Does Police Education Level Increase Willingness To Use Scientific Principles In Assessing Police Tactics?

• In Event: Police Training and Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the relation between police officer education and willingness to apply scientific principles when evaluating police tactics. Using survey data from a group of police supervisors in an advanced leadership course, we examined the correlation between education and outcome variables using Spearman’s rank order correlation and ordinal regression. Findings indicated that participants’ education level did not significantly correlate with willingness to apply scientific principles when evaluating police tactics. These findings indicated a need to reevaluate police and criminal justice education programs to promote evidence-based practice and applied science. Specific recommendations and future research directions will be discussed.

Authors

• Dennis Hippert, University of Louisville

• Justin Lewis, University of Louisville