Higher Education in the Pennsylvania State Police

• In Event: Higher Education in Policing

Abstract

This paper examines the history and effects of the college credit requirement in state police agencies, with a focus on the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). As a means of increasing the number of applicants needed to fill funded positions in the PSP in 2023, the PSP removed the requirement that applicants to the PSP hold an associate’s degree/60-college credits. This resulted in a 258% increase in applicants. This paper explores the etiology and effects of the education requirement for PSP to inform future conversations about the requirement. Analyses of archival documents and data from the PSP are shared, to determine the effects of higher education on PSP outcomes such as hiring, retention, and complaints.

Author

• Michael J. Jenkins, University of Scranton