Police Education Study

• In Event: Police Training and Education

Abstract

The Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police sought to gauge the level of support for a higher education requirement among the officers that served in their departments. Eighteen months later, 352 members of the police forces in six Eastern Massachusetts cities completed a survey with results that showed strong support for a 2-year degree requirement for new officers.
These results were reported to the relevant Police agencies to gain cooperation and support to move forward with a proposal to make this educational requirement state law. The Massachusetts Major Cities Chiefs of Police urged their members to reach out to their local representatives with a package explaining the benefits and support for this requirement. The Chiefs of Police also formed alliances with other interested constituents and civic organizations to develop a legislative agenda.
This coalition worked with interested state representatives to draft appropriate legislation and develop the backing of their colleagues. The goal was to present an acceptable package to be introduced into the Massachusetts legislature with the intent of making a 2-year degree required for the hiring of all new police officers.
The conference presentation will focus on the outcome of the research process.

Author

• Aviva Rich-Shea, Massasoit Community College