-ended questions. Twelve related to educational levels, goals, and attitudes; eight referred to agency support for higher education; seven considered the effect of a 4-year degree for licensure on law enforcement; and 10 asked for demographic information. The majority of the respondents were white (98 percent) and male (95 percent). Their average age was 38.4, with 13.6 years of police experience and 11.7 years of service with their current agency. The majority of the officers indicated they would continue their college educations if departments provided incentives. Approximately one in five officers who had attended college classes stated that they had taken them because of department incentives. Most of the officers perceived a lack of agency commitment to educational support after they were hired, however. In contrast, agencies showed a strong preference for hiring college-educated officers. Apparently agencies perceive the value of a college education for their officers but are unwilling to invest in advancing the education of those already in the field. 6 tables and 18 references