University and Police Department Partnerships: A Case Study in Prior Learning Credits

• In Event: Police and Recruitment Issues

Abstract

With police departments around the country struggling to recruit qualified applicants, collaborative recruitment efforts with institutions of higher education seem promising. Nationally, about 1% of police departments require their applicants to hold a four-year college degree. Police academy training is specialized in nature while universities typically focus on the theoretical. However, there are naturally some linkages between these two entities. This research focuses on police academy training units and their applicability to college courses while also examining the importance of accepting police academy training for college course credits. Finally, we highlight the usefulness of these partnerships to increase student recruitment and retention while simultaneously providing required training to law enforcement officers.

Authors

• Jaime Burns, University of Central Oklahoma

• Elizabeth Maier, University of Central Oklahoma