Exploring Massachusetts Law Enforcement Attitudes on Education Requirements for Entrance and Promotions: Findings and Conclusions

• In Event: Law Enforcement and Education

Abstract

The debate concerning the necessity of a college degree for police officers connects directly to current pressures for increased professionalism. There have been numerous studies regarding an educational standard for the police profession since the Wickersham Commission (National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement (1931)) acknowledged the need for police officers to be college-educated (Bennett and Marshal, 1979). This research provides an analysis on the education level attained by police officers working in a random sample of 6 major cities in MA, grouped demographically by population and household income. This study includes officers’ perspectives on departmental policy regarding educational requirements necessary for promotion. In addition, the research measures the current officers’ attitudes toward the impact of higher education on police effectiveness and performance. Finally, police attitudes about setting standards as an effective means of reducing or preventing administrative referrals and misconduct allegations are explored.

Authors

• Aviva M. Rich-Shea, Massasoit Community College

• Mark H. Beaudry, IBM Corporate Security

• James A. Fox, Northeastern University